Open to opportunities

Neil Hicks

@neilhicks

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Operations executive specializing in large-scale catering, compliance, and team leadership.

South Africa

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What I'm looking for

I seek a leadership role in operations or catering where I can apply my expertise in multi-site management, HACCP/ISO compliance, team development, and cost optimization within a safety-focused, professional environment.

I am a disciplined operations executive with over 20 years leading remote site management, hospitality and military catering operations. I excel in directing large teams and delivering high-standard VIP and mass-catering under strict safety protocols.

My career includes managing multi-site food and facility services across camps, diplomatic residences and mining zones, where I optimized costs, logistics and supplier relationships while ensuring HACCP, ISO and HSE compliance.

I have a proven record of directing teams of 200+ personnel, executing large-scale banqueting and VIP catering for heads of state and senior military officials, and instituting robust inventory and FIFO systems to control stock and reduce waste.

I am proactive in crisis response, staff training and developing SOPs and training programs, and I consistently deliver measurable improvements in quality, compliance and operational efficiency.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Chef & Operations Manager

Trinity Hospitality Catering & Suppliers

Oct 2024 - Feb 2025 (4 months)

Directed kitchen operations, budgeting, menu planning and VIP function catering while enforcing HACCP, ISO and HSE protocols to ensure consistent service excellence and cost control.

Budgeting HACCP Inventory Control Staff Training

Reserve & Kitchen Manager

Transatlantic Catering Services

May 2024 - Oct 2024 (5 months)

Led remote-site hospitality operations overseeing kitchens, accommodation and laundry, implemented inventory/FIFO systems and maintained HACCP and ISO compliance while reporting to global HQ.

HACCP Inventory Management Team Leadership Stock Control Cultural Menu Design

Reserve & Kitchen Manager

Umdloti Military Base

Mar 2013 - Apr 2024 (11 years 1 month)

Managed catering operations for 300+ personnel including VIP/state functions, enforced strict FIFO and purchasing controls, and delivered culturally appropriate diets while maintaining budgetary compliance.

Budgeting HACCP Vendor Rotation Quality Control

Admin Caterer & Lecturer

Zen Africa

Mar 2012 - Feb 2013 (11 months)

Taught culinary principles and kitchen logistics, authored SOP manuals, led practical assessments and delivered recipe-costing and hygiene training aligned to national standards.

SOP Development Training Recipe Costing Assessments

Executive Chef

Hilton Touch Farm

Apr 2011 - Mar 2012 (11 months)

Managed a 30-seat a la carte kitchen, implemented FIFO and SOPs, conducted weekly stock audits and vendor reporting to improve hygiene compliance and profitability.

A La Carte Management Stock Audits SOPs Vendor Management Cost Control Menu Development

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

South African Navy (Additional courses)

Professional Certifications, Safety & Compliance Training

2006 - 2006

Activities and societies: Basic Armour Course, NBCD advanced firefighting and defence, HACCP Certification

Completed basic armour course and other professional development such as NBCD advanced training and HACCP certification.

Finishing Touches

Certificate, Culinary Arts

1997 - 1997

Completed the Finishing Touches chef course in September 1997 to advance culinary skills.

South African Navy

Vocational/Trade Certifications, Culinary & Military Training

1987 - 1995

Activities and societies: NBCD (Fire Fighting & Nuclear Biological Chemical Defence), First Aid Part 1, Driving & Maintenance Course

Completed a sequence of naval culinary and technical trainings including Chef Part 1 through Chef Part 3, MTR 2 survival, and related courses between 1987 and 1995.