MICHAEL ALPHONCE
Arusha,Tanzania
Summary
Strategic Operations and Hospitality Executive with over 15 years of leadership in luxury lodges, safari operations, and multi-site camp management in East Africa. Expertise in driving financial control, managing complex back-of-house operations, and enhancing guest experience standards. Skilled in aligning operational strategy with company goals, improving efficiency, and ensuring sustainable profitability in high-end hospitality environments.
Overview
7
7
years of post-secondary education
22
22
years of professional experience
Work history
Group Assistant Operations Manager
Mwiba Holdings Company
Arusha
2024.01 - 2026.07
- Lead daily camp and lodge operations across multi-site locations.
- Execute operational strategy aligned with company mission and performance targets.
- Contribute to annual budgeting and capex planning across all properties.
- Oversee camp setup and operational readiness for mobile and permanent sites.
- Implement sops standards and operational controls across both functions.
- Coordinate procurement, inventory, and logistics systems across departments.
- Manage operational efficiency, cost control, and resource optimisation initiatives.
- Conduct site inspections and operational audits across all properties.
- Run staff training, performance management, and kpi implementation programmes.
- Resolve operational challenges to keep service delivery continuous.
- Produce monthly operational performance reports for executive management review.
- Manage full operational control during management coverage at camps and lodges.
- Direct daily operations staffing and guest service delivery schedules.
- Control budgets, expenses, and operational forecasting across properties.
- Implement service standards and operational procedures across sites.
- Coordinate maintenance, logistics, and supplier management for ongoing service.
- Lead staff performance management and workforce scheduling across locations.
- Maintain seamless guest experience and handle issue resolution across properties.
Station Manager
VIA Aviation – Kilimanjaro Airport
Arusha
2019.01 - Current
- Managed full station operations for airline ground handling services
- Supervised VIP services, passenger handling, and operational coordination
- Liaised with airline executives, airport authorities, and security agencies
- Ensured compliance with international aviation safety standards
- Managed staffing, recruitment, training, and performance evaluation
- Delivered operational reports and performance analytics to directors
Assistant Lodge Manager
Singita Grumeti Lodges
Arusha
2016.01 - Current
- Supported lodge GM in daily operations by coordinating guest-facing tasks and updates.
- Managed guest experience delivery while applying service excellence standards each shift.
- Oversaw housekeeping, maintenance, and lodge presentation to keep standards consistent.
- Controlled procurement, stock levels, and financial administration for lodge requirements.
- Led staff training and developed a service culture across lodge teams.
Country Operations Manager
Micato Safaris – Kenya
2013.01 - Current
- Managed national safari routes, directing day-to-day teams across locations.
- Coordinated safari directors and logistics teams to keep schedules running smoothly.
- Handled budgeting, payroll, and financial compliance for consistent operational control.
Reservations & Administration Manager
Singita Grumeti Lodges
Serengeti
2008.01 - 2013.01
- Managed revenue control, invoicing, and financial reconciliation
- Oversaw debtor management and supplier payments
- Controlled tourism banking and cost tracking systems
- Managed guest requests and service recovery processes
Food & Beverage Supervisor
Tanzania Game Tracker & Safaris
Arusha
2005.01 - 2008.01
- Managed food and beverage operations and staff supervision
- Coordinated internal and external catering services
- Ensured service quality standards and operational efficiency
Education
Diploma - Hotel Management
Tropical College of Tourism
Arusha 2004.01 - 2005.01
High School -
Makumira High School
2002.01 - 2004.01
Secondary School -
Nsumba Secondary School
Mwanza 1998.01 - 2002.01
Skills
- Multi-Property Operations Management
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Budgeting & Financial Oversight
- Luxury Lodge & Camp Operations
- Capital Projects & Infrastructure Development
- SOP Development & Compliance Systems
- Team Leadership (100 staff environments)
- Procurement, Logistics & Inventory Systems
- Guest Experience & Service Excellence
- Change Management & Process Improvement
- Strong multi-site operational leadership
- Proven Capex and infrastructure project oversight
- High-level financial and budget control experience
- Strong ability to implement systems and SOPs
- Experience managing remote luxury hospitality environments
- Effective people leadership and cross-functional coordination
Timeline
Group Assistant Operations Manager
Mwiba Holdings Company
2024.01 - 2026.07
Station Manager
VIA Aviation – Kilimanjaro Airport
2019.01 - Current
Assistant Lodge Manager
Singita Grumeti Lodges
2016.01 - Current
Country Operations Manager
Micato Safaris – Kenya
2013.01 - Current
Reservations & Administration Manager
Singita Grumeti Lodges
2008.01 - 2013.01
Food & Beverage Supervisor
Tanzania Game Tracker & Safaris
2005.01 - 2008.01
Diploma - Hotel Management
Tropical College of Tourism
2004.01 - 2005.01
High School -
Makumira High School
2002.01 - 2004.01
Secondary School -
Nsumba Secondary School
1998.01 - 2002.01