Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
Esther Petronalla Ayers

Esther Petronalla Ayers

Manageress
Vaalwater

Summary

Lodge Manager experienced in enhancing guest satisfaction through strategic planning and exceptional customer service. Achieved improved operational efficiency and a positive workplace culture by implementing cost-saving initiatives and managing budgets effectively. Focused on delivering consistent results through strong leadership and team collaboration.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Game Farm & Lodge Manager

Zangarna Investments CC
07.2019 - Current
  • Managed lodge operations for optimal efficiency, streamlining processes, and reducing costs.
  • Managed day-to-day operations of lodging facility, scheduling staff and overseeing budgets.
  • Managed budgets, inventory control, and purchasing to optimize financial performance while maintaining quality standards.
  • Managed staff schedules, optimizing workforce efficiency and maintaining adequate coverage.
  • Enhanced staff performance through ongoing training, clear communication, and regular evaluations.
  • Implemented training programs enhancing team performance and improving service delivery.
  • Hired and trained new employees, demonstrating best methods for serving clients and guests.
  • Cultivated a positive workplace atmosphere that boosted employee morale and resulted in higher retention rates among staff.
  • Established a culture of exceptional service within the team by modeling desired behaviors and setting high expectations for performance.
  • Implemented successful strategies to increase customer satisfaction.
  • Handled guest complaints and offered complimentary services to maintain high guest satisfaction rates.
  • Established and upheld high standards, promoting great customer service and assistance to guests.
  • Assisted guests by gathering necessary details for reservations to ensure satisfaction.
  • Implemented cost-saving initiatives in various departments without compromising service quality or guest experience.
  • Oversaw daily operations ensuring guest satisfaction and adherence to service standards.

Lodge Management Couple/Consultant

Apoka Safari Lodge, Wildplaces Africa
12.2018 - 04.2019

December 2018 to April 2019

Position was Probationary

Lodge Management of remotely located lodge, on the Sudanese and Kenyan Border Northern part of Uganda.

Our employment, due to our experience was to bring Lodge to the standards of Southern Africa, including:

Guest liaison.

Guest activity and transfer planning.

Flight arrival and departing provisions.

Systems for stock.

Ordering.

Staff grievances handling and reporting to Outside Consulting Human Resources Firm.

Reintroduced maintenance planning and compiled detailed reports for lodge owners, ensuring ongoing operational standards.

Local Council conformity regulations.

Collaborated with UPDF and UWA to ensure compliance with local regulations and enhance lodge security.

Developed local village upliftment strategies and agreements to improve community relations. Reconnection of these villages are important as this was and is part of the agreement between concession owner, local government and UWA.

Doing site inspection and interaction with local communities to facilitate alternative guest’s experiences and expectations.

Manager/ Administrator

Afrihouse Interior Décor
11.2017 - 12.2018

Reinstated controls and systems to enhance operational efficiency

Monthly accounts and recons

Invoicing and receiving of payments – Capturing them onto Omni

Control stock

Facilitated customer purchases

Liaising with suppliers and customers across borders and timelines.

International Client liaison, shipping and transport requirements

Managed inventory levels

Online and Walk-in Quotations

Educated team on accounts management system

Liaised with suppliers and customers to ensure timely communication and fulfillment across borders

Golf Course Manager

Howick Golf Club
09.2016 - 10.2017
  • Oversaw daily golf course operations, ensuring optimal playing conditions and member satisfaction.
  • Enhanced golfer satisfaction by implementing innovative course maintenance strategies and providing exceptional customer service.
  • Working closely with Green keeper and ground staff onmaintenance schedules for turf management, enhancing course quality and sustainability.
  • Managed budgeting processes, optimizing resource allocation for course improvements and maintenance projects.
  • Monitored financial transactions related to the golf operation while adhering to established budgets for revenue generation and expense control.
  • Increased membership retention rates through targeted marketing promotions and personalized member engagement strategies.
  • Coordinated events and tournaments, fostering community engagement and promoting club membership growth.
  • Oversaw clubhouse operations including pro shop merchandise sales, food and beverage offerings, as well as event planning functions for private parties or special events.
  • Promoted a positive work environment by providing ongoing support, recognition, and constructive feedback to all staff members.
  • Led team training initiatives, improving staff performance and service delivery across all departments.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
  • Engaged with customers to build rapport and enhance service experience. to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Organized shift schedules based on customer demand and staff availability., taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
  • Monitored employee attendance records to identify and address punctuality issues. and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
  • Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.

Lodge General Manager

RARE EARTH RETREATS EKUTHULENI & TSHWENE LODGES
09.2015 - 02.2017

Properties situated in the heart of the reserve, each Lodge consisted of 10 beds, seven staff per property. Although the reserve and several other properties in the reserve have been in existence for several years, it was a quiet and unknown commodity to the traveler. The properties were conveniently and more frequently occupied over weekends and long weekends, mostly by South African travelers. The most important of this position was to amalgamate the staff as a team and iron out staffing issues and create workable routines and schedules. Ensuring reserve and company policies and procedures were adhered to. Participated in regular meetings organized by reserve management. Attend training and orientation seminars from the Reserve Management. Ensuring safety and security measures to ensure the safety of all guests and staff at all times. Creating cost effective measures and implementation of controls.

