Sales and Marketing, Front Office

Location:

Kampala District, Uganda

Salary:

12,000,000

Posted:

June 11, 2020

Contact this candidate

Resume:

Contact: +256-***-**-**-**

E- Mail address: ********@*****.***

BRIAN OLUMA C/o P.O Box 2883, Kampala- Uganda

Personal Bio-data: Date of Birth: 02 September 1980

Nationality: Ugandan

Place of Birth: Nsambya Hospital, Uganda.

Languages: English, Luganda, Swahili, Ateso, Langi.

Career Objectives: To use and enhance my skills in a dynamic organization that is

result oriented to achieving set objectives and development of my potential in a managerial portfolio.

Personal Traits: A strategic planner with strong team development attributes.

An effective negotiator who relates well with a variety of people and age groups and possesses a strong desire to succeed. A hardworking, honest, diligent and intelligent person, ready to only motivate a team to success but also lead it with comprehensive hands on work and to turn potential into reality.

Academic Background: Nkumba University - Uganda (1999-2002)

Bsc. (Hons) Tourism and Hospitality

Mackay College – Uganda (1997-1998)

Award – Advanced Level of Education Certificate

Kololo Sen. Sec School – Uganda (1996)

St. Charles Lwanga Kasasa, 1993-1996

Award – Ordinary Level Certificate

Wobulenzi Parents (Uganda), Lavington Primary, Mosocho Academy, Milimani Primary Schools (Nairobi-Kenya) 1987-1993.

Award - Primary Leaving Certificate

Computer skills:

Operating systems: Windows 95/98, Ms Word, Ms Excel,

Adobe PageMaker, Ms Dos, Database 111, Knowledge of

Micros-Fidelio for window 95/98/ME/WIN/2000/WINXP Version 7.14(1700) service pack 1001, Knowledge of Lyricall Agent for telephone consoles version 2009, Minsat, Abillity, Web powered Agent, Remedy service desk for escalations, Concierge, Cisco and eZee Front desk software.

Other relevant skills:

-Great ability to communicate effectively in English both oral and written form. - Excellent interpersonal skills to deal effectively with all business contacts.

-Exceptional ability to maintain a professional, neat and well-groomed appearance adhering to standards.

-Uncommon ability to work varied shifts to include weekends and holidays.

-Solid experience in developing, implementing and evaluating guest service standards.

-Strong technical knowledge of property management systems.

-In-depth knowledge of PC software (Microsoft Office).

-Excellent organizational skills to function effectively under time constraints, within established deadlines.

-Uncommon ability to give attention to detail.

-Remarkable and effective listening abilities and strong judgment skills.

-Strong ability to maintain physical stamina and proper mental attitude to deal effectively with owners, guests, management, employees, and outside contacts while working under pressure and meeting deadlines.

-Great ability to work indoors, with frequent cold or warm temperatures.

Customer service expertise:

-Certificate in customer care skills and presentation, Sheraton Kampala Hotel.

-Certificate in customer services and skills, MTN Uganda.

-Certificate of service for hosting commonwealth people’s forum at HOTEL AFRICANA. During the commonwealth, Head of State General meeting, 2007 Kampala Uganda.

Work Experience:

1.Assistant Director of Sales and Marketing - Pyramid Continental Hotel, Juba (82 Rooms, March 2019 – To Date)

-Become the principal pillars of the hotel, passionately and enthusiastically directing day-to-day activities of the sales team by inspiring and coaching them to drive results. Manage the property's reactive and proactive group sales efforts with a Director of Sales. Share responsibility for achieving group revenue goals, guest and associate satisfaction. Implement the brand’s service strategy and applicable brand initiatives in all aspects of the sales process. Provide day-to-day leadership oversight to the on-property group sales associates with a focus on building long-term, value-based customer relationships that enable achievement of the property’s sales objectives.

-To approach the overall sales leadership activities from a strategic perspective:

Ensure that the sales department fully understands the relative importance and priority of its current account base, and manages, segments and prioritize its efforts accordingly.

-Ensure that the department is focused on assertively establishing new client contacts and developing detailed information on the potential revenues from these accounts.

