Francois van der Merwe

Director of operations

Bali, Indonesia

About

I am a strategic Operation Director with a proven track record in driving through optimum business operations, solutions and driving bottom line profits. I hold a pure passion for the food & beverage sector with a meticulous focus on people development and the highest customer experience. I champion the development and implementation of strategic plans that includes identification and delivery of improved productivity, turnarounds and reliability, across multiple geographical locations and outlets. Proven track record in the management and development of over 18 outlets and over 900 employees. I place a huge emphasis on the customer experience and always harbor a culture of getting things done and always going above and beyond for customers.

Experience

  • IHG Hotels & Resorts (On-site)
    • Director of Operations
      Apr 2026 - Present · 3 mos

      As Director of Operations at Hotel Indigo Bandung Dago Pakar, I lead the day-to-day performance of all operational departments, including Rooms, Food & Beverage, Engineering, Security, and Guest Experience. My focus is on bringing the Hotel Indigo brand to life by delivering memorable, neighborhood-inspired experiences while driving operational excellence, financial performance, and high levels of guest satisfaction. I work closely with department leaders to build strong teams, optimize efficiency, and ensure every aspect of the hotel reflects the unique story and spirit of Dago Pakar.

    • Director of Food And Beverage
      Apr 2024 - May 2026 · 2 yrs 2 mos

  • Vice President Operations at Upscalebrands
    May 2022 - Jul 2024 · 2 yrs 3 mos

    Executive leadership role with enterprise-level responsibility for launching and scaling multiple upscale lifestyle brands across Saudi Arabia, overseeing strategy, operations, people, and asset performance from startup through stabilization. Full P&L ownership with accountability for commercial performance, cost control, governance frameworks, and operational standards supporting sustainable multi-unit growth. Built and led the executive committee and senior leadership structure, including recruitment, role design, performance frameworks, and leadership cadence to support disciplined execution at scale. Led market entry strategy, location scouting, feasibility analysis, and contract negotiations in partnership with ownership, developers, and legal teams, ensuring alignment between commercial potential and long-term asset value. Directed end-to-end development of new sites, including concept rollout, site build-outs, staff accommodation planning, and the design and implementation of a Central Processing Kitchen to support operational efficiency and brand consistency. Provided strategic oversight of design, construction, and pre-opening programs, delivering projects on time and on budget while maintaining brand, operational, and regulatory standards. Acted as senior operational authority across the region, partnering with Finance, HR, Supply Chain, IT, Marketing, and Development to drive performance, talent development, and cross-functional alignment.

  • Director Of Food And Beverage at The First Group
    Jul 2021 - Feb 2022 · 8 mos

    Responsible for setting out and implementing the annual business plan, sales and operation strategies for outlets across the UAE, Oman, Qatar & Kuwait • Spearheading the smooth operations of 12 outlets and overseeing over 650 employees. • Assessing outlet performance, monitoring overall operating costs and assessing feasibility on promotional and new menu initiatives. • Acting as a business partner, steering operational excellence, best practice and rolling out marketing initiatives that disrupt traditional customer patterns, loyalty and behavior. • Constantly evaluating KPI’s, performance metrics, revenues, and expenses to ensure optimum efficiencies. Implementing remedies to support and strengthen operations and improve performance. • Full P&L responsibility in hand with managing an active budget and managing financial spend for multiple outlets.

  • Alshaya Group (8 yrs 1 mo)
    • Operations Manager- Katsuya By Stark & P.F. Changs
      Apr 2019 - Jun 2021 · 2 yrs 3 mos

      • Responsible for setting out and implementing the annual business plan, sales and operation strategies for outlets across the UAE and Bahrain. • Spearheading the smooth operations of 7 outlets and overseeing over 400 employees. • Assessing outlet performance, monitoring overall operating costs and assessing feasibility on promotional and new menu initiatives. • Acting as a business partner, steering operational excellence, best practice and rolling out marketing initiatives that disrupt traditional customer patterns, loyalty and behavior. • Constantly evaluating KPI’s, performance metrics, revenues, and expenses to ensure optimum efficiencies. Implementing remedies to support and strengthen operations and improve performance. • Full P&L responsibility in hand with managing an active budget and managing financial spend for multiple outlets.

    • Area Manager- P.F Chang's
      May 2015 - Apr 2019 · 4 yrs

      • Developed and implemented the strategic plan that included the identification and delivery of opportunities to improve operations, customer loyalty and sales across the UAE and Oman outlets. • Responsible for driving revenues across 18 outlets and the management of over 900 employees. • Translated the company strategy into practical milestones, supported the general well being of all staff; provided hands on coaching and executed quality assurance training days. • Led the development and implementation of the insight strategy that delivered a robust and reliable understanding of the food & beverage eco system across the UAE and Oman, developed a team that outperformed their competitors and focused on the execution of the highest level of service delivery. • Full P&L responsibility in hand with managing an active budget and managing financial spend of the outlets and ad hoc projects.

    • Area Manager- Katsuya By Stark-Kuwait &UAE.
      Oct 2014 - May 2015 · 8 mos

      • Responsible for the overall management of 3 outlets, 180 employees ensured optimum sales performance, profitability, brand recognition, team development, and superior customer service. • Devised and delivered the annual sales strategy; broke down sales targets, revenue forecasts, and operational performance. • Implemented a multi-year marketing calendar plan that supported the identification and delivery of opportunities to optimize in sales and capitalize on revenue.

  • Restaurant Manager at Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi
    Nov 2012 - Apr 2013 · 6 mos