Growth and upliftment
Hi, I’m
Charlene Van Zyl
Business: Management: Sales and Marketing
Cape Town,Western Cape
Summary
I am a Goal-oriented leader with distinguished experience in the Sales and Marketing field with proven leadership abilities. I am committed to streamlining procedures while optimizing employee talent. I have a proven track record of creating and implementing successful sales and marketing strategies regardless of scale and budget. I excel at maximizing profits. Performs market research, develops strategic reports and organizes and promotes successful marketing campaigns. I Understand the importance of working with customers and other executives, as well as keeping staff informed and motivated.
Overview
14
years of professional experience
2
Languages
Work History
ITC Hospitality GroupCape Town
Director of Sales and Marketing
06.2024 - Current
Job overview
- Analyzed sales and marketing data for improved strategies.
- Analyzed industry trends and competitor activities to inform strategic decision-making and maintain a competitive edge.
- Increased sales revenue by implementing innovative marketing strategies and fostering strong relationships with clients.
- Conducted market research to identify potential areas of growth for future product development initiatives.
- Boosted company''s brand visibility through targeted advertising campaigns and social media engagement.
- Mentored junior staff members on best practices for successful sales techniques, resulting in higher close rates across the team.
- Cultivated long-term partnerships with key industry influencers, strengthening the company''s credibility in the marketplace.
- Developed comprehensive sales plans for business growth, resulting in significant market share expansion.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Implemented efficient CRM systems to track leads, manage customer interactions, and streamline the sales process.
- Secured major client contracts by delivering persuasive presentations that highlighted the value of our products and services.
- Optimized digital marketing efforts through SEO improvements, PPC campaigns, email marketing initiatives, resulting in increased web traffic and lead generation.
- Facilitated regular communication between Sales and Marketing teams to ensure seamless collaboration on campaigns and client outreach efforts.
- Spearheaded trade show participation to showcase products and services, generating valuable leads and networking opportunities.
- Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
- Held one-on-one meetings with sales team members to identify selling hurdles and offered insight into best remedy.
- Collaborated with advertising group to create uniformity between advertising messages and retail incentives.
- Facilitated business by implementing practical networking techniques.
- Boosted marketing, reviewed pricing strategies and expanded distribution channels to increase sales revenue.
ITC Hospitality GroupCape Town
General Manager
04.2018 - 05.2024
Job overview
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Increased overall company efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies.
- Developed and executed strategic plans for business growth and expansion, resulting in increased market share.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Analyzed market trends/data to identify potential opportunities for business growth within existing or emerging markets successfully.
- Directed comprehensive sales efforts to exceed revenue targets consistently while maintaining customer satisfaction levels.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Spearheaded development of new market strategy, significantly enhancing brand recognition and customer base with innovative advertising campaigns.
- Negotiated with suppliers to secure better pricing, reducing operational costs while maintaining product quality.
- Accelerated digital transformation by overseeing adoption of cloud-based solutions, improving data accessibility and security.
- Drove revenue growth by identifying and penetrating new market segments with tailored marketing strategies.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
TotalStayCape Town
Sales and Reservations Manager
05.2017 - 03.2018
Job overview
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently managing reservations and providing exceptional service.
- Consulted with central reservations to discuss new rate plans and promotions.
- Managed online booking inquiries and assisted guests and travel partners with questions throughout entire booking cycle.
- Participated in industry events or networking opportunities to build relationships with travel partners or industry professionals for referral business generation purposes.
- Analyzed booking trends to forecast occupancy rates accurately, informing revenue management decisions.
- Managed team of reservation agents, ensuring high-quality service and accurate bookings.
- Effectively resolved guest issues related to reservations, resulting in satisfied customers and positive reviews.
- Implemented training programs for reservation agents, improving their skills and enhancing overall performance.
- Coordinated group bookings for events or conferences, ensuring a seamless process from inquiry to checkout.
- Streamlined reservation processes for increased efficiency and improved guest experience.
- Adjusted sales strategies to changing conditions, such as increased local competition and decreased industry rates.
- Negotiated contracts with corporate clients for preferred rates or allotments, strengthening partnerships and generating additional revenue streams.
- Acted as a liaison between reservations and other hotel departments, ensuring seamless communication and efficient problem resolution.
- Spoke with local travel agents to arrange discounted hotel offers to improve booking levels.
- Created rate plans and worked with revenue manager to boost occupancy and average achieved room rate.
- Conducted regular audits of reservation records, maintaining accuracy and reducing discrepancies.
- Monitored inventory levels across multiple booking channels, preventing overbooking incidents and maximizing room revenue opportunities.
- Handled special requests from guests with utmost professionalism, personalizing their stay experience whenever possible.
- Maintained strong relationships with key clients, resulting in repeat business and increased bookings.
- Maintained accurate records of bookings on hotel reservation system and forecasted probable revenue streams.
- Developed policies and procedures for the reservations department, ensuring consistency and adherence to brand standards.
- Provided customers with information about availability and pricing.
- Provided high level of customer service to each person by engaging customer and using active listening and effective interpersonal skills.
- Monitored customer reviews and feedback to maintain satisfaction and provide superior customer service.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Reduced waste and pursued revenue development strategies to keep department aligned with sales and profit targets.
- Contributed innovative ideas to improve reservation management software functionality based on user experiences.
Cape PortfoliosCape Town
Reservations Manager
09.2015 - 04.2017
Job overview
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently managing reservations and providing exceptional service.
- Consulted with central reservations to discuss new rate plans and promotions.
