Aristide Bandora

Commercial and operations manager with more than 10 years of experience across premium retail, merchandising, partnerships and large-scale cultural productions. Experienced in combining commercial strategy, consumer experience and operational execution within fast-paced environments. Strong background in stakeholder management, sales leadership, event production and brand collaborations.

Known as a hands-on and entrepreneurial professional who connects creativity, business development and operational excellence. Comfortable working across international environments, managing teams, budgets and cross-functional collaborations.

Senior Project Coordinator / Project Manager at JobRoad ivzw – AMIF Programme (2023-04 – 2026-04)

• Coordinate complex multi-stakeholder programmes within international frameworks
• Manage partnerships, reporting, operational planning and budget follow-up
• Lead cross-functional collaboration between public and private sector partners
• Drive programme execution in dynamic, high-pressure environments
• Facilitate strategic collaboration and stakeholder engagement across multiple organisations

Manager at Beestig Festival (Gentse Feesten) (2025-01 – Present)

• Led the development and production of a new youth-focused festival initiative
• Coordinated production planning, suppliers and operational teams
• Managed budget follow-up and event evaluation

Freelance Partnership Manager at Gentse Feesten (2023-01 – Present)

• Developed partnerships with cultural organisations, brands and local stakeholders
• Strengthened long-term collaborations within the festival ecosystem
• Contributed to operational coordination and event production support during the festival period

Business Unit Manager at Café Costume Business Unit (2013-01 – 2019-01)

• Managed premium menswear retail operations with annual turnover of €1.6M
• Led sales, merchandising and customer experience strategy
• Responsible for assortment presentation, styling and commercial performance
• Managed team performance, KPIs and client relationships
• Developed strong understanding of premium consumer behavior and fashion retail operations

General Manager at ABSTRKT Events (2014-01 – 2021-01)

• Led the creation and production of nightlife and cultural event concepts
• Responsible for event operations, logistics, supplier coordination and crew management
• Negotiated collaborations with organisers, venues and partners
• Managed budgets and operational planning for multiple event productions
• Delivered large-scale nightlife and cultural events with strong audience engagement

Bachelor Marketing Hogeschool Gent