Continually review the actual production of each account against the potential for that account. Continually review and upgrade the client base.

Assign individual account responsibilities and targets with reference to the above points. Keep account responsibility under continual review

-To manage the daily sales activities of the people in the team:

Set the financial and non-financial objectives for each member of the team and work with them to ensure these objectives are met.

Ensure that all new team members are properly oriented in the strategy and positioning of the Pyramid Continental Hotel brand, and able to articulate this positioning in the marketplace.

-To oversee general department operations

Maintain accurate management status reporting on business results, and associated action planning.

-Ensure all sales people maintain a personal up-to-date knowledge on all Pyramid Continental Hotel product and service offerings, including promotions. In addition, to be familiar with the products, services, rates new developments of our key competitors, and an awareness of general industry trends. Ensure department operational budget is adhered to including effective cost control and procedures for approval of expenditure

Participate in client familiarization trips, site inspections, sales trips and roadshows as required to meet the sales targets of the hotel.

-Create and implement packages and promotions for periods of low occupancy

Liaise effectively with all operational colleagues, providing support and information to ensure accurate delivery of our promise.

2.Head of Sales and Marketing – Uganda Motorsports Arena (December 2018 – February 2019)

-Working with the executive team, such as the General Manager or Managing Director, to set the marketing strategy for the business.

-Hiring and managing the performance of a more junior marketing team that can also include PR and creative staff.

-Researching and analyzing market trends and competitors.

-Overseeing marketing campaigns.

-Tracking effectiveness of marketing campaigns and reporting findings to the executive team.

-Negotiating and liaising with third-party marketing agencies.

-Writing and delivering content and social media plans.

-Looking after the budget of the marketing department and making sure the budget spend is delivering a return on investment.

-Managing the design and production of promotional materials, such as websites and brochures.

-Overseeing the company’s attendance at events, such as trade shows, conferences, and festivals, Motor rally and Motorcycling.

3. Assistant Head of Sales and Reservations, Marasa Africa (October 2016 – November 2018)

-Ensure sales driven reservation content in all communication: email, telephone and direct walk-in clientele.

-Daily reservations check to ensure full detail of booking is in the system; name, rate, source code and agent reference.

-Effective and proper reservation service to achieve maximum room revenue to meet and exceed revenue target.

-Revenue geared forecast of lodge occupancy to ensure projected dips in occupancy are filled. Rate revenue analysis.

-Weekly check of lodge occupancy and average room rate forecast.

-Ensure special handling of repeat guests and VIP guests.

-Review no-show and cancelled reservations and processes, charges according to hotels policy.

-Assisting in supervising of reservation staff. Implementation of Marasa Africa policies and procedures under guidance of Head of Sales and Marketing.

-Identify Top Producing Accounts and ensure proper recognition by reservation staff.

-Follows up tentative bookings and update reservation status.

-Monthly competitive Analysis.

-Build and promote strong, long lasting customer relationships by understanding their needs. Ability to drive and close sales.

-Identify emerging source markets and market preference while being fully aware of new product (competitive analysis).

2. Director Sales and Marketing, (September 2014 – September 2016) - Tulip Inn Juba Hotel (Member of Golden Tulip chain of Hotels) – (38 Rooms) Responsibilities:

•Achieve marketing and sales operational objectives by contributing marketing and sales information and recommendations to strategic plans and reviews; preparing and completing action plans; implementing production, productivity, quality, and customer-service standards; resolving problems; completing audits; identifying trends; determining system improvements; implementing change.

•Meet marketing and sales financial objectives by forecasting requirements; preparing an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective actions.

•Determine annual and gross-profit plans by forecasting and developing annual sales quotas; projecting expected sales volume and profit for existing and new products; analyzing trends and results; establishing pricing strategies; recommending selling prices; monitoring costs, competition, supply, and demand.

•Accomplish marketing and sales objectives by planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating advertising, merchandising, and trade promotion programs; developing field sales action plans.

•Identify consumer requirements; defining market, competitor's share, and competitor's strengths and weaknesses; forecasting projected business; establishing targeted market share.