- Managed online booking inquiries and assisted guests and travel partners with questions throughout entire booking cycle.
- Handled special requests from guests with utmost professionalism, personalizing their stay experience whenever possible.
- Acted as a liaison between reservations and other hotel departments, ensuring seamless communication and efficient problem resolution.
- Maintained strong relationships with key clients, resulting in repeat business and increased bookings.
- Monitored inventory levels across multiple booking channels, preventing overbooking incidents and maximizing room revenue opportunities.
- Effectively resolved guest issues related to reservations, resulting in satisfied customers and positive reviews.
- Streamlined reservation processes for increased efficiency and improved guest experience.
- Provided customers with information about availability and pricing.
- Answered incoming phone calls and developed friendly rapport with callers while answering questions, making recommendations, and leading conversations to bookings.
- Provided high level of customer service to each person by engaging customer and using active listening and effective interpersonal skills.
- Resolved various issues and discrepancies for customers.
- Handled billing information over phone.
- Handled reservations and answered questions from interested patrons for busy 100-Villa.
- Monitored customer reviews and feedback to maintain satisfaction and provide superior customer service.
- Managed and closed reservation calls to increase bookings by maintaining strong knowledge of resort products, services, and facilities.
- Investigated and identified alternative accommodation solutions for customers to provide superior customer service.
- Informed clients of essential travel information, such as travel times, transportation connections, medical, and visa requirements to facilitate quality service.
In the CityCape Town
Business Development Manager
10.2011 - 08.2015
Job overview
- Generated new business with marketing initiatives and strategic plans.
- Reached out to potential customers via telephone, email, and in-person inquiries.
- Negotiated and closed long-term agreements with new clients in assigned territory.
- Increased client base by identifying new business opportunities and cultivating strong relationships with key decision makers.
- Conducted comprehensive market research and analysis to identify emerging trends and potential areas of expansion.
- Developed customized solutions for clients based on a deep understanding of their unique pain points, delivering exceptional value and driving repeat business.
- Monitored market trends and competitor activities to identify areas of potential opportunity.
- Established relationships with key decision-makers within customer's organization to promote growth and retention.
- Collaborated closely with marketing teams to develop targeted campaigns that generated high-quality leads for the sales pipeline.
- Performed client research and identified opportunities for account growth, account penetration and market expansion.
- Facilitated regular communication with clients to ensure their needs were met, fostering long-lasting relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
- Negotiated lucrative contracts with suppliers and vendors, securing favorable pricing and terms for the company.
- Represented company and promoted products at conferences and industry events.
- Mentored junior team members in effective sales techniques, fostering a high-performance culture within the organization.
- Delivered compelling sales presentations to prospective clients, highlighting the unique value proposition of our products and services.
- Established valuable partnerships with complementary businesses, creating mutually beneficial synergies that accelerated growth for both parties.
- Led cross-functional teams to successfully execute complex projects, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of accounts, consistently exceeding revenue targets through upselling strategies and exceptional customer service.
- Leveraged industry events to network with potential clients, generating significant brand exposure and driving new business acquisition efforts.
- Enhanced the company''s profitability by identifying and eliminating inefficiencies in existing business processes.
- Kept meticulous client notes and updated account information in company databases.
- Launched new product lines by conducting extensive competitor analysis and identifying gaps in existing market offerings.
- Fostered culture of innovation, encouraging team members to propose new ideas for products and services.
- Enhanced internal communications, implementing new intranet platform for more efficient information sharing.
- Participated in trade shows and conferences to network and generate leads.
- Improved sales team performance with targeted training programs focused on advanced sales techniques and product knowledge.
- Implemented CRM tools to better track sales opportunities and customer interactions.
- Coordinated with product development teams to ensure offerings met market demands and client expectations.
- Secured high-value accounts through persistent and strategic outreach efforts.
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
- Strengthened client relationships, conducting regular follow-up meetings to ensure satisfaction and uncover additional needs.
- Developed and maintained strategic partnerships to provide added value to clients and increase competitive advantage.
- Streamlined contract renewal processes to enhance customer retention rates.
- Drove revenue growth by identifying and securing new business opportunities in untapped markets.
- Negotiated favorable terms in partnership agreements, ensuring long-term profitability and stability.
- Conducted market analysis to identify trends and adjust business strategies accordingly.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Prepared sales presentations for clients showing success and credibility of products.
- Implemented systems and procedures to increase sales.
Education
University Of Cape TownCape Town, South Africa
Post Graduate Diploma from Business Management in Marketing
04.2001
University Overview
- Post Graduate Degree, Business Management in Marketing (HONS), UCT
- Online Marketing - UCT certificate
- Degree Awarded with [Honors]
Skills
Time Management
Interests
Property
Networking
Traveling
Technical snapshot
- Social media management software
- Hospitality management software
- CRM software
- Sales management Software
- Revenue management software
- Website management software
- AL Tools to improve business functions
Travels
- UK
- Scotland
- France
- Italy
- Austria
- Germany
- Netherlands
Personal Information
- ID Number: 7907150058088
- Notice Period: 1 calendar month
- Date of Birth: 07/15/79
- Nationality: South African
Timeline
Director of Sales and Marketing
ITC Hospitality Group
06.2024 - Current
General Manager
ITC Hospitality Group
04.2018 - 05.2024
Sales and Reservations Manager
TotalStay
05.2017 - 03.2018
Reservations Manager
Cape Portfolios
09.2015 - 04.2017
Business Development Manager
In the City
10.2011 - 08.2015
University Of Cape Town
Post Graduate Diploma from Business Management in Marketing
04.2001