Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Vanessa Stevenson

Cambridge ,ON

Summary

Accomplished General Manager at Homewood Suites by Hilton Cambridge/Waterloo, I leveraged leadership and strategic planning to boost sales profitability and foster high employee satisfaction. Expert in operations management and relationship building, I achieved significant improvements in guest loyalty and team cohesion.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Fundraising

Preston Hespeler Rotary Club
07.2022 - Current
  • Improved donor retention rates by implementing thoughtful stewardship practices and timely acknowledgment processes.
  • Raised significant funds by developing and implementing strategic fundraising plans and campaigns.
  • Strengthened funding pipeline with the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of new prospects.
  • Engage with community organizations to understand needs and spread awareness

Chair of the Board of Directors

Explore Waterloo Region
04.2011 - Current
  • Fostered relationships with stakeholders, promoting collaboration and partnership opportunities.
  • Planned and oversaw meetings in accordance with governing documents.
  • Maintained impartiality and objectivity during meetings and decision-making.
  • Represented the organization at public events, advocating for its mission and values in the community.

General Manager

Homewood Suites by Hilton Cambridge/Waterloo
03.2011 - Current
  • Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
  • Managed a diverse teams, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with guests, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
  • Act at liaise between Hilton Worldwide and Canadian properties under the Homewood Suites brand

Sales Manager

Homewood Suites by Hilton Cambridge Waterloo
12.2009 - 02.2011
  • Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
  • Developed comprehensive product knowledge, enabling tailored solutions for clients'' specific needs.
  • Overcame objections from potential clients by addressing concerns effectively and offering customized solutions based on their unique needs.
  • Maintained relationships with customers and found new ones by identifying needs and offering appropriate services.
  • Managed key accounts with strategic planning and relationship building, resulting in increased customer loyalty and repeat business.
  • Created an "I Am Sales" Culture ensuring all team members helped support the sales efforts

Sales Manager

Courtyard and Residence Inn by Marriott
09.2005 - 12.2009
  • Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
  • Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
  • Overcame objections from potential clients by addressing concerns effectively and offering customized solutions based on their unique needs.
  • Evaluated competitor offerings to adapt sales strategies and maintain competitive advantage.
  • Assisted in recruiting top talent for the sales team, contributing to a high-performing work environment.

Executive Housekeeper

Toronto Marrriott
09.2004 - 09.2005
  • Maintained excellent relationship with unionized staff while merging lines of communication with front desk and maintenance employees to achieve timely execution of cleaning duties.
  • Increased productivity levels by implementing time-saving strategies such as enhanced scheduling methods or task prioritization techniques.
  • Conducted regular inspections of guest rooms and common areas, ensuring adherence to established quality standards.
  • Developed and implemented effective training programs for new hires, resulting in a well-prepared and competent staff.
  • Coordinated full scale renovation of all guest rooms and suites.

Assistant Executive Housekeeper

Delta Meadowvale
09.1994 - 09.2004
  • Reduced inventory costs by implementing effective linen and amenity management strategies.
  • Conducted thorough inspections of guest rooms and public spaces to guarantee adherence to quality standards and address any issues promptly.
  • Enhanced guest satisfaction by maintaining high standards of cleanliness and orderliness in all areas of the hotel.
  • Completed all procurement related to guest rooms and linens for a 374 room hotel

Education

Marketing Diploma - Marketing

McMaster University Continuing Education
Hamilton
04.2018

High School Diploma -

Erindale Secondary School
Mississauga
06.1991

Skills

  • Leadership and team building
  • Problem Resolution
  • Operations Management
  • Team Player
  • Relationship Building
  • Client Relationship Management

Affiliations

  • Preston Hespeler Rotary Club

Timeline

Director of Fundraising

Preston Hespeler Rotary Club
07.2022 - Current

Chair of the Board of Directors

Explore Waterloo Region
04.2011 - Current

General Manager

Homewood Suites by Hilton Cambridge/Waterloo
03.2011 - Current

Sales Manager

Homewood Suites by Hilton Cambridge Waterloo
12.2009 - 02.2011

Sales Manager

Courtyard and Residence Inn by Marriott
09.2005 - 12.2009

Executive Housekeeper

Toronto Marrriott
09.2004 - 09.2005

Assistant Executive Housekeeper

Delta Meadowvale
09.1994 - 09.2004

Marketing Diploma - Marketing

McMaster University Continuing Education

High School Diploma -

Erindale Secondary School
Vanessa Stevenson