Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
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Jan Stepan

Mornigton Penisula,Vic

Summary

I am a seasoned and results-oriented Manager with a robust history of orchestrating unforgettable experiences. At present, I hold the prestigious position of General Manager at Rain Room Australia, where our recently concluded third season boasted an impressive attendance of over 35,000 visitors.

With over 15 years of extensive experience in the dynamic realms of hospitality, events, and wedding planning & management, I bring to the fore a diverse skill set spanning event planning, venue management, visual merchandising, and team leadership.

My career journey has been fueled by an unwavering passion for the industry, driving me to continually push boundaries and exceed expectations. Each event I curate is a testament to my commitment to crafting extraordinary moments that linger long in the memories of our guests.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

General Manager

Rain Room Australia
08.2019 - Current
  • Managing 3 seasons (19/20, 20/21 & 23/24) of one of Melbourne most successful immersive art experiences with over 165,000 visitors
  • Working also as the secondary chief technical manager of Rain Room
  • Established a strong gallery reputation through strategic marketing campaigns, collaborations, and partnerships within the art community.
  • Oversaw successful exhibition openings and special events that drew large crowds and garnered positive media attention.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction with proactive communication, timely issue resolution, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
  • Managed budgets, financial forecasts, and resource allocation to ensure achievement of organizational goals.
  • Established a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities for enhancement in operations, systems, and procedures.
  • Enhanced employee performance by designing and implementing comprehensive training programs.
  • Led the successful completion of major facility upgrades projects while adhering to budget constraints and timelines.

Wedding & Events Manager

Jackalope Hotels
08.2023 - Current
  • Managed budgets effectively, optimizing allocation of resources to maximize event impact.
  • Streamlined event operations for improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness through comprehensive logistical management.
  • Elevated brand experiences at trade shows and conferences by designing eye-catching booth displays.
  • Implemented creative solutions to last-minute challenges or changes, maintaining client satisfaction during high-pressure situations.
  • Successfully managed multiple concurrent projects under tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
  • Developed customized event proposals tailored to client needs and budgets for successful event outcomes.
  • Enhanced employee performance by designing and implementing comprehensive training programs.

Area Manager - Melbourne

Black Star Pastry
05.2021 - 08.2023
  • Successfully opened 3 Melbourne stores
  • Part of the design and operational planning for all new stores
  • Created one of the signature Black Star Pastry drinks served nationally
  • Also performed as the national visual merchandise manager
  • Planning and execution of all off-site events
  • implemented the 'summer of magic' staff training program
  • Led a team to achieve company goals and exceed targets consistently, fostering a positive work environment.
  • Managed daily operations for optimal performance, ensuring timely completion of tasks and projects.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and develop action plans for growth.
  • Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance on best practices and professional development opportunities.
  • Transformed underperforming teams into productive, profitable teams.

Events operations manager

Jackalope Hotels
02.2017 - 08.2019
  • Part of the hotel pre-opening
  • build the events department, including all operational procedures
  • Created the Private dining experience for Hatted restaurant Doot Doot Doot
  • Supervised a team of event staff, providing guidance and direction to ensure high levels of performance and customer satisfaction.
  • Conducted post-event evaluations to identify areas for improvement and implemented changes accordingly for future events.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams to ensure successful implementation of event strategies.
  • Managed logistics for large-scale events, resulting in seamless execution and positive attendee feedback.
  • Streamlined vendor management process by establishing clear communication channels between suppliers and organizers-this ensured timely delivery of required services.
  • Increased overall client satisfaction through consistent communication and proactive problem-solving during the planning process.

Restaurant Manager

Coast Restaurant
01.2014 - 02.2017
  • Created a wedding & event offering to boost restaurant revenue
  • worked alongside the head chef to create multiple curated paired menus
  • Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
  • Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
  • Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
  • Conducted performance evaluations for staff members, identifying areas of improvement while recognizing outstanding achievements as well.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors, ensuring access to fresh, high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.

Event Coordinator & Restaurant Manager

The Baths Restaurant
01.2010 - 01.2014
  • Planning and budgeting of functions and weddings, managing over 200 weddings on the day, selling functions and weddings, managing staff, stock control
  • Managed event logistics and operations.
  • Adapted quickly when faced with unexpected challenges or changes in plans, maintaining composure while finding effective solutions.
  • Ensured timely execution of all wedding day tasks, facilitating smooth transitions between ceremony components.
  • Oversaw setup and breakdown of wedding decorations and supplies.
  • Designed detailed timelines for each wedding event, ensuring clear expectations were set and met by all parties involved.
  • Coordinated team members with focus on productivity, efficiency and enhancing customer experience.
  • Hired, trained and mentored staff to meet and exceed high quality standards.

Event Assistant & translator

Disman's radio children's ensemble
01.2005 - 01.2014
  • Translating on overseas tours and for foreign audiences (United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, Japan)
  • Participated in pre-event planning meetings, providing input on event themes and strategies for success.
  • Supported overall theatre operations by taking on additional tasks as needed, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability within a fast-paced environment.
  • Participated in post-production meetings to offer insights and suggestions for future improvements, contributing to ongoing organizational growth and development.

FOH Supervisor, Bartender

Morgans Restaurant & Bar
02.2013 - 07.2013
  • Streamlined FOH operations for increased efficiency and enhanced guest experience.
  • Implemented new training programs for FOH staff, resulting in improved performance and reduced turnover rates.
  • Maintained open lines of communication between FOH supervisors, BOH managers, and owners for successful collaboration on daily operations.
  • Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
  • Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
  • Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.

Event Manager (wedding specialist)

Oldservis.cz
01.2010 - 01.2013
  • Created and designed tailor-made wedding plans to maximize client budget, keep client happy and cultivate referrals.
  • Managed budgets and negotiated contracts with vendors, ensuring cost-effective event execution.
  • Nurtured and built relationships with vendors, venues and industry contacts to obtain best pricing and services for events.
  • Streamlined event planning processes by implementing efficient project management strategies.
  • Ensured timely execution of all wedding day tasks, facilitating smooth transitions between ceremony components.
  • Oversaw setup and breakdown of wedding decorations and supplies.
  • Implemented creative solutions to last-minute challenges or changes, maintaining client satisfaction during high-pressure situations.
  • Directed pace of wedding and reception through multitasking and liaising with vendors to carry out event as planned with little or no deviations.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in culinary management, hospitality -

William Angliss Institute
01.2018

Skills

  • Operations Management
  • Production Management
  • Post-event Analysis
  • Team Leadership
  • Onsite Execution
  • Culinary Skills
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Hospitality
  • Event Management
  • Art handling
  • Guest complaint resolution
  • Staff Training

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Czech
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Wedding & Events Manager

Jackalope Hotels
08.2023 - Current

Area Manager - Melbourne

Black Star Pastry
05.2021 - 08.2023

General Manager

Rain Room Australia
08.2019 - Current

Events operations manager

Jackalope Hotels
02.2017 - 08.2019

Restaurant Manager

Coast Restaurant
01.2014 - 02.2017

FOH Supervisor, Bartender

Morgans Restaurant & Bar
02.2013 - 07.2013

Event Coordinator & Restaurant Manager

The Baths Restaurant
01.2010 - 01.2014

Event Manager (wedding specialist)

Oldservis.cz
01.2010 - 01.2013

Event Assistant & translator

Disman's radio children's ensemble
01.2005 - 01.2014

Bachelor's Degree in culinary management, hospitality -

William Angliss Institute

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