Luka Jacimovic - CV | Reception & Recruitment Manager

Summary

Positive and hardworking individual, who always strives to achieve the highest standards possible, at any given task.
My role described as a Reception, Recruitment and Training Manager for The Ivy Collection.
In my previous roles in hospitality, demonstrated my skills gained over the last 9 years including strong leadership and team building capabilities.
Gained the ability to work under intense pressure, providing excellent services to customers from all backgrounds, handle customer complaints and solve problematic situations as and when they arose.
A hardworking, honest and very punctual person.
Raised bilingual, bring a wide knowledge of Croatian and English with me. Have intermediate knowledge of the German language.
Dedicated Private Chef recognized for Croatian, Mediterranean, Austrian, British and Indian cuisine.
My excellent customer service and communication skills, combined with my relevant work experience, make me a real asset that brings flexibility, diversity and a positive and energetic attitude to any organization worked for.

Skills

MS Office & HR Platforms

Proficient in booking systems (Open Table, Seven Rooms), scheduling, liaising high-net profile clients, Support and Events management.
Experienced with HR and payroll platforms (Fourth), Disciplinary hearings, Leadership.
Skilled in managing professional communication directly with clients with efficiency, uniqueness and personalised approach while maintaining professionalism.

Microsoft Office Suite

Word: Creating clear, professional documents, templates and letters
Excel: Organising staff rotas, tracking data, and creating basic reports
Outlook: Efficient calendar and communication management
PowerPoint: Preparing and engaging presentations

Key Attributes

Functioning well individually as well as part of the team
Organisational and problem-solving skills, strong and efficient communication skills
Strong work ethic and natural leader, reliable, confident and attention to detail

Accountability, positive attitude, self-motivated and thoughtful
Leading, monitoring, motivating and inspiring the team, providing guidance and support
Strong customer service skills and VIP guest experience

Career History

Reception Manager / Recruitment Champion / Training Manager

The Ivy Collection, London

Nov 2022 – Jan 2025 (Expected)

Reception Manager: Professionally present The Ivy Collection, handle VIP bookings and special requests. Manage the reception desk (mentored 12 team members) and support restaurant staff. Adhere to operational budgets. Ensure highest level of customer service and compliance with regulations (Fire, Hygiene, Health and Safety). Ensure fair and consistent treatment of employees. Foster employee welfare, safety, and development. Ensure punctuality, correct uniform, and professional service from all staff.

Recruitment Champion / Training Manager: Oversee hiring process, develop interviewing strategy. Create job descriptions, deliver job offers/rejections, manage employment paperwork. Identify training needs, create and implement training plans to enhance employee skills and performance. Execute learning initiatives and organizational culture development.

Private Chef & Personal Assistant

Private Family (English Ambassador, UAE), City of London

Jun 2019 – Sep 2022

Provided a full fine dining experience in a private household, including hosting formal dinners and special occasions.
Designed and delivered bespoke menus tailored to dietary requirements (Celiac, lactose-free, vegan, vegetarian, severe allergies).
Prepared three to five course meals and high-end dishes inspired by: Mediterranean, British, French and Indian cuisines.
Ensured High-end restaurant-level presentation of dishes with detailed attention to quality and taste.
Sourced fresh, high-quality ingredients from local markets.
Maintained impeccable kitchen hygiene, inventory, and managed daily grocery shopping.
Acted as a personal assistant, supporting family's personal needs and the whole household with professionalism and confidentiality.
Created and maintained a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the client and their guests.

Entre Maitre Chef Manager

Arlmont Hotel, St Anton am Arlberg, Austria

Oct 2018 – May 2019

Provided a full fine dining experience, including cooking, plating, presentation, and occasionally hosting private events.
Oversaw kitchen operations in the absence of the head chef.
Worked closely with the head chef to plan creative and diverse weekly menus.
Trained new team members on technique, presentation, and quality consistency.
Responsible for ordering, stock control, and maintaining well-organized Mise En Place.
Prepared a range of fine dishes (meat, fish, soups, starters, desserts) using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Built strong relationships with local suppliers.
Maintained hygiene and safety standards across all kitchen areas.

Chef Manager

Hotel Lux Alpine, St Anton am Arlberg, Austria

Nov 2016 – Sep 2018

Hosted special events, setting up dining areas, buffets, and creating custom menus.
Cooked and developed high-end dishes, experimenting with new ideas and using customer feedback.
Created signature recipes and brought creativity to the kitchen while maintaining quality.
Worked closely with the team, training and mentoring junior staff.
Managed the kitchen team day-to-day, ensuring smooth operations and high food standards.
Handled reports and admin tasks, reporting directly to the General Manager.
Always focused on presentation and guest experience, especially for formal dining.

Qualifications & Professional Development

Certified Chef, Gastronomy School Opatija, Opatija, Croatia
Certified Bartender, London Bar School, London, England
Occupational Health and Safety course
Firefighting experience, Fire Marshal course