Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Ebony Sowden

Hotel Team Leader
Exeter

Summary

Reliable hotel reception well-versed in assisting guests with check-in, check-out and billing services. Smart individual with combined organizational skills and polished customer service style. Promptly addresses various questions and concerns from customers to facilitate positive guest experience and repeat business.

Work History

Reception Team Leader

Bendene Townhouse
10.2023 - Current
  • Provided exceptional customer service, resulting in a high percentage of repeat guests and positive reviews.
  • Supervised team of 5 front desk agents and up to 4 housekeepers, and helped to resolve issues arising during shifts.
  • Welcomed each new arrival pleasantly and confirmed reservations and identification.
  • Greeted guests at front desk and engaged in pleasant conversations while managing check-in and check-out process.
  • Managed phone lines efficiently, directing calls appropriately while providing courteous assistance when necessary.
  • Developed and maintained positive relationships with guests for satisfaction.
  • Promoted hotel brand's loyalty program via social media, email and direct mail.
  • Maintained files and records by implementing effective filing systems that boosted efficiency and organization.
  • Monitored staff performance and provided feedback and guidance. for both reception and housekeeping.
  • Assisted management in reviewing operational procedures periodically, suggesting improvements when needed.
  • Collected room deposits, fees, and payments.
  • Checked lobby, bathrooms, and common areas near front desk for cleanliness multiple times per shift.
  • Resolved guest complaints diplomatically, maintaining both guest satisfaction and hotel reputation.
  • Promoted additional services offered by the hotel for increased revenue generation through upselling techniques.
  • Enhanced guest satisfaction by promptly addressing inquiries and concerns at the front desk.
  • Utilized strong communication skills to effectively relay important information between staff members and management teams.
  • Assisted in increasing hotel occupancy rates through proficient handling of reservations and room assignments.
  • Handled cash transactions accurately, ensuring proper accounting procedures were followed daily.
  • Developed a thorough knowledge of local attractions and events to serve as an informed resource for guests seeking recommendations or directions.
  • Performed administrative tasks such as filing, data entry, and inventory management to support hotel operations.
  • Optimized room inventory management, maximizing occupancy rates while minimizing overbooking incidents.
  • Ensured compliance with local regulations and industry best practices regarding health, safety, and accessibility standards.
  • Oversaw daily operations, addressing any issues promptly to minimize disruptions to guest services.
  • Enhanced team performance through regular feedback sessions.
  • produced an operational handover for all personnel to use
  • created welcome pack/guest information booklet to be disrupted to every room
  • wrote shit plans and check-list for am, pm and night shifts for team efficient performance
  • invoice clients outstanding balance and create purchase orders
  • Monitored online reviews and ratings from guests, implementing changes as necessary to address concerns or capitalize on positive feedback.
  • Conducted regular inspections of facilities to identify areas in need of maintenance or improvement.
  • Developed and implemented social media strategies to promote hotel services.
  • Handled guest complaints and offered complimentary services to maintain high guest satisfaction rates.
  • Participated in financial activities such as setting room rates, establishing budgets and allocating funds to departments.

Front desk receptionist

Southgate hotel
  • Delivered outstanding first impressions by warmly greeting visitors upon arrival at the front desk.
  • Managed high-volume phone calls, directing inquiries to appropriate personnel for prompt resolution.
  • Provided exceptional customer service, resulting in a high percentage of repeat guests and positive reviews.
  • Handled sensitive customer information with confidentiality, adhering to company privacy guidelines.
  • Managed phone lines efficiently, directing calls appropriately while providing courteous assistance when necessary.
  • Managed emails and third party communication i.e booking.com, oaky and expedia, in a professional and efficient manner
  • Coordinated with housekeeping staff to ensure timely turnover of rooms for incoming guests while maintaining cleanliness standards.
  • Maintained an organized front desk area that contributed to smooth operations and professional appearance.
  • Helped maintain updated records of room availability within computer systems while minimizing overbooking errors.
  • Supported administrative tasks such as filing, data entry, and document preparation for more efficient office workflow.
  • Assisted in increasing hotel occupancy rates through proficient handling of reservations and room assignments.

Data Administrator

DEFRA - Exeter
  • Working in an office environment, analysing data of TB testing in bovine animals
  • Using detailed calculations to accurately find the outcomes and next steps in processes and procedures
  • Using systems, emails and phones to communicate with farmers, vets and DEFRA workers.

Assistant Manager (Full Time)

ABS group - Exeter
  • Main roles included: In store sales, customer care and advice Opening and closing shop safely Running store solo or apart of small team Supervising Cashier work, stock checks, product care, deliveries and keeping store cleaning and tidy

Travel Advisor

Voyage Prive - Exeter
  • Customer relations for a luxury holiday company
  • Customer service was the priority of this role, using hands free device and emails to deal with enquires, problems, amendments
  • As well as multiple liaisons with suppliers, airline and hotels
  • Multiple systems would be used simultaneously for every individual case.

Customer Service Advisor

John Lewis & Partners - Exeter
  • Customer relations specifically for the electrical department
  • Call center based handling products enquiries customer care and sales
  • Using multiple systems and hands free device to give excellent customer service, place orders, find product details and previous order information.

Retail Assistant

Ann Summers - Exeter
  • Shop floor worker, providing customer care, give informative product information and finding the right product and or size for each individual customer
  • Create great rapport before and during bra fittings
  • Ensure safe environment in fitting room
  • Retail responsibility of KPIs and Cashier work and keeping shop floor to set standard

Cashier

Wilko - Exeter
  • In store till worker, dealing with customers and handling of products
  • Effectively deal with large ques as well as lottery machines and cash handling
  • Customer service duties included refunds, placing online orders, find products and information
  • Replace stock and keep shop floor tidy and management stock rotation for dated products

Education

Diploma of higher education in Travel and tourism -

Exeter College - Exeter

Diploma of higher education in anatomy and physiology - undefined

School of bodywork - Exeter

Diploma of higher education in Massage Therapy - undefined

School of bodywork - Exeter

General Certificate of Education (GCE) in Business - undefined

The Isle of Wight College

Level 1 in AAT - undefined

The Isle of Wight College

5+ GCSE grade C&Bs in Including English, Maths and ITC - undefined

Honiton Community college

Skills

Front Office Management

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Timeline

Reception Team Leader

Bendene Townhouse
10.2023 - Current

Front desk receptionist

Southgate hotel

Data Administrator

DEFRA - Exeter

Assistant Manager (Full Time)

ABS group - Exeter

Travel Advisor

Voyage Prive - Exeter

Customer Service Advisor

John Lewis & Partners - Exeter

Retail Assistant

Ann Summers - Exeter

Cashier

Wilko - Exeter

Diploma of higher education in Travel and tourism -

Exeter College - Exeter

Diploma of higher education in anatomy and physiology - undefined

School of bodywork - Exeter

Diploma of higher education in Massage Therapy - undefined

School of bodywork - Exeter

General Certificate of Education (GCE) in Business - undefined

The Isle of Wight College

Level 1 in AAT - undefined

The Isle of Wight College

5+ GCSE grade C&Bs in Including English, Maths and ITC - undefined

Honiton Community college
Ebony SowdenHotel Team Leader