Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Interests
Timeline
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Mark Stanford

Mark Stanford

Savvy Seasoned Hotelier
Bali

Summary

Seasoned hospitality professional possessing a wealth of senior operational, pre-opening, and commercial experiences in the luxury resort sector. A direct focus on guest and employee satisfaction at all times.

Proven abilities in meeting all objectives within company targets and hospitality resort/hotel operations. Highly successful in defining company direction whilst developing new and repeat business. Believe that leading by example whilst adapting to change, and a hands-on, visual approach brings, happy employees, high guest service standards along with great business profits. Also skilled in optimizing team potentials through the delivery of staff training solutions.

Self-motivated, “a yes we can” attitude, flexible and versatile – able to maintain a sense of calm under pressure. Poised and competent with demonstrated ability to easily transcend cultural differences. I thrive in deadline-driven environments. Excellent team-building skills. Experience working in Indonesia, Australia, Oman, Dubai, Japan, New Zealand, Maldives, and Fiji.

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education

Work History

General Manager - Pre Opening

Nusa Lembongan Precinct - Lagobali.com
Bali
07.2021 - Current
  • Lago is more than just a beautiful beach house - it’s a community of like-minded individuals that want to be a part of something bigger, to live #thelagolife
  • Reported directly to Owner - pre opening start up and brand launch
  • Responsible for the design and development stage of the new 3 hectare site and project
  • Design, build and launch of 3 new venues - The Pontoon, The Beach Cafe and the VIP sundeck at Lago Lembongan (@lago.bali)
  • Prepared annual budgets with controls to prevent overages.
  • Identified trends in customer marketplaces to develop valuable solutions.
  • Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision and long-range planning.
  • Delivered business strategy and developed systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency.

General Manager- Pre Opening

Ovolo Hotels Group
Bali
09.2019 - 07.2021
  • 194 keys, Salon, Surf Academy, Wellness zone, Beach Club, and Restaurant and Bar )
  • Reported directly to COO, Mr. Tim Alpe - Hong Kong Based
  • Managed the on-ground purchase and the transition of property to new ownership along with corporate support
  • Heavily involved in the design and development stage of the property
  • As the property was due to start 1st March 2019 (The time Covid 19 struck) entire refurbishment I was allowed to orchestrate very successfully a complete 200 room Urban full renovation during the current pandemic. Only 1 possible visit from the Head Office team
  • Created and lead a team of over 60 staff and Heads of department creating a unique and personalized Urban resort – something new and fresh for Indonesia, that’s gained tremendous PR and Media both Domestically and Internationally
  • Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.

Chief Operating Officer & General Manager

LUNA2 – A design hotel
Bali
03.2017 - 05.2019
  • Responsible for overseeing multiple properties and driving complex project-based initiatives across all assets 3 resorts, 4 land developments, and 1 hotel
  • Developed quarterly business plans to evaluate cost projections.
  • Led recruitment and development of strategic alliances to maximize utilization of existing talent and capabilities.
  • Execute and Manage the sale of the Luna2 Studio hotel, Bali by November 2017 and conduct a 6-month handover contract to new owners- Expired 15th June 2018.
  • Develop off-plan sales and development strategy for prime resort land earmarked for a luxury resort in Lombok, Indonesia
  • Cost, set up, and project manage the Launch of the Luna2 Vacation club with a successful launch on 1st September 2017
  • Responsible for all the company’s entire operating activities, including all Commercial, Operations, Human Resources, Food & Beverage along with PR Business Development, Sales and Marketing activities.
  • Oversaw business-wide changes to modernize procedures and organization.
  • Led team of 15 and other leaders reporting to CEO Mr Stewart Hall .

General Manager

Auberge
12.2015 - 12.2016
  • 18 Fijian-style suite and villa accommodations, offering innovative all-inclusive dining, secluded beaches, and a luxury Fiji spa
  • Lead a local team of Executive committee members and drive and inspire them in providing true international levels of elite high-end service not seen before in Fiji
  • Introduce and keep consistent Auberge brand standards and techniques - Nanuku Auberge being the only branded luxury boutique resort with Fiji
  • Lead the operational design, development, and FF&E of 13 additional ultra-luxury 1-4 bedroom villa residences
  • Facilitate and lead management processes within the resort and for 5-star facilities such as Aerodrome, Watersports, Nanuku Private Island, Wellness and Spa sanctuary, Kids club, Off-site catering and events, Clubhouse, and Real Estate division
  • Introduce and develop strong relationships with new key international accounts
  • Key Achievements:
  • Achieved 22% sales growth to budget YOY from 2015
  • Consistently maintained best in company cost of goods to budgeted goals
  • Took over the distressed property (financially and operationally) in its 2nd year and turned around to be Fiji’s number 1 rated resort on many channels
  • Increased hourly employee efficiency and reduced labor costs by 5.8%, while maintaining quality
  • Managed controllable costs to ensure adherence to budget guidelines and expectations
  • Accomplished Human Resource objectives by recruiting, selecting, orienting, coaching, and understanding the local culture
  • Facilitated vendor relationships for purchasing and cost control capitalizing on the economy of scale
  • The following accolades to date: Winner of Best Dining Experience and the Fijian Tourism awards, runner up in Luxury accommodation, TripAdvisor, - Top 10 Luxury Hotels In Fiji and Corticated of Excellence , Conde Nast Traveler Magazine: "The Hot List" and The Gold List"

