Available to hire
Hi, I’m Jakov Salata. I’m a Croatian professional with extensive experience in retail, hospitality, and administration. I excel at organizing operations, coordinating teams, and delivering results under pressure, while maintaining professional communication with customers, suppliers, government institutions, and colleagues.
In my leadership roles I’ve guided reorganizations, centralized procurement across multiple locations, negotiated favorable terms with partners, and implemented infrastructure improvements. I value reliability and keeping commitments, which has helped me advance to positions with greater responsibility and to build a broad network of contacts.
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
Croatian
Fluent
English
Fluent
German
Beginner
Italian
Beginner
Work Experience
Manager at Acetaria d.o.o.
September 1, 2024 - PresentLed a business reorganization focused on more efficient use of employees' time to reduce resource wastage. Introduced innovations in the administrative and accounting areas, negotiated new clients, and expanded the business. Initiated and implemented infrastructure improvements, including relocating the warehouse to a facility with better working conditions.
Director of Procurement at Huber & Elmwood Distribucija d.o.o./Gastro Gerila Assets d.o.o.
September 1, 2024 - September 26, 2025Continued to serve as the second-in-command alongside the director at Umami Restaurants, overseeing restaurant operations and previous responsibilities, while taking on the majority of tasks across all locations. Centralized procurement for multiple branches and companies, including Umami Restaurants (Osijek and Zagreb), Boutique Hotel Tvrđa in Osijek, Rubicon Pub in Osijek, and Čingli Lingi Restaurant in Osijek. Optimized supplier contracts, securing better terms and enhancing the reputation of all units. The business strategy was to centralize all procurement activities through a single company coordinating purchasing processes and partnerships for the mentioned establishments.
Manager at Gastro Gerila d.o.o. (Umami restaurants)
September 1, 2023 - September 26, 2025As a manager, I was responsible for negotiating with suppliers and business partners, securing new collaborations, and targeting and opening new branch locations. I participated in making key business decisions in coordination with the director, ensuring company growth and operational efficiency.
Office Manager & Restaurant Manager at Gastro Gerila d.o.o. (Umami restaurants)
December 31, 2022 - September 26, 2025I was promoted to the position of Restaurant Manager while continuing to supervise staff trained for administrative tasks. I was responsible for managing four Umami restaurants, including negotiating with partners, recruiting, and fostering good interpersonal relationships within the locations. I oversaw profitability, inventory status, and overall operational organization across the restaurants. I regularly coordinated cooperation between the restaurants and the central kitchen, maintained ongoing communication with employees, and worked closely with the director, operations manager, head waiters, and head chefs.
Freelance Event Organizer - Music & Nightlife Events at Self-employed
August 1, 2022 - September 26, 2025Alongside my full-time job, I independently organized and managed music-themed parties and nightlife events from concept to execution. I secured venues by building relationships with club and bar owners and negotiated favorable terms. I coordinated with DJs, technicians, and security to ensure smooth operations. I also secured sponsorships with local brands to enhance events and cover costs. Additionally, I managed guest lists, ticketing, and promotions via social media and influencers, while overseeing budget planning, contract negotiations, and logistics to deliver high-quality events within budget.
Office Manager at Gastro Gerila d.o.o. (Umami restaurants)
December 31, 2021 - September 26, 2025I was responsible for various administrative tasks, including managing warehouse inventory, preparing payroll data for accounting, drafting contracts, and submitting reports to the Croatian Pension Insurance Institute (HZMO) and Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO). I also coordinated order processing, documentation collection, and applications for work permits.
Waiter at Bonaca Restaurant, Zaprešić
September 30, 2020 - September 26, 2025I worked as a waiter in a restaurant serving a diverse clientele, including business professionals and demanding guests. I developed the ability to maintain a professional and friendly attitude with everyone, work well under pressure, and handle challenging situations, including improvising when things did not go as planned.
Driver / Vehicle Rental Assistant at A-Anticus d.o.o. (Sixt Rent-a-Car)
September 30, 2019 - September 26, 2025I started at the car rental company as a driver and was soon promoted to the position responsible for vehicle rental due to my fluent English skills and ability to build friendly relationships with clients. I handled vehicle condition inspections, documentation, and ensured smooth operations. Additionally, I was adept at managing difficult situations, such as resolving issues related to vehicle damage upon return.
Waiter at Piacanis d.o.o.
June 30, 2019 - September 26, 2025Serving guests, taking orders, and ensuring the cleanliness of the premises and smooth service flow. Due to my serious approach to work and organizational skills, I was promoted to Head Waiter in 2018.
Student / Seasonal Worker at Various (School Holidays)
December 31, 2017 - September 26, 2025During school holidays, I worked in a restaurant and fast food establishment, where I gained experience in food preparation and teamwork.
Manager at Acetaria d.o.o.
September 1, 2024 - PresentLed a business reorganization to optimize employee time, introduced administrative and accounting innovations, negotiated new clients, expanded the business, and relocated the warehouse to a facility with better working conditions.
Director of Procurement at Huber & Elmwood Distribucija d.o.o./Gastro Gerila Assets d.o.o.
September 1, 2024 - September 26, 2025Second-in-command alongside the director at Umami Restaurants; centralized procurement for multiple locations; optimized supplier contracts and terms; coordinated purchasing across the units; implemented a centralized procurement model.
Manager at Gastro Gerila d.o.o. (Umami Restaurants)
September 1, 2023 - September 26, 2025Negotiated with suppliers and business partners, secured new collaborations, and targeted/opened new branch locations; participated in key decisions to ensure growth and operational efficiency.
