Test Malunga
Mutare
Summary
Accomplished Safari General Manager with a proven track record at Gorongosa National Park, enhancing operational efficiency and fostering team leadership. Skilled in strategic planning and organisational development, I've driven significant business growth through innovative management and strong customer relations. Expert in training and coaching, I excel in creating high-performance teams. Tourism development from scratch and putting SOPs in place.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Safari General Manager/Guides Instructor Trails
Gorongosa National Park
06.2017 - Current
- Manage budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Manage a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Develop and implement strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Cultivate strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Drive year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Formulate policies and procedures to streamline operations.
- Implement operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Implement effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
- Managing budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
- Increase overall company efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies.
- Established comprehensive employee training programs to develop skills, improve productivity, and maintain compliance with industry regulations.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and control expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organisational growth.
- Selection and training of guides from the communities surrounding the park and train them to qualify as guides.
- Guiding VIP visitors to the park on safari drives, walking safaris, boating safaris and canoeing safaris.
Assistant Lodge Manager/Head Guide
Makweti Safari Lodge Welgevonden Game Reserve
02.2013 - 06.2017
- Maximized revenue opportunities by upselling additional services and amenities to guests during their stay.
- Created memorable experiences for guests by organizing special events tailored to their preferences and interests.
- Established strong relationships with local vendors, securing preferential pricing for the lodge''s supply needs.
- Assisted in budget planning activities, offering valuable insights into potential areas for cost reduction or revenue growth opportunities.
- Coordinated group bookings efficiently, resulting in seamless arrivals and departures for large parties visiting the lodge.
- Managed and trained staff to ensure consistent delivery of exceptional guest experiences.
- Proactively addressed potential guest issues by maintaining open lines of communication and anticipating their needs throughout their stay.
- Maintained a welcoming and well-organized environment, contributing to an increase in repeat guests.
- Regularly reviewed performance metrics with upper management, identifying areas for improvement or potential growth opportunities.
- Boosted overall efficiency by streamlining communication between departments and implementing effective task delegation.
- Managing the fleet and a scheduled maintenance program.
- Managing a team of guides and the guiding equipment.
- Guiding and hosting of guests.
Assistant General Manager /Head Guide
Samara Game Reserve
05.2011 - 02.2013
- Handled cash accurately and prepared deposits.
- Motivated, trained, and disciplined employees to maximize performance.
- Collaborated with the General Manager on marketing initiatives to increase brand awareness and drive sales growth.
- Increased customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving concerns in a timely manner.
- Developed and implemented new operational procedures, streamlining daily tasks and improving overall efficiency.
- Mentored staff members, fostering a supportive work environment that enhanced employee performance and retention.
- Ensured compliance with all health department regulations by implementing strict sanitation guidelines throughout the establishment.
- Monitored facility maintenance needs, coordinating repairs and upgrades as necessary to keep operations running smoothly.
- Analyzed customer feedback data to identify areas of improvement and develop solutions.
- Managed team schedule with eye for coverage needs and individual strengths.
- Assisted in the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding process for new employees to build a skilled workforce committed to excellence in service delivery.
- Oversaw inventory by ordering precise quantities of stock and executing corrective actions to drive profitability.
- Enforced quality assurance protocols to deliver ideal customer experiences.
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures to improve customer service and satisfaction.
- Implemented staff training programs that improved service quality and increased customer loyalty.
- Guiding and hosting guests.
- Managing the company fleet.
Education
MBA - Project Management
Africa Research University
Lusaka Zambia10.2024
Associate of Science - Environmental Protection And Concerns
Cambridge Internantional College
United Kingdom05.2022
Bachelor of Science - Ecology
Atlantic International University
North America Hawaii Honolulu04.2021
No Degree - Safari Nature Guide/Trails Guide/Assessor
Field Guide Association For Southern Africa
Hoedspruit South Africa03.2007
Associate of Arts - Hotel Operations And Management
British College of Professional Management
Britain02.2003
Skills
- Leadership and team building
- Problem Resolution
- Operations Management
- Team Player
- Efficient multi-tasker
- Training and coaching
- Effective leader
- Team Leadership
- Staff Management
- Customer Relations
- Training and Development
- Staff training/development
- Staff Motivation
- Deadline-oriented
Accomplishments
- Staffing - Worked directly with Human Resources to streamline the hiring and onboarding process.
- Supervision - Supervised sales team to monitor sales activity and goal achievement.
Timeline
Safari General Manager/Guides Instructor Trails
Gorongosa National Park
06.2017 - Current
Assistant Lodge Manager/Head Guide
Makweti Safari Lodge Welgevonden Game Reserve
02.2013 - 06.2017
Assistant General Manager /Head Guide
Samara Game Reserve
05.2011 - 02.2013
MBA - Project Management
Africa Research University
Associate of Science - Environmental Protection And Concerns
Cambridge Internantional College
Bachelor of Science - Ecology
Atlantic International University
No Degree - Safari Nature Guide/Trails Guide/Assessor
Field Guide Association For Southern Africa
Associate of Arts - Hotel Operations And Management
British College of Professional Management
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