•Improve product marketability and profitability by researching, identifying, and capitalizing on market opportunities; improving product packaging; coordinating new product development.

•Sustain rapport with key accounts by making periodic visits; exploring specific needs; anticipating new opportunities.

•Provide information by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data and trends.

•Act as Brand Ambassador by protecting organization's value and keeping information confidential.

•Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.

•Accomplish marketing and organization’s mission by completing related results as needed.

2.Front Office / Reservations Manager, (September 2006 – August 2014) Hotel Africana Ltd (254 Rooms) Responsibilities:

-Responsible for preparation of occupancy forecast and costing of room rates.

-Serves as the lead customer service contact for members at the front desk, including: answering questions, welcoming, and other member communications.

-Acts as a liaison between the front desk and all other departments, communicating relevant information to the front desk staff as needed.

-Establishes, monitors and analyzes the front desk budget.

-Monitors accuracy of the POS system at front desk, making adjustments as necessary.

-Liaising with central reservations to communicate new rate plans and promotions

-Liaising with travel agents, the revenue manager and the rooms division manager

-Assisting the sales team in setting their rates

-Maintaining the in-house reservations systems

-Forecasting revenue streams

-Liaise with Sales Department in regards to occupancy, Rates and Reservation's Analysis.

-Review reservation booked on a daily basis and responsible for recording Company/Travel Agent Rates both in system and correspondence file.

3.Workforce Services Coordinator, (April 2008-April 2012) MTN Uganda Responsibilities:

•Working closely with various departments, increasingly in a consultancy role, assisting line managers to understand and implement policies and procedures;

•Promoting equality and diversity as part of the culture of the organization.

•Liaising with a wide range of people involved in policy areas such as staff performance and health and safety.

•Developing and implementing policies on issues like working conditions, performance management, equal opportunities, disciplinary procedures and absence management.

•Advising on pay and other remuneration issues, including promotion and benefits and undertaking regular salary reviews.

•Negotiating with staff and their representatives (for example, recruitment agencies) on issues relating to pay and conditions.

•Administering payroll and maintaining employee records.

•Dealing with grievances and implementing disciplinary procedures;

•Developing with line managers planning strategies which consider immediate and long-term staff requirements.

•Planning, and sometimes delivering, training - including inductions for new staff.

•Analyzing training needs in conjunction with departmental managers.

4.Front Office Manager, (July 2007-April 2008) Golf Course Hotel – (130 Rooms)

Responsibilities:

-Manage and motivate the front desk supervisors and staff (including: hiring, firing, performance management and recognition duties).

-Serve as the lead customer service contact for members at the front desk, including: answering questions, welcoming, and other member communications.

-Act as a liaison between the front desk and all other departments, communicating relevant information to the front desk staff as needed.

-Establish, monitor and analyze the front desk budget.

-Develop and implement front desk policies and procedures.

-Monitor accuracy of the POS system at front desk, making adjustments as necessary.

-Conduct departmental meetings, conduct customer service training for all employees.

-Enter programs/services into POS software; cover front desk shifts as needed.

5.Guest Relations Officer, (April 2003 – August 2006) Ranch on the Lake Country Club – (80 Rooms)

Responsibilities:

-Plan and coordinate the provision of friendly, efficient services to guests and schedule activities for guests

- Plan and coordinate all promotional activities targeting clients and trace relevant statistics about clientele.

-Assist with check-ins / check-outs of clients, assist guests with airline bookings and reconfirmation's

-Assist all departments in being receptive to the needs of guests

-Assist in any other duties when required by the Front Office Manager and provide feedback from Guests to Front Office Manager for action.

Customer care skills:

New market and customer development, customer relations and event planning, facility turnarounds and improvement, team development and leadership, portfolio management.

Interests:

Sports, Adventure, interaction, humor and counseling.

Referees

1.Dr. Bernard Muhindo

Managing Director,

Uganda Motorsports Arena

Phone: +256-***-***-***

2. Esther Odongo

Human Resource Manager

Marasa Africa

Phone: 075*-***-***

3.Mr. Charbel Hakme,