Gonzalo Ballesteros
@gonzaloballesteros
I lead profitable food and beverage operations across luxury hotels and multi-site hospitality.
What I'm looking for
I've led food and beverage strategy, commercial performance and operations across luxury hotels, restaurants, bars, banqueting and multi-site hospitality businesses in Europe and Southeast Asia.
At WeAreBunk, I directed F&B performance across two properties in Amsterdam and Utrecht within a €10M+ portfolio, owning budgets, P&L oversight, forecasting, pricing and profitability. I delivered 6–8% annual revenue growth and reduced specialty coffee costs by 36% through procurement and supplier consolidation.
At Byron Hamburgers, I directed three high-volume restaurant locations, leading around 75 employees and managing individual P&Ls, labour, revenue and profitability targets. I improved prime costs by up to 5% and increased average guest spend by up to 9% through operational discipline and sales coaching.
I've also supported large luxury F&B teams and events at Majestic Hotel & Spa, including conferences and gala dinners for up to 500 guests. I bring a practical commercial perspective to guest experience, service standards, cost optimisation and multicultural team leadership.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Independent Hospitality Advisor
Independent
Nov 2024 - Present (1 year 9 months)
Conducted operational and commercial benchmarking across hospitality businesses in Southeast Asia, analyzing business models, staffing, guest experience, and revenue performance. Provided practical recommendations for operational and revenue improvement.
Director of Food & Beverage
WeAreBunk
Mar 2024 - Oct 2024 (7 months)
Directed F&B strategy and financial performance across two properties with full budget ownership and P&L oversight. Led commercial strategy, procurement, and organizational restructuring, achieving 6-8% annual revenue growth and a 36% reduction in coffee costs.
Operations Manager
Byron Hamburgers
Feb 2020 - Jan 2023 (2 years 11 months)
Directed financial and operational performance of three high-volume restaurant locations, managing P&Ls, budgeting, and forecasting. Led a team of 75 employees, improved prime costs by up to 5%, and increased average guest spend by up to 9%.
Assistant F&B Director
Majestic Hotel & Spa
Apr 2017 - Dec 2019 (2 years 8 months)
Supported leadership of 80 F&B employees across multiple luxury outlets, overseeing workforce planning and service standards. Coordinated high-profile banqueting events for up to 500 guests and contributed to venue relaunch and seasonal dining concepts.
Assistant Head Maître D’
Mandarin Oriental
Jan 2014 - Jan 2017 (3 years)
Assisted in managing restaurant operations and service standards at a five-star luxury hotel.
Butler
Mansion House
Jan 2010 - Jan 2013 (3 years)
Provided personalized butler services to guests, ensuring high standards of hospitality.
Waiter
202 Restaurant
Jan 2009 - Jan 2013 (4 years)
Provided table service in a restaurant setting, ensuring guest satisfaction.
Coordinated events at a five-star hotel, managing logistics and client relations.
Provided service during events at a four-star hotel, ensuring guest satisfaction.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
University of Westminster
Bachelor's Degree, Hospitality & Business Management
Bachelor's degree in Hospitality & Business Management from the University of Westminster, London, UK.
Thames Valley University / The City & Guilds of London Institute
City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma, Butler Services
Grade: Distinction
City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma for Butlers with Distinction from Thames Valley University / The City & Guilds of London Institute, London, UK.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
Skills
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