IZAK FOSTER
Victoria,Seychelles
Summary
Hospitality Operations and Systems Specialist with over 25 years of progressive leadership experience across multi-unit restaurants, franchise operations, high-volume hospitality environments, and fine dining establishments. Proven track record in operational restructuring, cost control, system implementation, and performance improvement. Strong ability to assess operational inefficiencies, implement structured corrective systems, and align daily execution with broader business objectives. Recognized for disciplined planning, proactive leadership, financial oversight, and structured workflow management. Experienced in stabilizing underperforming operations, improving cost efficiency, and enhancing service flow across both Front of House and Back of House environments. Highly solution-oriented, proactive, and systems-driven, with a strong focus on operational excellence, measurable performance, and long-term value creation.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Food & Beverage Manager
Bravo Seysushi Restaurant
Seychelles
01.2017 - Current
- Oversee full restaurant operations including kitchen, service, procurement, staffing, and performance monitoring
- Implement structured food cost control systems, portion control, and waste reduction strategies
- Monitor and manage budgets, profitability, and financial reporting
- Strengthen supplier negotiations and procurement efficiency
- Develop operational frameworks to improve service flow between FOH and BOH
- Recruit, train, and develop staff with focus on accountability and measurable performance
- Maintain HACCP compliance and enforce hygiene and food safety standards
- Manage inventory systems and optimize stock rotation
- Drive marketing initiatives and promotional strategies
- Ensure consistent service standards and customer satisfaction
Back of House Operations Manager
de dekke
, South Africa
01.2016 - 12.2017
- Conducted operational assessment of kitchen workflow and identified structural inefficiencies
- Implemented structured systems to improve coordination between FOH and BOH
- Streamlined kitchen processes to enhance service consistency and operational rhythm
- Introduced cost-control measures and tighter stock management
- Contributed to financial stabilization by strengthening cost efficiency and improving cash flow management during a challenging trading period
- South africa
Private chef
, South Africa
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Provided private culinary services to a high-profile South African musician across residences in Johannesburg, Pretoria, and George
- Traveled nationally to cater private events and hosted functions
- Designed and executed bespoke menus tailored to event and guest profiles
- Led and coordinated a small catering team during private functions
- Managed logistics, ingredient sourcing, preparation, and presentation
- Maintained high discretion, professionalism, and premium service standards
Butcher
JFK butchery
, South Africa
01.2014 - 12.2015
- Processed and broke down beef and game meats
- Managed portion control and specialized orders from private clients and game farms
- Oversaw wet-aging processes to ensure quality consistency
- Produced value-added products including biltong and droëwors
- Managed retail stock control and merchandising standards
- Coordinated delivery and order logistics
- South Africa
Sales Rep
eye track
, South Africa
01.2014 - 12.2014
- Promoted and sold CCTV and surveillance systems to commercial and private clients
- Delivered consultative sales presentations tailored to client needs
- Conducted weekly internal sales training sessions
- Managed installation and programming of DVR systems
- Successfully secured high-profile clients, including a notable system sale to Johan Stemmet for his private game reserve project
- South Africa
Head Waiter
Palms Pub & Grill
, South Africa
01.2012 - 12.2014
- Managed high-volume service operations and large-scale functions
- Coordinated service flow between kitchen and front-of-house teams
- Handled corporate functions and tourist groups
- Maintained performance standards under high-pressure service conditions
- (800-Seater) – South Africa
Back of House Manager
Dros Cape Gate
, South Africa
01.2010 - 12.2012
- Managed kitchen operations and staff
- Controlled food cost, stock, and ordering systems
- Maintained hygiene compliance and operational discipline
- Implemented operational improvements to enhance efficiency
- South Africa
Co-owner / Site Manager
handy brothers maintenance and design
, South Africa
01.2008 - 12.2010
- Managed end-to-end project execution across small to medium construction projects
- Supervised workforce and daily site operations
- Coordinated procurement and material purchasing
- Conducted compliance and quality control inspections
- Managed subcontractors and specialist trades
- Supervised and participated in structural and finishing works including: Plastering, Paving, Ceiling installation, Flooring, Tiling, Steelwork and welding, General building and structural construction
- South Africa
Food and Beverage Manager
heilderberg sausalito spur
, South Africa
01.2009 - 12.2009
- Managed full back-of-house and food & beverage operations
- Controlled ordering, purchasing, and stock receiving
- Implemented stock control systems and food costing procedures
- Managed budgets and wage structures
- Conducted food cost workshops and operational training
- Supervised wet aging of meats
- Ensured HACCP compliance and food safety standards
- Led quarterly marketing initiatives
- Oversaw opening and closing procedures
