David Watson

Head of Food & Beverage - Sofitel Dubai Downtown

Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

About

I am a confident and articulate hospitality leader delivering professional luxury service with a strong drive and ambition for sustained success. I bring extensive experience across luxury hotels, multi-outlet operations, and large-scale catering environments, with a proven track record in driving commercial performance, departmental profitability, governance, and talent development. I leverage data-driven decision-making, operational excellence, and structured commercial strategies to deliver sustainable revenue growth while maintaining brand standards and exceptional guest experiences.

Experience

  • Head of Food and Beverage at Sofitel
    Jun 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

    Oversee end-to-end Food & Beverage operations across multiple outlets throughout the hotel and large-scale catering. Responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences while driving profitability, operational excellence. Key contributions: • Leading repositioning of outlets to strengthen brand identity and market share, including new Lebanese casual dining and lifestyle concepts. • Implementing revenue-focused initiatives such as coffee partnerships, shisha activations, and seasonal dining experiences. • Driving strong P&L performance with focus on revenue growth, food & beverage cost control, and margin optimization. • Spearheading off-site catering for high-profile events, including Coca-Cola Arena and Meydan Racecourse. • Building high-performing teams through coaching, motivation, and structured training programs.

  • Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (Full-time · 2 yrs 10 mos)
    • Multi-Outlet Manager
      Jan 2024 - Jun 2025 · 1 yr 6 mos

      Multi-Outlet Manager | Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Overseeing four restaurant concepts within Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. Responsible for optimizing guest experiences, driving revenue growth, and leading a team of 48 staff to serve 800–1,000 guests daily. Beyond daily operations, actively involved projects, including: • Launch of the newest cake shop within the residence, ensuring seamless execution from concept to opening. • Collaborating with project managers to develop strategic plans covering timelines, budgets, resource allocation. • Managing on-site project coordination, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards. • Overseeing subcontractors and vendors to maintain excellence in service and execution. • Working on first Michelin Café at Emirates Palace, initiative that elevates the property’s culinary reputation. Passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences, driving innovation in luxury hospitality, and leading high-impact projects that redefine industry standards.

    • Cake Shop Manager
      Sep 2022 - Jan 2024 · 1 yr 5 mos

  • Branch Manager at Takumi Bakery & Cafe
    Jun 2021 - Sep 2022 · 1 yr 4 mos

    Operation’s • Organizing staff’s rosters, salaries, accounts and invoices. • Planning and overseeing central kitchen orders FOH. • Guest experience focused • Led and direct team members on effective methods, operations and procedures, achieving high performances • Contributed in creating restaurant SOS's • Conducting monthly team meetings to discuss general KPI's as well as driving motivation • Develop effective marketing plans to increase sales and profits while managing costs. • Delivery platforms management • Managing a team of 24 FOH/BOH • Monitoring food and beverage cost • Forecasting sales and readjusting par levels where needed • Conducts bi-weekly manager meetings to discuss KPI's • P&L overview responsible • Conducts regular food safety and hygiene audits as well as brand audits • Planning and organizing private events (kiosks)

  • Outlet Manager at Snowbell & Bronze Restaurant Management
    Aug 2020 - Jun 2021 · 11 mos

    -Managing full operations for pre-opening restaurant. -Recruiting staff for 4 outlets and developing training plans. -Working along side chef's, creating new items for menus. -Managing day-to-day operational relationships with marketing, commercial, recruitment and Procurement, resulting in operational success to our customers.

  • Cabin Crew at Emirates
    Apr 2015 - Jun 2020 · 5 yrs 3 mos

    - Premium cabin attendant, delivering the highest quality of customer service to our customers. - Being a brand ambassador for the prestigious airline has given me excellent professional working ethic. - Proven time management skills to ensure tasks are completed confidently and effectively, as an individual or as part of a team. - High levels of conflict resolution and communication skills within the cosmopolitan brand. - The skills I have gained from my current job role are highly transferable to many other industries and businesses across the world. - GCAA & safety trained and medical management training.