Yugesh Praba

A dedicated and highly motivated food and beverage professional with extensive experience across several well-established companies. Skilled in inventory management, staff supervision, customer service excellence, and delivering high-quality dining experiences in fast-paced environments. Strong leadership and communication abilities, with proven expertise in managing bar, kitchen, and service operations.

Currently holding WSET Level 2 certification and preparing to pursue WSET Level 3 by the end of this year, demonstrating a strong commitment to professional growth. Aspiring to grow as an Sommelier, applying wine knowledge and service skills to enhance guest dining experiences.

Wine Retail Executive at Muihua Sdn Bhd (2026-01 – Present)

• Served as the in-house wine specialist, delivering personalised recommendations based on varietals, regions, and customer preferences across different dining occasions.
• Advised customers on food and wine pairings, aligning selections with menu offerings to enhance the overall dining experience.
• Provided professional wine service, including pouring and presentation of premium wines, champagnes, spirits, and sake.
• Built and maintained strong relationships with VIP and high-value clients through tailored service and product knowledge.
• Achieved individual sales of up to RM20,000, demonstrating strong sales performance and upselling ability.
• Managed daily lounge and retail operations, including opening and closing procedures while maintaining high service standards.
• Trained and mentored new and part-time staff on wine knowledge, service etiquette, and customer engagement.
• Prepared daily sales reports and managed POS systems for transactions and inventory tracking.
• Ensured proper wine storage, handling, and presentation in line with quality standards.

Senior Wine Executive at BoozeIt Retail Sdn Bhd (MILAWA) (2024-03 – 2025-10)

Provided expert advice and recommendations on wine and spirits to customers, helping them make informed purchasing decisions.

• Provide expert advice and recommendations on wine and spirits to customers, helping them make informed purchasing decisions.
• Achieve and consistently exceed sales targets by delivering exceptional customer service and demonstrating in-depth product knowledge.
• Develop and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with customers, encouraging repeat business and customer loyalty.
• Stay informed about the latest trends in the wine and spirits industry and product developments to provide customers with up-to-date information.
• Manage inventory levels, ensuring products are stocked and displays are well-organised and visually appealing to maximise sales.
• Handle customer inquiries, resolve issues, and process transactions efficiently, maintaining a positive store environment.
• Train and mentor junior sales representatives, providing guidance and support as they adjust to their roles and responsibilities.
• Provided wine pairing recommendations that enhanced guest satisfaction and increased sales by 50%.
• Participated in wine tastings and events, educating guests about various wine regions and varietals.

Head of Department (HOD) at GCH Retail Malaysia Sdn Bhd (2023-02-05 – 2024-02-05)

• Managed morning (AOD) and afternoon (MOD) shifts for the Beer, Spirits & Wine and other beverage departments, ensuring seamless daily operations.
• Supervised, trained, and motivated team members by assigning daily tasks, monitoring performance, and setting clear targets to achieve departmental goals.
• Oversaw all aspects of inventory management, including stock counts, pricing strategies, promotional planning, and product placement to maximise sales and minimise shrinkage.
• Organised and led high-impact promotional roadshows, engaging customers through product knowledge sessions and personalised recommendations to drive revenue growth.
• Delivered professional wine service and bartending across different branches, including Mercato, enhancing customer experiences with product expertise and refined service standards.
• Handled cashiering operations, guided customers through payment procedures, and ensured all transactions were processed accurately and efficiently.
• Coordinated stock intake and system updates, streamlining processes to ensure product availability and smooth store operations.
• Collaborated closely with divisional and store managers to execute store closing tasks, shift handovers, and operational updates effectively.
• Ensured strict compliance with safety, sanitation, and company policies, maintaining a clean and secure environment for both staff and customers.
• Analysed sales data and customer feedback to identify opportunities for improving product mix, service quality, and team performance.
• Played a key role in driving customer satisfaction through exceptional service delivery and expert beverage recommendations.

Service Supervisor at The Parkcity Club (2022-01-07 – 2023-02-08)

• Led a team in daily café operations, ensuring excellent customer service and a smooth workflow across all departments.
• Supervised shifts, managing bar, kitchen, and floor operations to maintain efficiency and consistent service quality.
• Provided beer, wine, and beverage service, demonstrating product expertise and ensuring a memorable guest experience.
• Trained and mentored team members in beverage preparation, customer interaction, and adherence to safety and sanitation standards.
• Handled cashier systems and online payment methods (QR, DuitNow, etc.), ensuring accuracy in all transactions.
• Planned, decorated, and organised events from start to finish, ensuring visually appealing setups and seamless execution.
• Collaborated with the kitchen crew to maintain high food quality standards and timely delivery during regular service and special events.
• Developed creative event concepts and promotions to attract customers and boost revenue.

Service Supervisor at Ben's By The Big Group (2021-04-02 – 2022-08-05)

• Supervised and trained a team of 20 service staff, maintaining high standards of customer service and operational efficiency.
• Managed daily restaurant operations by overseeing the dining area, ensuring timely order delivery, and facilitating clear communication between kitchen and front-of-house teams.
• Addressed customer inquiries, complaints, and special requests with professionalism, ensuring guest satisfaction and fostering repeat business.
• Oversaw inventory management and stock control, ensuring adequate supply levels, minimising waste, and optimising cost efficiency.
• Drove upselling initiatives and recommended menu items to enhance the dining experience and increase sales revenue.
• Ensured full compliance with health and safety regulations, maintaining a clean, organised, and safe environment for staff and guests.

Catering Crew (Ambassador & Team Leader) at Convex Malaysia (2019-05-03 – 2021-03-04)

• Served as the brand ambassador for Convex, representing the company at large-scale events and ensuring brand values were consistently upheld.
• Led a catering crew and managed over 40 trainees, providing training and mentorship in customer service, event setup, and catering operations.
• Organised and coordinated events of up to 6,000 guests, working closely with the kitchen crew to ensure seamless execution from food and beverage preparation to service and breakdown.
• Delivered professional wine and beverage service, enhancing guest experiences with strong product knowledge and refined service techniques.
• Directed event staff and delegated tasks to ensure efficient service flow and timely completion of all duties during high-profile events.
• Maintained strict adherence to food safety and sanitation guidelines, ensuring a clean, organised, and professional service environment.
• Consistently achieved high levels of guest satisfaction and positive client feedback through exceptional service delivery and attention to detail.

Undergraduate Diploma in Food and Beverage – Kolej Breyer CQTEC Gombak (2016 – 2018)

Pentaksiran Tingkatan Tiga (PT3) – SMK Seri Selayang (2012 – 2015)