James Karanja
HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT/SENIOR BARTENDER/MIXOLOGIST/ BARISTA
Nairobi
Summary
James is a Professional hospitality specialist with comprehensive experience in lodge management. I am known for strong leadership, effective team collaboration, and delivering consistent results. I adapt at handling guest relations, operational efficiency, and staff development. Aligning with my CV summary, you will note I am a reliable, adaptable, and focused on achieving organizational goals.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Assitant Lodge Manager
Wild Hill by Wild Collection
12.2025 - Current
- I developed the training manual in use for the Food and Beverage across the collection.
- Hosted several VVIP agents from across the continent.
- Curated a top rated bar menu that is popular with guests.
- I am a team developer for the company by retraining their staff.
- Promote the company image by being its brand ambassador across different social platform.
- Smoothly run the day to day operations.
- Relieve the General manager their duties while away on off and official businesses.
Senior Bartender/ Mixologist and Barista
Sanctuary Retreats
01.2024 - 11.2025
- I double up as the bar manager crafting classic cocktails, maintaining bar costs, handling guests' relations, providing exceptional services to the guests and offering specialty coffees such as Cappuccino, Lattes and refreshing mocktails and smoothies.
Senior Bartender/ Mixologist/ Barista
Elewana Collection
01.2022 - 01.2024
- I was charged with the responsibility of developing new menus
- Bar management
- Cost controls at the bar and restaurant
- Maintaining hygiene standards and ensuring guests’ satisfaction for the property.
Group Mixologist/ Bartender
Mada Hotels
01.2021 - 01.2022
- I was tasked with designing menus especially cocktails menus and manuals to be used across all Mada Properties in Kenya.
- I conducted internal trainings for all barmen in the different properties.
Waiter/ Mixologist
Strathmore University
01.2018 - 01.2021
- I offered Food and Beverage services to guests at the facility while offering cocktails and banquet services during special events for high profile guests.
Trainee
SAROVA MARA GAME CAMP
01.2020 - 01.2020
Trainee
Lewa Wilderness Trails Hotel
01.2019 - 01.2019
Host
Sports Kenya/ Kenya School of Monetary Studies Hotel
01.2017 - 01.2017
- I was selected to host local and international journalists during the IAAF junior games held at the Kasarani International Stadium in Kenya in 2017.
Education
Baraka Boys Primary
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality and Tourism Management
Kenyatta University
01-2019
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St. Marys’ College
01-2014
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Starehe Boys Centre and School
01-2014
Skills
Coffee Art
Wine, Beer and Cocktails Expertise
Culinary Knowledge
Customer Service
Glassware management
Mixology proficient
Certification
Certificate in Leadership from Kenyatta University.
Timeline
Assitant Lodge Manager
Wild Hill by Wild Collection
12.2025 - Current
Senior Bartender/ Mixologist and Barista
Sanctuary Retreats
01.2024 - 11.2025
Senior Bartender/ Mixologist/ Barista
Elewana Collection
01.2022 - 01.2024
Group Mixologist/ Bartender
Mada Hotels
01.2021 - 01.2022
Trainee
SAROVA MARA GAME CAMP
01.2020 - 01.2020
Trainee
Lewa Wilderness Trails Hotel
01.2019 - 01.2019
Waiter/ Mixologist
Strathmore University
01.2018 - 01.2021
Host
Sports Kenya/ Kenya School of Monetary Studies Hotel
01.2017 - 01.2017
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality and Tourism Management
Kenyatta University
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St. Marys’ College
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Starehe Boys Centre and School
Baraka Boys Primary