General Manager - Pre Opening

The Royal Purnama Art Suites and Villas
Bali
09.2014 - 06.2015
  • Implement and manage the entire pre-opening process taking on the project 3rd September 2014 with the property at 75% complete and with a target open date of Middle February 2015.
  • Create a 5-star luxury resort business plan for the pre-opening stage and beyond, including Sales and Marketing, Human Resources, Branding, Operational, and 5-year financial reports.
  • Facilitate lead management processes within the resort and provide sales support to the team, including both on and offline and all digital and social media formats.
  • Oversee tracking of leads and results, follow up with DOS to ensure leads are actively managed and followed upon.
  • Maintain relationships with target accounts. Sustain pieces of business that are core business. Retain and service that business.
  • Successfully opened the resort in a new and upcoming destination, (East Bali) with excellent early reviews from all guests with a full focus personally on attention to details
  • Directly recruited a team of over 80 staff and 12 Heads of the department overseeing personally the pre-opening training and beyond ensuring the highest service levels and staff etiquette.

General Manager

The C151 Smart Luxury Villas - two properties
Bali
09.2013 - 08.2014
  • No 1 role, reporting directly to President Director in Bali, and owner based offshore
  • Displayed outstanding leadership skills in directing daily operational activities for two award-winning villa resorts with a total of 27 Villas, ( up to 145 guests)
  • Target daily was to greet at least all guests from the resort at least once per day during their stay and inspect 3 villas each day.
  • Expertly handle the resort's financial aspects encompassing budgeting, forecasting, and long-term succession planning accommodating a total company revenue of over 4 Mill USD annually.
  • Dynamically serve as a coach and mentor to a team of 12 Heads of Department, accountable for managing all staff of 145 including daily workers.
  • Pro-actively take part in Human Resources operations with a focus on recruitment, 5-star guest service training, discipline with continuous coaching and mentoring
  • Preside over the Sales and Marketing initiatives I implemented to ensure that established goals and objectives are constantly met or surpassed


Chief Operating Officer

Luna2 International Inc
Bali
03.2012 - 08.2013
  • Reported directly to CEO, Mr. Stewart Hall and Creative Director Mrs. Melanie Hall and support in their decision making
  • Responsible for driving complex project-based initiatives across Luna2 Inc.
  • Manage the complete pre-opening of Luna 2’s first studio-tel in Bali, boasting 14 luxury studios, a fine dining restaurant, a rooftop bar, private cinema, and a lounge bar.
  • Responsible for all the company’s entire operating activities, including all
  • Commercial, Operations, Human Resources, Food & Beverage along with PR Business Development, Sales and Marketing activities.
  • Enhanced the setup and operations for the Luna2 headquarters, Bali including IT and Finance department structure.
  • Worked with the owners on the overall strategic future planning of Luna2 International Inc.
  • Provided coordination and mentoring for the entire management team.
  • Contributed to the strategy for the development of the company and brand, supporting and assisting in the identification and feasibility of future developments and commercial opportunities.
  • Provided strategic guidance and leadership throughout to achieve operational financial goals.
  • Ensured that the guidelines I have set up worked for the benefit of the company and its employees
  • Responsible to oversee daily construction, pre-opening, FF&E, and planning, recruitment, and service training of over 50 staff

General Manager

Breathtaker All suite Hotel and Spa Retreat
Mt Buller Victoria
08.2007 - 03.2012
  • Responsible for all Hotel Operational and financial matters and provision of strong and effective leadership and direction to managers and staff, reporting directly to hotel owners
  • Develop, implement and co-ordinate strategic marketing plans for the business
  • Create a positive work environment by maintaining the highest level of ethics and integrity to ensure 5-star service standards.
  • Ensure all relationships with guests and other stakeholders are maintained positively and professionally at all times
  • Manage human resources functions of the hotel by controlling staff turnover, motivating employees, focusing on employee development and retention, and conducting regular employee meetings
  • Protect the hotel and its assets through enforcing and maintaining a preventative maintenance program
  • Develop and manage budgets effectively
  • Create and implement special promotions to enhance guest occupancy levels
  • Design and coordinate advertising and resort promotions
  • Ensure administrative functions and duties are assigned and completed efficiently
  • Designed modern employee recognition program which boosted productivity and improved morale.

