Kabelo Raymond Thobi
Events And Incentive Specialist
JOHANNESBURG,GP
Summary
Resourceful Specialist offering expertise in problem-solving, data analysis and customer service. Adept at quickly learning new technologies and processes for driving success. Proven track record of successfully managing multiple projects and developing innovative solutions.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Event & Incentive Specialist
Rennies BCD Travel / Bidvest Travel Holdings (Pty) Ltd
02.2022 - Current
- Develop and conduct client site inspections as required and follow-up with site inspection notes, revised estimated budget, Programme itinerary and Programme timeline
- Co-ordinate the Event/Incentive; be available on-site for Event and Incentives which will often include overnight stays
- Schedule, prepare and facilitate weekly team meetings with respective programme teams for each assigned programme. Prepare meeting recaps and distribute to respective team following each team meeting.
- Book Event and Incentive group reservations for air travel, hotel, car (including but not limited to) following-up when necessary to complete the reservation.
- Promote the acceptance of fares, rates and suppliers that match the clients’ travel programme policies and negotiated contracts, where applicable and apply discount programmes appropriately.
- Maintain and promote professional and courteous client relations by managing a prompt and accurate response to telephone and e-mail communications.
Corporate Travel Team Leader (Volkswagen In-House)
Rennies BCD Travel
08.2020 - 01.2022
- Effective management of all the existing activities relating to the provision of personalised, consistent and in many instances, customised quality service to all clients and client types
- Providing 75% consulting services for travelers, including after hours.
- Recruitment and retention of the right people who are instrumental to the retention of clients and the effective implementation of new clients
- Maximising performance from the existing business based on the company measurements of client retention, revenue, expense management, asset and cash management and operating profit.
- Implement, manage, maintain, and train technology systems and processes - Ensure Finance processes are managed and monitored.
- Manage adherence to Client Policies, SLA, and Contractual Supplier Agreements - Supplier Relationship Management.
- Load/test and monitor (spot checks) corporate rates and fares - Coach, Mentor and Develop Staff
- Manage staff administration
Project Manager (Standard Bank In-House and Liberty**)
Rennies BCD Travel M &E (Meetings and Events)
06.2014 - 07.2020
- Perform all skills necessary to manage M.I.C.E
- Functions such as Meetings / Incentives / Conferences / Events
- Take on larger, higher profile events and incentives awarded to the company.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
Programme Manager (AstraZeneca Out-House)
Tourvest Destination Management
04.2012 - 05.2014
- To ensure client expectations are met and the highest delivery of service is driven through the business.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Communicated clearly with employees, suppliers and stakeholders to keep everyone on same page and working toward established business goals.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
Supervisor and Senior Travel Consultant
Uniglobe Sunshine Travel
10.2010 - 03.2012
- Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Handled customer complaints, resolved issues, and adjusted policies to meet changing needs.
- Monitored workflow to improve employee time management and increase productivity.
Intermediate Corporate Travel Consultant
BCD Travel Bloemfontein
01.2010 - 09.2010
- Evaluated competitor offerings to identify potential areas for differentiation and enhancement within the company''s service portfolio.
- Dealt with payment processing services for bookings and refunds for clientele.
- Conducted regular reviews of vendor performance to ensure ongoing alignment with company standards and expectations, leading to continuous improvement in services offered.
- Actively participated in industry events and conferences, expanding professional networks and staying abreast of emerging trends relevant to corporate travel management.
Education
Post Graduate Diploma - Business Administration
Nelson Mandela University, Eastern Cape
12.2021
Business Administration
University of Johannesburg, Gauteng
06.2015
National Diploma - Tourism Management
Vaal University of Technology, Gauteng
06.2004
High School Diploma -
ST DOMINIC'S COLLEGE
12.2001
Skills
Budget Planning
,Vendor and contract negotiations
,Creativity and Innovation
,Microsoft Excel
,Budgeting and finance
,Resource Allocation
,Customer Relations
,Quality Assurance
Traininganddevelopment
- Product Knowledge Courses- Tourism (Flights and Accommodation)
- Worldspan Ticketing
- Amadeus Gds In-House Training
- Galileo Refresher (Conversion) Course - 01/2008
- Amadeus GDS Conversion Course - 2008
- Galileo International Fares and Ticketing - 2008
Careerfocus
Focus is to do everything from a professional and highly productive platform and frame of mind. Quality work and customer satisfaction is the ultimate objective of my daily tasks. The characteristics I strive for are: - To be flexible and autonomous - To reflect and create a sense of urgency in everything I do while working to achieve personal and company development within the strict framework as dictated by company policy and procedures. I'm also willing to re-locate.
Telnumbers
076 067 9682
Languageproficiency
English
Driverlicense
Code 10
Personal Information
- ID Number: 8301185649088
- Date of Birth: 01/18/83
- Gender: Male
- Nationality: South African Citizen
- Religion: Anglican
References
- Mr Joseph Moumakoe, Standard Bank, 011 721 8832/ 078 656 2745, Wealth & Investment (Client Experience), Former Team leader at then BCD Travel
- Mrs Leasha Williams, Rennies BCD Travel Meetings & Events, 011 274 4056, Supervisor
- Ms Bernice Hudson-Hawkins, Thompsons Travel, 072 678 8818/ 082 854 9327, Former Branch Manager at BCD Travel
Timeline
Event & Incentive Specialist
Rennies BCD Travel / Bidvest Travel Holdings (Pty) Ltd
02.2022 - Current
Corporate Travel Team Leader (Volkswagen In-House)
Rennies BCD Travel
08.2020 - 01.2022
Project Manager (Standard Bank In-House and Liberty**)
Rennies BCD Travel M &E (Meetings and Events)
06.2014 - 07.2020
Programme Manager (AstraZeneca Out-House)
Tourvest Destination Management
04.2012 - 05.2014
Supervisor and Senior Travel Consultant
Uniglobe Sunshine Travel
10.2010 - 03.2012
Intermediate Corporate Travel Consultant
BCD Travel Bloemfontein
01.2010 - 09.2010
Post Graduate Diploma - Business Administration
Nelson Mandela University, Eastern Cape
Business Administration
University of Johannesburg, Gauteng
National Diploma - Tourism Management
Vaal University of Technology, Gauteng
High School Diploma -
ST DOMINIC'S COLLEGE