Elijah Sanders
Murfreesboro
Summary
Dedicated leader with progressive experience in hotel operations, front office leadership, and guest services within a full-service hotel environment. Experienced in supervising daily front office operations, leading teams of 5–12 associates, resolving complex guest concerns, and serving as Manager on Duty for hotel-wide operations. Recognized for developing high-performing teams, delivering exceptional guest experiences, and maintaining operational excellence. Skilled in Opera PMS, employee coaching, service recovery, convention operations, and cross-functional collaboration.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Front Office Manager
Sonesta Nashville Airport
Nashville, TN
10.2023 - Current
- Lead daily Front Office operations for a full-service hotel while ensuring exceptional guest service and operational efficiency.
- Supervise and coach teams of 5–12 Front Office associates per shift, fostering accountability, engagement, and professional development.
- Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD), overseeing hotel operations and making critical operational decisions in the absence of senior leadership.
- Conduct interviews, onboard new associates, provide ongoing coaching, complete performance evaluations, and address employee performance concerns.
- Partner with Housekeeping, Engineering, Sales, Security, and Food & Beverage departments to ensure seamless hotel operations.
- Resolve complex guest concerns through effective service recovery, consistently maintaining high guest satisfaction.
- Monitor room inventory, arrivals, departures, occupancy, and operational reports to maximize efficiency and guest satisfaction.
- Coordinate VIP arrivals, convention groups, and large group check-ins while maintaining brand standards.
- Review guest satisfaction feedback and implement coaching opportunities and corrective action plans to improve service performance.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, cash handling procedures, credit policies, and operational standards.
- Promote Sonesta Travel Pass enrollment and support revenue-generating initiatives through guest engagement and upselling.
Front Desk Supervisor
Sonesta Nashville Airport
Nashville, TN
10.2022 - 10.2023
- Supervised front desk operations, ensuring seamless guest check-in and check-out processes.
- Trained and mentored staff on customer service best practices and hotel policies.
- Implemented efficient scheduling to optimize front desk coverage during peak hours.
- Resolved guest complaints effectively, enhancing overall satisfaction and loyalty.
Guest Service Representative
Sonesta Nashville Airport
Nashville, TN
10.2020 - 10.2022
- Delivered exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries and resolving issues efficiently.
- Managed front desk operations, ensuring a smooth check-in and check-out process for guests.
- Coordinated with housekeeping to maintain cleanliness and readiness of guest rooms.
- Utilized property management system to process reservations and track guest preferences accurately.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry And Molecular Cell Biology
Fisk University
Nashville, TN05-2022
High School Diploma -
Minor High School
Adamsville, AL05-2018
Skills
- Effective multitasking
- Workflow optimization
- Customer service
- Customer relations
- Operations & front office management
- Guest Experience & Service Recovery
- Opera PMS
- VIP Guest Relations
- Interdepartmental Collaboration
- Convention & Group Operations
- Performance Management
- Staff training & Development
Accomplishments
Achieved certificate of achievement in recognition of the successful completion of Sonesta's mentorship program (in partnership with the AHLA). Elevate - Lodging Manager
Achieved The United States Department of Labor certification of completion of Apprenticeship for the occupation Hotel Manager under the sponsorship of American Hotel & Lodging Association
Timeline
Front Office Manager
Sonesta Nashville Airport
10.2023 - Current
Front Desk Supervisor
Sonesta Nashville Airport
10.2022 - 10.2023
Guest Service Representative
Sonesta Nashville Airport
10.2020 - 10.2022
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry And Molecular Cell Biology
Fisk University
High School Diploma -
Minor High School