Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
TECHNICAL PROFICIENCIES
Timeline
Generic
Daniel Lubina

Daniel Lubina

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Summary

Results-driven Operations Leader with extensive project management and facilities management expertise in the hospitality and leisure industry. Proven track record in full-cycle project delivery from concept to operations, managing multi-venue complexes, and optimizing facility performance. Skilled in stakeholder management, budget control, vendor coordination, and leading multicultural teams across large-scale F&B developments.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

General Manager

TOTÓ Italian Fine dining
Mamsha At Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
12.2023 - Current

Operational Leadership:

• Recruited and trained multidisciplinary team focused on fine dining excellence

• Collaborated with culinary team on innovative Italian menu development

• Executed marketing strategies achieving significant media coverage and community engagement

Project Management Achievements:

• Led comprehensive pre-opening project from initial planning through successful launch, managing all project phases and deliverables

• Coordinated with contractors, architects, and designers for complete restaurant setup, ensuring adherence to timelines and quality standards

• Developed and managed pre-opening budget, procurement schedules, and operational readiness plans

• Established project governance framework for stakeholder reporting and decision-making

Facilities Management Responsibilities:

• Implemented vendor management systems for ongoing facility maintenance and service delivery

• Established inventory control systems and supplier relationships to ensure operational efficiency

• Developed and enforced health, safety, and compliance protocols across all facility operations

• Managed equipment procurement, installation, and maintenance programs

Cluster Operation Manager

4Front Hospitality Group
Abu Dhabi
10.2021 - 11.2023

Major Project Delivery:

• Managed end-to-end development of six-venue complex (1,400-seat capacity) at Yas Bay from shell and core to full operations

• Developed comprehensive project plans including concept design, budgeting (pre-opening and operational), timelines, and resource allocation

• Coordinated with multiple contractors and vendors for construction, fit-out, and equipment installation across six distinct concepts

• Established operational standards, procedures, and quality control systems for entire facility

Facilities & Multi-Site Management:

• Oversaw facilities management for nine venues across two major locations (Yas Bay and Yas Marina)

• Managed complex logistics including utilities, maintenance contracts, waste management, and facility compliance

• Implemented centralized procurement and inventory management systems across all venues

• Coordinated preventive maintenance schedules and vendor performance management

Venues Under Management:

Yas Bay (6 venues): Casa de Cuba, Mr. Miyagi, The Scene by Simon Rimmer, plus three additional concepts

Yas Marina (3 venues): Lock Stock And Barrel, La Sale, Empire Yas Island

Strategic Leadership:

• Reported directly to stakeholders and ownership on project progress, financials, and operational performance

• Managed consolidated budgets, P&L reporting, and resource optimization across all properties

• Led teams of 150+ staff across multiple venues and cuisines

General Manager

ALDAR Hospitality & Leisure
Abu Dhabi
10.2019 - 10.2021

Multi-Venue Operations & Facilities Management:

• Directed strategic operations and facilities management for five independent venues across Abu Dhabi

• Managed all facility aspects including equipment maintenance, vendor contracts, and regulatory compliance

• Implemented government-mandated health, safety, and hygiene protocols across all properties

• Coordinated capital improvements and facility upgrades aligned with brand standards

Project & Financial Management:

• Led business planning, budgeting, and project execution for multiple initiatives

• Prepared annual budgets, managed revenue optimization, and delivered monthly P&L analysis

• Collaborated with culinary teams on inventory optimization, reducing food costs through improved procurement

Venues Managed:

• BOA Steakhouse | KOI Restaurant & Lounge | Caramel Restaurant & Lounge | Safina Restaurant | La Salle (Fine Dining)

Assistant F&B Director

ZAYA Nurai
Abu Dhabi
10.2018 - 10.2019

Island Resort Facilities Management:

• Managed operations and facilities for six F&B outlets on exclusive private island resort

• Coordinated logistics and supply chain for isolated island location, including inventory management and vendor deliveries

• Ensured compliance with safety standards and quality controls across all facilities

• Developed strategies to enhance facility utilization and guest satisfaction

Outlets: Frangipani | Hooked | Dusk | Smokin' Pineapple | Ginger Mermaid | Beach Bar

General Manager

Capital Motion Empire Yas Island
Abu Dhabi
06.2017 - 09.2018
  • Managed nightclub operations including facility maintenance, equipment management, and vendor coordination

• Oversaw compliance with safety regulations and licensing requirements

• Implemented operational improvements and cost control measures

Head Bartender

ADDMIND
Abu Dhabi
10.2015 - 04.2017
  • Supported venue operations across multiple locations (White Dubai, Iris Dubai, MAD on Yas Island)

Bar Manager

Le Jardin DOO
Sabac
06.2010 - 06.2015
  • Managed all business aspects, including vendor relationships and facility operations

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality Administration And Management

Singidunum Universety
Belgrade, Serbia
11-2017

Skills

Operations Excellence

Revenue growth & cost optimization

Team recruitment, training & development

Customer service excellence

Menu development & innovation

Brand positioning & marketing

Project Management

Full project lifecycle management (concept to completion)

Shell & core development

Pre-opening operations

Stakeholder reporting & management

Budget development & control

Timeline & milestone management

Facilities Management

Multi-venue operations oversight

Vendor relations & contractor coordination

Inventory & supply chain management

Health, safety & compliance standards

Preventive maintenance programs

Space planning & optimization

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

  • FACT Rewards: Best Newcomer 2024
  • Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition 2024: 1st Place - Best Pizza in Abu Dhabi
  • FACT Rewards: Best Pub in Abu Dhabi 2023
  • FACT Rewards: Best Newcomer 2021
  • What's On: Best Night Club 2018
  • Time Out: Best Night Club 2017

TECHNICAL PROFICIENCIES

Systems: Opera | FMC | OASYS | ORACLE | Micros | Seven Rooms | Tevalis

Expertise: MS Office Suite | Project Management | Financial Analysis | Procurement Systems

Timeline

General Manager

TOTÓ Italian Fine dining
12.2023 - Current

Cluster Operation Manager

4Front Hospitality Group
10.2021 - 11.2023

General Manager

ALDAR Hospitality & Leisure
10.2019 - 10.2021

Assistant F&B Director

ZAYA Nurai
10.2018 - 10.2019

General Manager

Capital Motion Empire Yas Island
06.2017 - 09.2018

Head Bartender

ADDMIND
10.2015 - 04.2017

Bar Manager

Le Jardin DOO
06.2010 - 06.2015

Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality Administration And Management

Singidunum Universety
Daniel Lubina