Front Office Manager

Six Senses Group
Zighy Bay
08.2006 - 08.2007
  • Pre Opening
  • Configure and Manage Opera PMS system
  • Responsible for guest services, butlers, front Office, reservations, and the transport departments reporting to the General Manager.
  • Develop and implement new resort standard departmental operating procedures to conform to Six Senses Resorts and Spas policies.
  • Implement key performance indicators for all areas.
  • Negotiate contractual agreements for resort service providers.
  • Construct front office Budget as well as annual departmental plan.
  • Conduct all pre-opening front office staff interviews, employment, and training plans

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9

Hospitality Operations Manager (CONTRACT)

Hokkaido Tracks Development Group
Niseko
04.2006 - 12.2006
  • Six Month Consultant Contract responsible for setting up a new 5-star guest service section within this rapidly expanding hospitality management company in Niseko Japan.
  • Configure and manager RMS front office reservation system
  • Responsible for guest services, front office, reservations, maintenance, and housekeeping.
  • Develop and implement standard departmental operating procedures.
  • Implement key performance indicators for all departments.
  • Design and implement a new range of guest services for future guests all year round.
  • Negotiate contractual agreements for service providers.
  • Create sales and marketing and reservation opportunities from media and online booking Website's
  • Implement reservations and booking procedures for international guests • Re-design new website and co-ordinate updating of all new property content.
  • Employment of all new staff and their visa requirements for the winter and summer seasons.

Hospitality Computer Systems Specialist

Eclipse/Universal Resorts
islands of
01.2005 - 04.2006
  • Install and support hospitality software distributed and developed by the company for clients in Australia, Maldives, The Philippines, Russia, and New Zealand
  • Responsible for the pre-installation planning, configuration, and implementation of hospitality computer systems
  • Develop and conduct training programs for both PMS and POS systems in resorts and hotels ranging from 3 stars to 5 star 10
  • Perform system upgrades and upgrade training as required
  • Follow up on business leads provided and demonstrate the systems to senior management and directors of hotels and resorts

Various Roles

Multiple Prior employment
01.1989 - 01.2005
  • Operations Manager - Breathtaker All-Suite Hotel and Alpine Spa Retreat - 2004/5
  • Resort Operations Manager - Pinnacle Valley Resort - 2003/2004
  • Business Development Manager - Pinnacle Valley Resort and Breathtaker All-Suite Hotel - 2002/2003
  • Duty Manager - Pinnacle Valley Resort - 2000/2002
  • Entertainment & Events Director - Resorts Entertainment Co. - 1993/2000
  • Daydream Island Resort, Parramatta Travelodge, Perisher Valley 5 star hotel, Wynyard Travelodge - Various Hospitality Positions - 1989/1992


Education

BBA - Hospitality Management

William Blue College of Hospitality Management
Australia
01.2008 - 01.2012

Skills

    Project Management

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Interests

Community

Arts, Music and Entertainment

Family time

Cutting edge Food and Beverage

Timeline

General Manager - Pre Opening

Nusa Lembongan Precinct - Lagobali.com
07.2021 - Current

General Manager- Pre Opening

Ovolo Hotels Group
09.2019 - 07.2021

Chief Operating Officer & General Manager

LUNA2 – A design hotel
03.2017 - 05.2019

General Manager

Auberge
12.2015 - 12.2016

General Manager - Pre Opening

The Royal Purnama Art Suites and Villas
09.2014 - 06.2015

General Manager

The C151 Smart Luxury Villas - two properties
09.2013 - 08.2014

Chief Operating Officer

Luna2 International Inc
03.2012 - 08.2013

BBA - Hospitality Management

William Blue College of Hospitality Management
01.2008 - 01.2012

General Manager

Breathtaker All suite Hotel and Spa Retreat
08.2007 - 03.2012

Front Office Manager

Six Senses Group
08.2006 - 08.2007

Hospitality Operations Manager (CONTRACT)

Hokkaido Tracks Development Group
04.2006 - 12.2006

Hospitality Computer Systems Specialist

Eclipse/Universal Resorts
01.2005 - 04.2006

Various Roles

Multiple Prior employment
01.1989 - 01.2005
Mark StanfordSavvy Seasoned Hotelier