Office Manager & Restaurant Manager at Gastro Gerila d.o.o. (Umami Restaurants)
December 1, 2022 - September 26, 2025Managed four Umami restaurants; supervised staff; negotiated with partners; recruited; oversaw profitability and inventory; coordinated with central kitchen and leadership to ensure smooth operations.
Freelance Event Organizer - Music & Nightlife Events at Self-employed
August 1, 2022 - September 26, 2025Organized and managed music-themed parties and nightlife events from concept to execution; secured venues, coordinated with DJs and staff, obtained sponsorships, and managed marketing and budgeting.
Office Manager at Gastro Gerila d.o.o. (Umami Restaurants)
December 1, 2021 - September 26, 2025Managed warehouse inventory, prepared payroll data for accounting, drafted contracts, and submitted reports to HZMO and HZZO; coordinated order processing and work permit applications.
Waiter at Bonaca Restaurant, Zaprešić
September 1, 2020 - September 26, 2025Provided professional and friendly service to a diverse clientele; worked well under pressure and managed challenging situations with composure.
Rental Agent at A-Anticus d.o.o. (Sixt Rent-a-Car)
September 1, 2019 - September 26, 2025Began as a driver and promoted to vehicle rental responsibilities; performed vehicle inspections and documentation; resolved issues related to vehicle damage upon return; built strong client relationships.
Waiter at Piacanis d.o.o.
June 1, 2019 - September 26, 2025Waiter; promoted to Head Waiter in 2018; ensured quality service and teamwork.
Student Worker at Various
December 31, 2017 - September 26, 2025Holiday jobs in restaurant and fast food, gaining experience in food preparation and teamwork.
Manager at Acetaria d.o.o.
September 1, 2024 - PresentLed a business reorganization to optimize staff time, introduced administrative and accounting innovations, negotiated new clients, and expanded the business. Initiated infrastructure improvements, including relocating the warehouse to a facility with better working conditions.
Director of Procurement at Huber & Elmwood Distribucija d.o.o./Gastro Gerila Assets d.o.o.
September 1, 2024 - September 26, 2025Continued as second-in-command at Umami Restaurants, overseeing restaurant operations and centralizing procurement for multiple branches and companies. Optimized supplier contracts, secured better terms, and centralized purchasing through a single coordinating entity.
Manager at Gastro Gerila d.o.o. (Umami restaurants)
September 1, 2023 - September 26, 2025Negotiated with suppliers and partners, secured new collaborations, and targeted/opened new branch locations. Participated in key business decisions in coordination with the director to ensure growth and efficiency.
Office Manager & Restaurant Manager at Gastro Gerila d.o.o. (Umami restaurants)
December 31, 2022 - September 26, 2025Promoted to Restaurant Manager; supervised staff trained for administrative tasks. Managed four Umami restaurants, negotiated with partners, recruited, oversaw profitability and inventory, and coordinated with central kitchen and leadership.
Freelance Event Organizer - Music & Nightlife Events at Self-employed
August 31, 2022 - September 26, 2025Organized and managed music-themed parties and nightlife events from concept to execution. Secured venues, coordinated DJs and technicians, secured sponsorships, managed guest lists, ticketing, and promotions; oversaw budgeting and logistics.
Office Manager at Gastro Gerila d.o.o. (Umami restaurants)
December 31, 2021 - September 26, 2025Managed warehouse inventory, prepared payroll data for accounting, drafted contracts, and submitted reports to HZMO and HZZO. Coordinated order processing, documentation collection, and work permit applications.
Waiter at Bonaca Restaurant, Zaprešić
September 1, 2020 - September 26, 2025Provided professional service to a diverse clientele, maintaining composure under pressure and delivering a positive guest experience.
Driver / Vehicle Rental Lead at A-Anticus d.o.o. (Sixt Rent-a-Car)
September 30, 2019 - September 26, 2025Began as a driver and was promoted to vehicle rental lead. Conducted vehicle condition inspections, documentation, and ensured smooth operations; resolved issues related to vehicle damage on return.
Waiter at Piacanis d.o.o.
June 30, 2019 - September 26, 2025Served guests, took orders, maintained premises, and ensured smooth service flow.
Student Jobs
December 31, 2017 - September 26, 2025Gained early experience in restaurant and fast-food settings during school holidays, developing teamwork and basic service skills.
Education
High School Diploma (Hospitality and Tourism Technician) at Ban Josip Jelačić High School, Zaprešić
September 1, 2013 - May 31, 2017SMART System for Hospitality at SMART System for Hospitality
January 1, 2021 - September 1, 2024Minimax at Minimax
September 1, 2024 - September 26, 2025Adobe Premiere Pro at Adobe
January 1, 2015 - September 26, 2025Hospitality and Tourism Technician (High School Diploma) at Ban Josip Jelačić High School, Zaprešić
September 1, 2013 - May 1, 2017Hospitality and Tourism Technician at Ban Josip Jelačić High School, Zaprešić
September 1, 2013 - May 1, 2017SMART System for Hospitality at SMART System for Hospitality
January 1, 2021 - September 1, 2024Minimax at Minimax
September 1, 2024 - September 26, 2025Adobe Premiere Pro at Adobe Premiere Pro
January 1, 2025 - September 26, 2025Qualifications
SMART System for Hospitality
January 1, 2021 - September 1, 2024Minimax
September 1, 2024 - September 26, 2025Adobe Premiere Pro
January 1, 2015 - September 26, 2025Industry Experience
Travel & Hospitality, Retail, Professional Services, Other, Media & Entertainment
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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