RAJIV VIMAL
executive assiatant manager- (f&b)
Delhi
Summary
Hospitality leader with over 25 years of experience in luxury 5-star hotels. Dedicated to driving operational excellence, team empowerment, and guest satisfaction. Skilled at aligning departmental functions with overall business goals, maximizing profitability, and fostering high-performance teams. Currently serving as Executive Assistant Manager – F&B at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi, playing a strategic role across all hotel operations. Recognized for elevating service standards, executing seamless pre-openings, leading large cross-functional teams, and turning around underperforming units. Positioned for a Director of Operations role in a flagship hotel where operational finesse and luxury service converge.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Assistant Manager – Food & Beverage
The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel
Delhi
04.2024 - Current
- Leading full-spectrum F&B operations across 5 restaurants, in-room dining, and banqueting venues (75,000+ sq. ft.)
- Providing executive-level input in overall hotel operations including rooms, guest services, and events
- Key contributor in maintaining 90%+ guest satisfaction (TrustYou, TripAdvisor) and high GOP margins
- Instrumental in strategic vendor renegotiation resulting in annual savings of ₹1.2 Cr
- Oversaw large-scale events including IPL, ISL, Pro Kabaddi League, and conferences with 1500–2000 guests
- Personally managed service for VIPs and dignitaries including Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Julia Roberts, Ramnath Singh, Shiv Nadar, Rahul Gandhi, among others
Executive Chef
The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel
Delhi
07.2019 - 04.2024
- Directed 100+ culinary professionals across specialty kitchens, banquets, and IRD
- Conceptualized and launched award-winning F&B venues including Dilli32 (Best Indian Restaurant – Times Food Guide)
- Achieved 15% reduction in food cost through vendor negotiation and recipe standardization
- Collaborated cross-functionally with Rooms Division to enhance integrated guest experience
Executive Sous Chef
The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel
Delhi
12.2015 - 07.2019
- Implemented SOPs and operational controls to improve kitchen productivity and audit scores
- Oversaw the execution of daily prep tasks ensuring timely completion while maintaining ingredient freshness.
- Incorporated dietary restrictions into menu planning to accommodate diverse clientele needs.
- Mentored junior chefs and provided constructive feedback for professional growth.
Executive Sous Chef
Kempinski
Delhi
03.2012 - 12.2015
- Managed pre-opening kitchen strategy, banquet planning, and staff onboarding aligned to global standards
- Oversaw business operations, inventory control, and customer service for restaurant.
- Implemented food cost and waste reduction initiatives to save money.
- Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
Executive Chef
Apeejay Surrendra Group (The Park, Bangalore)
Bangalore
10.2009 - 03.2012
- Led culinary rebranding, concept development, and high-volume luxury catering
- Developed and remained accountable for safety, quality, consistency and adherence to standards.
- Worked closely with front-of-house staff to facilitate excellent customer service.
- Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
- Utilized culinary techniques to create visually appealing dishes.
Senior Sous Chef
The Leela Kempinski
Gurugram
09.2008 - 10.2009
- Oversaw kitchen infrastructure and vendor contracts during pre-opening phase
- Promoted teamwork among kitchen staff, fostering a positive work environment that encouraged creativity and collaboration.
- Implemented effective safety protocols which resulted in a consistently clean and hazard-free kitchen environment.
- Enhanced dining experience by creating innovative and visually appealing menu items.
Sous Chef
The Oberoi Group Of Hotels
New Delhi
02.2006 - 05.2007
Sous Chef
Hyatt Regency
New Delhi
1999 - 2006
Education
Senior Leadership Programme -
Indian School of Hospitality (Les Roches Alliance)
Gurugram2023
Diploma in Hotel Management -
Institute of Hotel Management
Jaipur1999
Skills
- End-to-End Hotel Operations Leadership
- Strategic Business Planning
- P&L Ownership
- Guest Experience Excellence
- Brand Standard Compliance
- F&B Innovation
- Cost Control
- Multi-Outlet Oversight
- Cross-Functional Team Management
- Large-Scale Events
- MICE Operations
- Banquet Operations
- Hotel Pre-Openings
Accomplishments
- Boosted hotel GOP by 18% YoY through strategic cost reduction and upselling
- Improved guest satisfaction index by 25%, verified by reviews and survey data
- Launched 3 original restaurant concepts, generating over 30% additional F&B revenue
- Trained 50+ junior leaders across departments; established internal pipeline for succession
- Spearheaded hotel’s ISO 22000 and HACCP certifications
Pre Opening Projects And Milestones
- The Leela Hyderabad, 2024, Led F&B systems, kitchen design, cross-departmental launch readiness
- Kempinski Delhi, 2012, Developed banquet layouts, culinary ops, staffing structure
- The Leela Kempinski, Gurgaon, 2009, Built vendor ecosystem, set up kitchen logistics
Flagship Events And Dignitaries Served
- Hosted and led service for IPL, ISL, Pro Kabaddi League, and high-profile social/political weddings
- Managed VVIP stays and private events for dignitaries including: Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Julia Roberts, Rahul Gandhi, Shiv Nadar, Ramnath Singh
- Executed multi-day weddings and conferences with 1500–2000+ pax
- Led large-scale, multi-venue hotel events under tight timelines with seamless coordination
Awards
- Best Indian Restaurant (Dilli32) – Times Food Guide
- Best MICE Destination – The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel
- Best Wedding Hotel, North India – Industry Recognition
- Travel + Leisure India & South Asia, India's Best Awards 2023 (for the 4th consecutive year) - Best Hotel Group in India
Timeline
Executive Assistant Manager – Food & Beverage
The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel
04.2024 - Current
Executive Chef
The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel
07.2019 - 04.2024
Executive Sous Chef
The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel
12.2015 - 07.2019
Executive Sous Chef
Kempinski
03.2012 - 12.2015
Executive Chef
Apeejay Surrendra Group (The Park, Bangalore)
10.2009 - 03.2012
Senior Sous Chef
The Leela Kempinski
09.2008 - 10.2009
Sous Chef
The Oberoi Group Of Hotels
02.2006 - 05.2007
Diploma in Hotel Management -
Institute of Hotel Management
Sous Chef
Hyatt Regency
1999 - 2006
Senior Leadership Programme -
Indian School of Hospitality (Les Roches Alliance)
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