- Improved operational efficiency and cost control
- South Africa
Restaurant Manager / Senior Operations Management
Kiowa Spur
, South Africa
01.2007 - 12.2009
- Managed full restaurant and kitchen operations
- Controlled ordering, stock management, food costing, and wage structures
- Implemented structured operational systems to improve performance
- Conducted food cost workshops and staff training
- Ensured HACCP compliance and operational discipline
- Selected by Head Office Area Manager for apprenticeship-level operational support
- Deployed to underperforming kitchen units to conduct operational diagnostics and implement corrective systems
- South Africa
Waiter (Fine Dining)
Villa Bianca
, South Africa
01.2005 - 12.2007
- Delivered premium service in fine dining environment
- Conducted wine pairing and guest consultations
- Served high-profile corporate and VIP clients
- South Africa
Back of House / Food and Beverage / Operations Manager
chatoga SPUR
, South Africa
01.2002 - 12.2005
- Managed full back-of-house and food & beverage operations
- Controlled ordering, purchasing, and stock receiving
- Implemented stock control systems and food costing procedures
- Managed budgets and wage structures
- Conducted food cost workshops and operational training
- Supervised wet aging of meats
- Ensured HACCP compliance and food safety standards
- Led quarterly marketing initiatives
- Oversaw opening and closing procedures
- Improved operational efficiency and cost control
- South Africa
Waiter Training and Front of House Manager
TUSCON SPUR
, South Africa
01.1998 - 12.2001
- Managed daily front-of-house operations and customer service standards
- Designed, researched, and implemented structured waiter training programs
- Conducted waiter training workshops and cross-training initiatives
- Managed cash-ups, bar variances, and financial reconciliations
- Oversaw debtors and creditors
- Managed staff scheduling and wages
- Implemented and maintained HACCP compliance
- Led quarterly marketing initiatives
- Handled customer complaints and service recovery
- Managed purchasing and supplier coordination
- South Africa
CL CARRIERS – SUBCONTRACTING FOR NABISCO SOUTH AFRICA
, South Africa
01.1997 - 12.1998
- Prepared and processed trip sheets and delivery documentation
- Managed invoicing and route documentation
- Coordinated route planning to ensure efficient deliveries
- Oversaw vehicle readiness, including fuel management
- Resolved operational issues related to vehicle breakdowns and logistics disruptions
- Supervised order picking and truck loading processes
- Assisted with delivery driving and on-route support
Education
Pre-Commis Chef Certification -
Worldchefs Academy
Fermented Foods Mastery -
Udemy
Advanced Computer Skills - MS Office, HTML, Web Design
Academy of Learning
Skills
- Restaurant & Hospitality Operations Management
- Operational Diagnostics & Performance Improvement
- Cost Control
- Budgeting
- Profit Maximization
- Food Costing
- Menu Engineering
- Waste Reduction
- HACCP Compliance
- Food Safety Management
- Staff Leadership
- Recruitment
- Structured Training
- Multi-Unit Operational Support
- Process Optimization
- Workflow Structuring
- Supplier Negotiation
- Procurement Strategy
- Financial Reporting
- Operational Analysis
- Franchise Operations
- Systems Implementation
- Marketing Strategy
- Revenue Growth Initiatives
- POS Systems
- Pilot
- Micros
- SpaceBiz
- Blue Bean
- Vectron
- EaziPOS
- MS Office Suite
- Inventory Systems
- Financial Reporting Tools
- Restaurant Management Software
- Strong Leadership
- Staff Development
- Exceptional Operational Management
- Exceptional Financial Management
- Excellent Communication
- Customer Service Skills
- Ability to Perform Under Pressure
- Highly Organized
- Detail Oriented
- Strong Problem-Solving Ability
- Reliable
- Professional
- Results Driven
Additional Professional Experience
- Extensive knowledge of Italian and French cuisine
- Experience catering gourmet events (50+ guests)
- Experience managing high-volume restaurants (800+ seating capacity)
- Strong expertise in food cost control and operational efficiency
Personal Information
- Nationality: South African
- Driving License: Code 8
Systems And Technical Skills
Pilot, Micros, SpaceBiz, Blue Bean, Vectron, EaziPOS, MS Office Suite, Inventory Systems, Financial Reporting Tools, Restaurant Management Software
Attributes
- Professional and disciplined
- Highly motivated and proactive
- Strong organizational ability
- Adaptable and flexible
- Trustworthy and dependable
- Strong work ethic
Languages
English, Afrikaans
First Language
Timeline
Food & Beverage Manager
Bravo Seysushi Restaurant
01.2017 - Current
Back of House Operations Manager
de dekke
01.2016 - 12.2017
Private chef
01.2016 - 12.2016
Butcher
JFK butchery
01.2014 - 12.2015
Sales Rep
eye track
01.2014 - 12.2014
Head Waiter
Palms Pub & Grill
01.2012 - 12.2014
Back of House Manager
Dros Cape Gate
01.2010 - 12.2012
Food and Beverage Manager
heilderberg sausalito spur
01.2009 - 12.2009
Co-owner / Site Manager
handy brothers maintenance and design
01.2008 - 12.2010
Restaurant Manager / Senior Operations Management
Kiowa Spur
01.2007 - 12.2009
Waiter (Fine Dining)
Villa Bianca
01.2005 - 12.2007
Back of House / Food and Beverage / Operations Manager
chatoga SPUR
01.2002 - 12.2005
Waiter Training and Front of House Manager
TUSCON SPUR
01.1998 - 12.2001
CL CARRIERS – SUBCONTRACTING FOR NABISCO SOUTH AFRICA
01.1997 - 12.1998
Pre-Commis Chef Certification -
Worldchefs Academy
Fermented Foods Mastery -
Udemy
Advanced Computer Skills - MS Office, HTML, Web Design
Academy of Learning