Ajaya Kumar Jena
Riyadh,Saudi Arabia
Summary
Resourceful Operations Manager with knack for streamlining processes and improving team performance. Spearheaded multiple initiatives that enhanced operational efficiency and reduced costs across departments. Known for fostering collaborative work environments and driving continuous improvement.
Award-winning F&B Operations Manager with 15+ years of leadership in fine dining, casual concepts, catering, and hotel operations across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Djibouti, Bahrain, and India. Adept at launching new concepts, training teams, managing P&L, and driving brand growth. Recognized for excellence by industry leaders and known for building loyal, low-turnover teams.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Operations Manager
Takya Food Company Ltd
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
01.2023 - Current
- Spearheaded operations across seven restaurant formats, ensuring consistent brand quality and service excellence.
- Launched three new restaurant concepts and kiosks, overseeing menu design, staffing, layout planning, and operational SOPs.
- Increased revenue by 15–20% annually through strategic promotions and optimized menu engineering.
- Enhanced labour efficiency and reduced costs by implementing smart scheduling and inventory controls, achieving annual savings of up to 18%.
- Conducted weekly operations audits to ensure compliance with hygiene, safety, and quality assurance standards.
- Served as key liaison between owners, investors, and outlet managers, providing actionable reports and strategic insights.
- Managed monthly P&L reports for all outlets, ensuring profitability while upholding high service standards.
- Fostered positive work culture through career progression opportunities and effective training programs, maintaining low staff turnover.
- Liaised with stakeholders for transparent communication and better decision making.
- Implemented quality control measures, enhanced product standards.
Food and Beverage Manager
Takya Food Company Ltd.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
12.2019 - 12.2022
- Devised marketing strategies for increased patronage during holidays and special events.
- Trained new staff members on company policies, ensuring consistent service standards.
- Introduced seasonal menu changes that reflected local produce availability whilst keeping patrons interested.
- Mediated customer complaints with tact and professionalism, preserving the establishment's reputation.
- Monitored budget allocation closely to prevent overspending whilst maintaining operational efficiency.
- Worked closely with event coordinators to successfully host private functions such as weddings or corporate parties.
- Oversaw all operations for smooth service during peak hours.
Restaurant General Manager
Forest Way Café
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
07.2018 - 12.2019
Operation manager
Nobu Hospitality
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
04.2016 - 11.2018
Senior Outlet Manager
Djibouti Palace Kempinski
Djibouti, Djibouti
04.2014 - 04.2016
Asst. Outlet Manager
Kempinski Grand & Ixir Bahrain
Manama, Bahrain
03.2011 - 03.2013
F&B Team Leader
Atlantis The Palm
Dubai, U.A.E
02.2008 - 02.2011
F&B Team Leader
The Leela Kempinski,
Goa, India
02.2006 - 01.2008
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mathmatics
Nbarangour College
Nabarangpur, Oddishs, India 04.2001 - 04.2004
Bachelore in Hotel Management - Hospitality
Chankya Instiute of Hotel Management
Viskhapatnam, India 06.2004 - 06.2007
Skills
- P&L management
- Team Leadership and Staff Management
- Food and Beverage Service Standards
- Budgeting and Cost Control
- Customer Service Excellence
- Knowledge of Food Trends and Industry Standards
- Menu engineering
- Inventory control
- Event Planning and Management
- POS and Reservation System Expertise
- Staff Training and Development
Accomplishments
- Best Saudi Cuisine Restaurant Award (2021-2024)
- Successfully managed 4 Saudi brands with Google rating 4.2+
- Promoted as Operations Manager, Takya Food Chain, 2022
- Led catering for G20, Saudi Cup, Cisco, and other elite events
- Best Outlet Manager - Djibouti Kempinski (2016)
- Recognized by Atlantis Dubai and Leela Goa for F&B excellence
Languages
English
Fluent
Arabic
Elementary
Hindi
Native
Timeline
Operations Manager
Takya Food Company Ltd
01.2023 - Current
Food and Beverage Manager
Takya Food Company Ltd.
12.2019 - 12.2022
Restaurant General Manager
Forest Way Café
07.2018 - 12.2019
Operation manager
Nobu Hospitality
04.2016 - 11.2018
Senior Outlet Manager
Djibouti Palace Kempinski
04.2014 - 04.2016
Asst. Outlet Manager
Kempinski Grand & Ixir Bahrain
03.2011 - 03.2013
F&B Team Leader
Atlantis The Palm
02.2008 - 02.2011
F&B Team Leader
The Leela Kempinski,
02.2006 - 01.2008
Bachelore in Hotel Management - Hospitality
Chankya Instiute of Hotel Management
06.2004 - 06.2007
Bachelor of Science - Mathmatics
Nbarangour College
04.2001 - 04.2004
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