Felix Lopez

Felix Lopez

Chef

Followers of Felix Lopez1000 followers
location of Felix LopezEdinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

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  • Timeline

  • About me

    Tour Guide | Tour Manager | Driver Guide | Spanish & English

  • Education

    • Universidad de Sevilla

      1992 - 1997
      Bachelor of Arts - BA (Hons) History & Geography
    • Queen Margaret University

      2005 - 2006
      Bachelor of Arts - BA Tourism Management
    • CIPD Qualifications

      2020 - 2022
      CIPD Level 5 Human Resource Management
    • North East Scotland College

      2020 - 2020
      Certificate in Equality & Diversity
    • Edinburgh College

      2003 - 2005
      HND Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Experience

    • Various Companies

      Sept 2000 - Aug 2006
      Chef

      Various jobs in catering as Commis Chef, Chef de Partie and Head Chef in restaurants and hotels within the Edinburgh area.

    • Lastminute.com

      Sept 2006 - Nov 2007
      Retail Sales Supervisor

      Supervising the daily business of 3 retail outlets, selling accommodation, travel and tour tickets to customers, bookkeeping.

    • Hotelbeds

      Nov 2007 - Jul 2011

      Preparing tailor-made tours for groups around Europe, quoting on existing and new business, booking accommodation, transport and other services from existing and new suppliers, negotiating rates and extra allocation. Liaising with suppliers on allotment and availability, training clients on how to use the company extranet, checking rates & availability, following up on competitors promotions, creating sales statistics, assisting with marketing promotions, uploading hotels and extra services content in website, finalizing contracts and loading them in online reservations system. Booking accommodation packages for individuals, creating fly-drive programmes on request, sourcing extra services, negotiating rates and additional availability with hotels.

      • Groups Executive

        Feb 2011 - Jul 2011
      • Contracting Executive

        Mar 2010 - Feb 2011
      • FIT Executive

        Nov 2007 - Mar 2010
    • JacTravel

      Jul 2011 - Mar 2012
      Business Development Executive

      • Increased allocated clients accounts turnover by 20%. • Negotiated payment plan with key client bringing to the company over £150k of overdue debt. • Created new itinerary proposals, dealt with new business requests and met clients to discuss their accounts needs. • Developed new business opportunities by effectively communicating product lines to leading international corporations. • Collaborated with peers in other company departments including marketing and sales. • Negotiated and closed long-term agreements with new clients in assigned territory. • Handled client inquiries professionally and efficiently • Quoted prices, credit terms and other bid specifications. • Kept meticulous client notes in SAP. Show less

    • Viajarporescocia.com - Scoziatour.com - Lochnessbus.com (TA Scotland LTD)

      Apr 2012 - Dec 2013
      Driver Guide

      • Conducted engaging tours for diverse groups, delivering insightful commentary on historical and cultural attractions.• Ensured the safety and enjoyment of participants through effective logistics management and adherence to safety guidelines.• Provided exceptional customer service by addressing inquiries, exceeding visitor expectations, and creating a positive atmosphere.• Collaborated with team members to ensure smooth tour operations and a cohesive visitor experience.• Maintained and managed tour equipment, including 16-seater minibus, audio devices etc.• Stayed updated on relevant information about attractions, events, and local developments to enhance knowledge and provide accurate information to visitors.• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in adjusting tour content and delivery based on the needs and interests of the group. Show less

    • ETOA - European tourism association

      Apr 2012 - now
      Tour Guide / Driver Guide

      Providing tailored tours across Scotland for local tour operators and international agencies. I specialize in delivering engaging and informative experiences, combining extensive knowledge of the region's history, culture, and landscapes with excellent client service. My work spans guiding both on coach group tours as well as a driver/guide for high-end clients, ensuring a personalized and seamless journey for diverse audiences.

    • Excursions Ltd

      Jan 2014 - Nov 2014
      Operations Coordinator

      • Planned, organised and managed the shorex operations for high-end cruise ships around Scotland. • Quoted on new business, created tailor made itineraries, contracted services from suppliers, coordinated port calls, managed clients accounts and invoices. • Worked closely with remote colleagues to establish and deliver the clients needs. • Researched and updated all required materials needed for firm and partners. • Carried out day-day-day office duties accurately and efficiently. • Maintained smooth operations of shore excursions through effective and efficient communication. • Supported Head Office in improving operations and resolving issues to deliver top-notch customer service. • Delivered an exceptional level of service to each customer by listening to concerns and answering questions. Show less

    • European Cruise Service

      Jan 2015 - Oct 2020
      Tour and Booking Manager

      • Led the set up and management of a team tasked with recruiting all tour guides required for the business (secured guides for nearly 5000 single day-tours per year). • Also managed all bookings of interpreters, pier-side personnel, and escorts all around the UK and Ireland. • Went from managing 1000 bookings in the first year to 5000 in the fifth year. • Increased the contractors pool from 800 to over 3,000 individuals. • Accurately recorded data, maintained a large database, coordinated the team workload, supervised operations, and liaised with other departments in order to achieve the staffing requirements. • Interviewed applicants, planned team shifts, oversaw HR management and budget planning. • Mentored and trained new staff members. • Managed relevant customer records in line with GDPR regulations for comprehensive company reference. • Adeptly handled a large number of daily inbound calls and email enquiries. • Monitored multiple databases to keep track of all company inventory. Show less

    • Various Companies

      Dec 2020 - Mar 2024
      Talent Acquisition / Recruitment Consultant

      Partnering with diverse organizations to identify and attract top talent across various industries. I successfully managed end-to-end recruitment processes, including sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding, while building strong relationships with hiring managers and candidates. My focus on understanding business needs and market trends enabled me to deliver tailored solutions that supported workforce growth and organizational goals.The companies I worked for during this time were: Manpower, Pertemps, Korn Ferry, and Charles River Laboratories. Show less

  • Licenses & Certifications

    • Assoc CIPD

      CIPD
      Feb 2023
    • Certified Tour Guide / Director

      ETOA - European tourism association
      Mar 2025
    • Life Sciences Foundation

      Korn Ferry
      Jan 2023
      View certificate certificate
    • Excel with LinkedIn Recruiter Assessment

      LinkedIn
      Oct 2022
      View certificate certificate
    • Coaching for LinkedIn Success

      LinkedIn
      Nov 2022
      View certificate certificate
  • Volunteer Experience

    • Minibus Driver

      Issued by Pilton Equalities Project on Jan 2025
      Pilton Equalities ProjectAssociated with Felix Lopez
    • Child Protection Officer

      Issued by Asociacion Española Alba, Edinburgh on Nov 2018
      Asociacion Española Alba, EdinburghAssociated with Felix Lopez
    • Board Member

      Issued by Slow Food Edinburgh on Jan 2009
      Slow Food EdinburghAssociated with Felix Lopez