Ian Bennie

Food & Beverage Senior Manager @ Miral Experiences | Managing Special Events Effectively

Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates

About

With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and entertainment industry, I currently serve as a Food & Beverage Senior Manager at Miral Experiences. My role focuses on managing special events and overseeing operations to ensure seamless execution and guest satisfaction. I am skilled in corporate financial reporting, internal communications, and planning special events. My work at Miral Experiences reflects a commitment to delivering exceptional results through collaboration, operational excellence, and strategic initiatives.

Experience

  • Miral Experiences (Full-time · 4 yrs 3 mos)
    • Food & Beverage Senior Manager
      Aug 2024 - Present · 1 yr 11 mos

    • Senior Retail Manager
      Apr 2023 - Jul 2024 · 1 yr 4 mos

    • Retail Operations Manager
      Apr 2022 - Mar 2023 · 1 yr

  • Farah Experiences LLC (9 yrs 8 mos)
    • Commercial Support Manager
      Jul 2020 - Apr 2022 · 1 yr 10 mos

    • Outlet Manager
      May 2015 - Jul 2020 · 5 yrs 3 mos

    • Assistant Outlet Manager
      Sep 2012 - Apr 2015 · 2 yrs 8 mos

  • Address Hotels + Resorts (United Arab Emirates)
    • Assistant Banquet Manager
      Sep 2011 - Aug 2012 · 1 yr

      • Managed events for up to 1000 guests across 23 event rooms, ensuring seamless execution. • Oversaw a 1000 sq ft ballroom capable of hosting 700 guests for sit-down banquets. • Responsible for staff rota and bar management, including monthly inventory checks. • Conducted staff briefings to maintain high service standards and monitor performance.

    • Fazaris Restaurant F&B Supervisor
      Apr 2011 - Aug 2011 · 5 mos

      Leading a team of 18 servers. * Conduct Trainings and Up selling wines. * In charge of the restaurant bar. * Conducted Training of Ala cart service when restaurant changed from Buffet. * In charge of the daily and monthly Inventory of the bar. * Monitoring staff performance to the highest level of service. * Ensuring guest satisfaction of service through constant trainings.

    • Outlet Supervisor
      Oct 2009 - Mar 2011 · 1 yr 6 mos

      • Led a team of 14 servers, ensuring exceptional service and guest satisfaction. • Played a key role in the pre-opening of Address Hotels + Resorts, setting up restaurant operations. • Conducted comprehensive training sessions on menu offerings and upselling techniques for Single Malts. • Managed staff schedules and delegated responsibilities across various outlets to optimize service delivery.

  • Outlet Supervisor at Desert Palm Hotel Resort & SpaEpicure Restaurant
    Jun 2008 - Oct 2009 · 1 yr 5 mos

    • Supervised a dedicated team of 10 in an award-winning international restaurant, Epicure, ensuring exceptional service from breakfast to dinner. • Managed monthly inventory and participated in hotel functions to enhance guest experiences. • Conducted training sessions to elevate food and beverage knowledge among staff, adhering to company SOPs.

  • Head Bartender at The Balbirnie House Hotel
    Feb 2006 - May 2008 · 2 yrs 4 mos

    • Managed the main bar operations, ensuring efficient stock ordering and maintenance. • Supervised staff across two additional hotel bars, enhancing team collaboration and service quality. • Delivered exceptional guest experiences by meeting drink preferences and maintaining high service standards.