Justin Trappe
Arusha
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented Operations Manager with 8 years of extensive experience in the tourism industry, overseeing luxury lodge and camping operations across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. Adept at enhancing client satisfaction, fostering positive staff relationships, and maintaining cost-effective operations. Proven expertise in financial management, transport coordination, and marketing strategy. Skilled in event planning, budget management, and contract negotiation. Known for strong problem-solving abilities, effective time management, and multitasking capabilities. Demonstrates excellent public relations and team leadership qualities. Self-starting Operations Manager offering high-level experience in supervision of workover and completion operations. Adept at directing work of completion consultants and completion supervisors. Successful introducing lean manufacturing to increase productivity and cut costs of completion. Well organized, attentive to detail and vigilant in achieving safety and environmental impact reduction objectives.
Well informed in East African tourism, with strong links to the relevant tourism authorities.
Overseen numerous lodge refurbishments and green field luxury lodge builds.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
East African Operations Manager
Abercrombie & Kent Sanctuary Retreats Regional
01.2017 - Current
- Transitioned from Luxury Camp Manager to Operations Manager in Arusha to to Regional Operations Manager, with increased responsibilities across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
- Based in Arusha, Tanzania, overseeing operations, managing lodges and camps, and ensuring departmental effectiveness and client satisfaction across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
- Provide comprehensive support to the Managing Director through effective management of lodges and camping operations, ensuring departmental functionality and cost-effectiveness
- Maintain collaboration with the Accounts and Transport Departments, supporting the Financial Director, Transport Coordinator, and Global Sales and Marketing Director.
- Oversee and ensure growth, margins, and profit targets for each department, while maintaining high levels of client satisfaction and positive staff relationships
- Manage day-to-day operations of lodges and camps across East Africa in the absence of the Managing Director, reporting directly to the Managing Director and maintaining lateral relationships with key departmental heads
- Maintain, nurture, and grow relationships with TANAPA, NCAA, WMA, UWA, KWS, National Environmental Council, and other government officials in East Africa
- Lead, encourage, and train the operations team, review departmental activities, refunds, and cancellations, and approve proposals with the Tours and Sales & Marketing Manager.
- Over see all projects from new build lodges, to refurbishment to current properties.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
- Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
- Analyzed and reported on key performance metrics to senior management.
- Oversaw facility maintenance, ensuring optimal functionality of equipment and infrastructure at all times.
- Facilitated smooth collaboration between departments through clear communication channels.
- Managed budgets effectively, consistently delivering projects on-time and within financial constraints.
- Developed and implemented strategies to maximize customer satisfaction.
- Championed safety protocols to maintain a secure working environment, reducing workplace accidents significantly.
- Led successful change initiatives, ensuring seamless transitions during organizational restructuring efforts.
- Reduced turnaround time for project completion through effective resource allocation and team management.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to obtain best pricing and terms.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Updated and resolved incidents and managed accessorial charges objectively while maximizing profit.
- Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.
- Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
Sales and Marketing Consultant
Kilimanjaro Golf & Wildlife Estate
04.2015 - 11.2016
- Sold properties and handled both short- and long-term leasing
- Engaged in marketing, advertising, and media (national TV, newspaper, and radio)
- Consistently attended roadshows and social engagements, delivering tailored presentations
- Acquired in-depth knowledge of Tanzanian land acquisition laws
- Sourced corporate sponsorship and funding for international tournaments
- Worked successfully as an integrated team member with the sales force, golf course management, and nature reserve professionals, reporting directly to major stakeholders.
- Nurtured relationships with decision-makers in various business groups to win new business and increase repeat opportunities.
Business Development Manager
Warrior Security Ltd
12.2013 - 03.2015
- Formalized tenders and negotiated contracts between the company and clients
- Managed a sales team/workforce of four professionals
- Established, developed, and promoted initiatives
- Applied financial accountability with staff check.
General Manager
Nduruma Polo & Country Club
05.2010 - 02.2013
- Organized and planned major tournaments and events, including international polo events between Tanzania, USA, Kenya, and South Africa
- Maintained the facilities (tennis courts, gyms, swimming pools) and polo fields to internationally acceptable levels
- Managed HR, East African taxation, and pension funds for over 15 members of staff
- Managed monthly events, fundraising dinners, international rugby events, private events, and marketing initiatives
- Negotiated sponsorships and financing, established and managed budgets, and handled local and national procurement and stock-taking.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Sports And Exercise Sciences
University of Wales Aberystwyth
Wales01.2010
Skills
- Problem-Solving
- Team Leadership
- Operations Management
- Customer Service
- Decision-Making
- Employee relations and conflict resolution
- Staff Training
- Staff Management
- Project Management
- Operations Oversight
- Employee Motivation
- Client Relationships
- Project Leadership
- Project management abilities
Languages
English
Kiswahili
Corecompetencies
- Operations Management
- Tourism Expertise
- Client Satisfaction
- Financial Management
- Transport Coordination
- Event Planning
- Marketing Strategy
- Budget Management
- Contract Negotiation
- Complaint Handling
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Multitasking Abilities
- Public Relations
- Team Leadership
Placeofresidence
Arusha, Tanzania
Personal Information
- Citizenship: German
- Date of Birth: 04/07/1987
Timeline
East African Operations Manager
Abercrombie & Kent Sanctuary Retreats Regional
01.2017 - Current
Sales and Marketing Consultant
Kilimanjaro Golf & Wildlife Estate
04.2015 - 11.2016
Business Development Manager
Warrior Security Ltd
12.2013 - 03.2015
General Manager
Nduruma Polo & Country Club
05.2010 - 02.2013
Bachelor of Science - Sports And Exercise Sciences
University of Wales Aberystwyth
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