  • Directed daily operations to enhance guest satisfaction and ensure seamless lodge services.
  • Established operational protocols that improved efficiency and streamlined guest check-in processes.
  • Fostered relationships with local vendors to enhance service offerings and community engagement.
  • Led team meetings focused on operational improvements and staff development initiatives.
  • Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
  • Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
  • Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
  • Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
  • Established comprehensive employee training programs to develop skills, improve productivity, and maintain compliance with industry regulations.
  • Maximized operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
  • Properties situated in the heart of the reserve, each Lodge consisted of 10 beds, seven staff per property. Although the reserve and several other properties in the reserve has been in existence for several years, it was a quiet and unknown commodity to the traveler. The properties were conveniently and more occupied over weekends and long weekends, mostly South African travelers. The most important of this position was to amalgamate the staff as a team and iron out staffing issues and create workable routines and schedules. Ensuring reserve and company polices and procedures were adhered to. Attend meetings as per schedules by Reserve Management. Attend training and orientation seminars from the Reserve Management. Ensuring safety and security measures to ensure the safety of all guests and staff at all times. Creating cost effective measures and implementation of controls.

LODGE & OPERATIONS MANAGER

Elephant Valley Lodge
03.2012 - 05.2015
  • Developed and implemented operational strategies that improved guest satisfaction and streamlined processes.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to maximize customer satisfaction.
  • Trained and mentored staff on best practices in hospitality management and customer service excellence.
  • Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
  • Oversaw daily operations, ensuring efficient resource allocation and adherence to quality standards.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
  • Managed budgetary constraints while optimizing supply chain processes and vendor relationships.
  • Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
  • Led initiatives to reduce waste and promote sustainability within lodge operations, enhancing environmental impact.
  • Established standard operating procedures to ensure compliance with industry regulations and safety protocols.
  • Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
  • Oversaw facility maintenance, ensuring optimal functionality of equipment and infrastructure at all times.
  • Facilitated smooth collaboration between departments through clear communication channels.
  • Managed budgets effectively, consistently delivering projects on-time and within financial constraints.
  • Achieved higher employee retention rates by fostering a positive work environment and providing opportunities for professional growth.
  • Directed initiatives to improve work environment, company culture or overall business strategy.
  • Spearheaded process improvements, resulting in increased productivity and reduced operational costs.
  • Implemented quality control systems to boost overall product consistency and reliability.
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
  • Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors, resulting in better pricing and improved service quality.
  • Analyzed and reported on key performance metrics to senior management.
  • Addressed customer complaints promptly and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.

Education

Oxbridge Bridging Certificate - Human Resources

Oxbridge Academy
Cape Town
04.2001 -

Post Graduate Certificate - Management Information Systems

Roehampton University
London, United Kingdom
04.2001 -

ISO 9000 : 2000 Series Auditor/ Lead Auditor - Quality Management Systems

BM Tradar Certification
Midrand
04.2001 -

ISO 9001: 2000 INTERNAL AUDITOR - ISO 9001 : 2000 Quality Management Systems

Moody Certification SA 09/05/0059
Midrand
04.2001 -

Skills

Guest relations management

Reservation management

Property maintenance

Food and beverage operations

Menu development

Catering management

Operational efficiency

Inventory management

Budget management

Decision-making

Payment processing

Scheduling

Work Planning and Prioritization

Staff training

Staff recruitment

Performance evaluations

Quality assurance

Operational streamlining

Continuous improvement

Strategic planning

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Critical thinking

Decision-making

Conflict resolution

Effective communication

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Attention to detail

Customer service

Client satisfaction

Adaptability and flexibility

Teamwork and leadership

Flexible schedule

Computer skills

Microsoft office proficiency

Event planning

Project management

Room inspections

Pricing strategy

Event planning

Performance evaluations

Food and beverage knowledge

Cost control

Budget management

Supply purchasing

Strategic planning

Timeline

Game Farm & Lodge Manager

Zangarna Investments CC
07.2019 - Current

Lodge Management Couple/Consultant

Apoka Safari Lodge, Wildplaces Africa
12.2018 - 04.2019

Manager/ Administrator

Afrihouse Interior Décor
11.2017 - 12.2018

Golf Course Manager

Howick Golf Club
09.2016 - 10.2017

Lodge General Manager

RARE EARTH RETREATS EKUTHULENI & TSHWENE LODGES
09.2015 - 02.2017

LODGE & OPERATIONS MANAGER

Elephant Valley Lodge
03.2012 - 05.2015

Oxbridge Bridging Certificate - Human Resources

Oxbridge Academy
04.2001 -

Post Graduate Certificate - Management Information Systems

Roehampton University
04.2001 -

ISO 9000 : 2000 Series Auditor/ Lead Auditor - Quality Management Systems

BM Tradar Certification
04.2001 -

ISO 9001: 2000 INTERNAL AUDITOR - ISO 9001 : 2000 Quality Management Systems

Moody Certification SA 09/05/0059
04.2001 -
Esther Petronalla AyersManageress