KONJIT AYELE
LONDON
Summary
Accomplished hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience managing high-profile hotels, including leading brands like Best Western, Premier Inn, Accor, and U-Suites. A dynamic and results-oriented leader with a proven track record of driving operational excellence, enhancing guest satisfaction, and maximizing revenue. Skilled in overseeing multi-site operations, leading high-performing teams, and executing successful hotel openings. Passionate about team development, solving complex problems, and consistently achieving key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive profitability and business growth.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Cluster Director of Operations
Ibis and Adagio Doha
Doha
10.2023 - 12.2024
- Led operations for two hotels, driving 28M QR in revenue, overseeing 7 managers and 105 employees
- Implemented strategic initiatives that improved key performance indicators, reduced turnover, and boosted guest satisfaction
- Partnered with HR to refine job descriptions, recruit top talent, and develop training programs to enhance team performance
- Optimized occupancy and rates through strategic revenue management
- Strengthened brand consistency and operational efficiency across all departments
Operations Manager
Premier Inn Education City Hotel
Doha
11.2021 - 10.2023
- Managed daily operations for a 210-room hotel, a 131-cover restaurant, and meeting spaces, ensuring seamless guest experiences.
- Ensured strict compliance with health & safety regulations, achieving high audit scores and maintaining operational excellence.
- Developed and executed revenue management strategies, driving occupancy growth and maximizing profitability.
- Led and motivated cross-functional teams, consistently exceeding service quality and performance benchmarks.
General Manager (Pre-Opening)
U-Suites by Utopia Hotel
Addis Ababa
11.2020 - 10.2021
- Directed hotel pre-opening operations, overseeing construction timelines, vendor sourcing, and pre-opening procedures to ensure a seamless launch.
- Developed and implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), job descriptions, team contracts, and corporate agreements, laying the foundation for efficient operations.
- Led recruitment, onboarding, and training of pre-opening staff, cultivating a high-performance team focused on service excellence.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to align project goals, ensuring all pre-opening activities met corporate and operational standards.
- Presented weekly progress reports to key stakeholders, tracking milestones, addressing challenges, and ensuring timely project completion.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and service providers, securing cost-effective solutions while maintaining quality standards.
- Established operational workflows for front office, housekeeping, F&B, and guest services to ensure a smooth transition from pre-opening to full operation.
- Conducted market analysis and competitive benchmarking, helping position the hotel for optimal revenue and guest satisfaction upon launch.
General Manager
The Hub Hotel
Addis Ababa
03.2018 - 03.2020
- Managed daily operations of an 85-room hotel, a 175-cover restaurant, and conference facilities, ensuring seamless guest experiences and efficient service delivery.
- Recruited, trained, and led high-performing teams, fostering a culture of excellence that enhanced guest satisfaction, employee retention, and revenue growth.
- Developed and executed strategic sales and marketing initiatives, strengthening the hotel’s market positioning, brand visibility, and competitive edge.
- Optimized operational efficiencies by streamlining workflows, reducing costs, and enhancing service quality to maximize profitability.
- Implemented revenue management strategies, improving occupancy rates, average daily rate (ADR), and RevPAR to drive financial performance.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations, health & safety standards, and brand protocols to maintain high audit scores and operational excellence.
- Established strong vendor and supplier relationships, negotiating cost-effective contracts while maintaining quality and service standards.
- Analyzed market trends and guest feedback, leveraging insights to implement improvements in guest services, menu offerings, and overall experience.
Deputy Managing Director (Cluster Role)
Jupiter International Hotel
Addis Ababa
08.2015 - 10.2017
- Led operations for two hotels, managing 142 rooms, 260 employees, and 100M in annual turnover, ensuring efficiency and profitability.
- Elevated guest experience ratings from 25th to 9th place among 124 hotels in Addis Ababa, implementing service enhancements and operational improvements.
- Spearheaded renovations and quality upgrades across multiple hotel departments, improving guest satisfaction, brand consistency, and operational efficiency.
- Developed and executed strategic initiatives to enhance revenue, streamline workflows, and optimize staff performance.
- Implemented targeted training programs, fostering a high-performance culture and reducing employee turnover.
- Strengthened financial performance by optimizing cost control, procurement, and resource allocation.
Various Roles
Premier Inn UK
01.2005 - 12.2015
- Operations Manager (New Opening) – London Croydon Town Centre (2013 – 2015)
- Operations Manager – London Wimbledon South (2012 – 2013)
- Front Office & F&B Manager – Slough Premier Inn (2006 – 2012)
- Front Office Team Leader – London Hammersmith Premier Inn (2005 – 2006)
Education
Advanced Diploma -
Tourism & Hospitality Management
Diploma -
Hospitality Management
Certificate -
Revenue Management
Certificate -
Employee Relations
Skills
- Hotel Operations Management
- Revenue Management & Financial Planning
- Guest Experience Optimization
- Team Leadership & Development
- Strategic Sales & Marketing
- Cost Control & Budget Management
- Staff Training & Development
- Project Management & Renovations
- Vendor & Supplier Negotiations
- Operational Efficiency Improvement
- Compliance & Health & Safety Standards
- Brand & Quality Assurance
- Performance Analysis & Reporting
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Personal Information
Nationality: British
Accomplishments
- Successfully led multiple hotel openings, from pre-opening planning to full-scale operations.
- Increased guest satisfaction and reduced staff turnover through leadership and development programs.
- Improved hotel profitability and operational efficiency through strategic planning and revenue management.
- Developed and implemented SOPs, training modules, and operational frameworks to enhance service quality.
Contact Numbers
+44 7944 779393, WhatsApp +974 3123 6786
Education And Certifications
- Advanced Diploma in Tourism & Hospitality Management
- Diploma in Hospitality Management
- Revenue Management Certificate
- Employee Relations Certificate
Languages
English
First Language
Timeline
Cluster Director of Operations
Ibis and Adagio Doha
10.2023 - 12.2024
Operations Manager
Premier Inn Education City Hotel
11.2021 - 10.2023
General Manager (Pre-Opening)
U-Suites by Utopia Hotel
11.2020 - 10.2021
General Manager
The Hub Hotel
03.2018 - 03.2020
Deputy Managing Director (Cluster Role)
Jupiter International Hotel
08.2015 - 10.2017
Various Roles
Premier Inn UK
01.2005 - 12.2015
Advanced Diploma -
Tourism & Hospitality Management
Diploma -
Hospitality Management
Certificate -
Revenue Management
Certificate -
Employee Relations
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