Abdullatif Barakat
Business Development Manager
jeddah,KSA
Summary
Strategic Business Development Manager 20+ Years of Experience in F&B and Food Service with Successful Conceptualization and opening of 17 Restaurants in Creative Business Development Manager with impressive track record of improving sales and growing company customer base. Innovative program management, strategic planning and team leadership skills. Successful team builder with exceptional communication abilities. Experienced business development professional with strong background in developing successful new business strategies to maximise selling opportunities. Proven success in preparing and delivering winning client proposals and business presentations to C-level executives.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work history
Strategic Business Development Manager
Rabeeza
Jeddah
09.2023 - Current
- Oversaw the strategic planning of a seafood Restaurant that includes 7 branches and 1 resort
- Decreased food costs by 10% by implemented portion control measures across all branches, introducingstandardized portions and enhanced menu engineering
- Achieved a reduction of 3% in commission rates with delivery couriers through negotiation
- Eliminated unnecessary costs by conducting a financial analysis on Profit and Loss (P&L) statements,scrutinizing both direct and indirect expenses
- Organized a workforce of 500 employees, crafted job descriptions, hierarchical structures, andimplemented a clear reporting system, thereby optimizing the entire organizational framework
- Reduced turnover rates by instituting an employee satisfaction survey targeting direct managers,identifying issues, developing and implementing HR policies, procedures, as well as an appreciationprogram to foster a positive work environment
- Established Research and Development department, overseeing the recruitment process, formulation of
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and development of job descriptions
- Key Responsibilities
- Collaborated within a 4-member team, working alongside owners to craft a 5-year strategic plan whichincluded enhancement of mission, vision, and values, along with the formulation of new goals, Objectivesand Key Results (OPR), Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Conducted operational assessment of Marketing department, Customer Experience division, Franchiseoperations, and Business Incubation, implementing strategic enhancements to optimize performance
- Identified organizational needs, gaps, and challenges, leading the design and implementation ofcomprehensive training programs encompassing both off-job and on-job components
- Conducted assessment of employment needs, strategically working to reduce reliance on contractualarrangements while ensuring staffing levels aligned with business requirements
- Oversaw sales operations to enhance overall sales performance and drive sustainable business.
F&B Director of Operations
Vision Era
11.2019 - 08.2023
- Managed the conceptualization and the launching of 4 restaurants including: 2 cloud kitchens, ELP
- Italian pizza restaurant, URUK Iraqi upper casual restaurant in Dubai and Kuwait
- Collaborated with the executive team to develop and refine the restaurant concept, including the overalltheme, cuisine, and target audience
- Worked closely with consultant chefs from Italy to create a menu that caters to the target demographictaking into consideration cost implications and ingredient sourcing while maintaining quality
- Prepared budgets for pre-opening and post-opening phases, taking into account expenses such asequipment purchase, staff training, and marketing
- Negotiated contracts with key suppliers, including food and beverage vendors to secure favourable terms
- Oversaw the recruitment process for key positions, such as chefs, managers, and front-of-house staff,and provided training programs
- Collaborated with the marketing team to develop branding elements, including logos, signage, andpromotional materials.
Business Development Operations Manager
Advanced Food Co
Riyadh
03.2018 - 10.2019
- Managed 5 restaurants including: Ruhi (Indian), Harat (Lebanese, Mediterranean), Sukarya (Foreign
- Desert), Maitre Choux (UK, éclair), Lukumades (Greek foreign desert) including 150 staff
- Developed and implemented strategic plans for the overall growth and development of each restaurantbrand, aligning business development initiatives with the company's objectives
- Oversaw the positioning of each restaurant brand in the market, ensuring brand consistency across alllocations and maintaining a cohesive identity in terms of menu, service, and overall customer experience
- Conducted market research to identify trends, customer preferences, and competitive landscapes for eachbrand, analyzing market data to identify opportunities for expansion or modification of existing offerings
- Prepared and managed budgets for each restaurant brand, considering factors such as marketingexpenses, operational costs, and revenue targets.
F&B Operations Manager
03.2016 - 03.2018
- Achieved 500,000 SAR in cost saving by renegotiation with all suppliers of food reducing overall food costin 1 year
- Managed 4 brands, (Kababji, Sushi art, Tortilla, Rita's) with a total of 11 outlets and 500+ staff Total
- Directed the operational facets of multiple franchises within the portfolio, ensuring adherence to standards
- Spearheaded menu development, strategic planning, and pricing initiatives, aligning culinary offerings withmarket demands and profitability targets
- Conducted market analyses to identify innovative concepts, potential opportunities, and emerging trends
- Attained budgeted benchmarks for food sales, beverage sales, labor costs, and overall profitability,leveraging strategic financial management to optimize operational performance
- Formulated and executed sales promotions, employing a strategic approach to boost revenue
- Undertook a biannual competitive analysis, collected data to inform strategic decision-making and maintainmarket relevance.
Multi-Unit Manager
01.2013 - 03.2016
- Handled the opening of the 1st ever Butcher Shop & Grill in KSA and later the opening of a Jeddah andanother Riyadh branch
- Managed the operations of 2 Outlets in Riyadh with 70+ Staff
- Facilitated strategic hiring and retention initiatives, collaborating closely with restaurant managers tooptimize team composition and cultivate an environment conducive to heightened productivity and elevatedguest experience standards
- Developed a succession plan for all hierarchical levels within the operational domain
- Enforced uncompromising adherence to the highest standards of sanitation, food safety, and cleanliness
- Orchestrated the seamless rollout of Limited Time Offers, drink specials, and menu or procedure changes.
Restaurant Manager
Apple Bee's
01.2011 - 01.2013
Restaurant Manager
La Bodegita Del Medio Beirut
01.2010 - 01.2011
Floor Manager
Roadster Diner Beirut
01.2008 - 01.2010
Team Leader
s Beirut
Nando
01.2006 - 01.2008
Waiter
Phoenicia Hotel Beirut
01.2003 - 01.2005
Education
Technical License, Hotel Management -
VIHM
2008
Superior Technician Diploma - Restaurant & Hotel Management
VIHM
2006
Training & courses
Skills
- MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint Strategic Planning Relationship Building
- Market Entry and Expansion Business Growth Strategies Key Account Management
Languages
English
Fluent
Arabic
Native
Timeline
Strategic Business Development Manager
Rabeeza
09.2023 - Current
F&B Director of Operations
Vision Era
11.2019 - 08.2023
Business Development Operations Manager
Advanced Food Co
03.2018 - 10.2019
F&B Operations Manager
03.2016 - 03.2018
Multi-Unit Manager
01.2013 - 03.2016
Restaurant Manager
Apple Bee's
01.2011 - 01.2013
Restaurant Manager
La Bodegita Del Medio Beirut
01.2010 - 01.2011
Floor Manager
Roadster Diner Beirut
01.2008 - 01.2010
Team Leader
s Beirut
01.2006 - 01.2008
Waiter
Phoenicia Hotel Beirut
01.2003 - 01.2005
Technical License, Hotel Management -
VIHM
Superior Technician Diploma - Restaurant & Hotel Management
VIHM
Training & courses
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