WILFRED JAMES SHIRIMA
Zanzibar
Summary
A dynamic and results-oriented Hotel General Manager with over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
Professional hotel general manager with deep understanding of operational excellence and team leadership. Proven ability to drive growth and enhance productivity through strategic planning and effective resource management. Emphasizes collaboration and adaptability to meet organizational goals, showcasing excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager / Country Manager
Zanzibar Serena Hotel & TPSZ
07.2018 - Current
- Lead all hotel operations, ensuring profitability and smooth day-to-day performance
- Manage TPSZ's corporate operations, aligning strategies with company goals
- Monitore financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Build a culture of excellence through staff mentoring, improving productivity and satisfaction
- Maintain exceptional guest service standards, ensuring top-tier hospitality
- Manage budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Develope and implemente strategies to increase sales and profitability.
Relief Manager
Serena Hotels
11.2015 - 06.2018
- Provided leadership across various Serena Hotels, ensuring operational improvement
- Drove revenue targets and enhanced guest satisfaction during transitions
- Developed business turnaround proposals for underperforming units
- Spearheaded initiatives for continuous process improvements, resulting in more efficient operations
General Manager
Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa
06.2010 - 10.2015
- Led resort growth, improving profitability and guest satisfaction
- Oversaw the expansion from 80 to 124 rooms, developing amenities like the golf clubhouse and spa
- Implemented operational and marketing strategies, achieving strong brand recognition
- Launched signature events, including the Mavuno Yetu Food Festival and Southeast Asia Fusion Restaurant
- Directed the flawless execution of four Chaines des Rotisseurs dinners and high quality large-scale events, hosting over 1,000 guests
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning
Lodge Manager
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge & Serengeti Serena Lodge
10.2002 - 05.2010
- Managed all aspects of operations, improving service quality and guest loyalty
- Improved guest satisfaction by implementing personalized services and addressing customer feedback.
- Managed budgets, inventory control, and purchasing to optimize financial performance while maintaining quality standards.
- Oversaw property maintenance activities to ensure timely repairs, preventative upkeep measures, and visually appealing surroundings for guests.
Assistant Lodge Manager
Serengeti Serena Lodge, Arusha Serena Hotel, Lake Manyara Serena Lodge, Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
09.1999 - 09.2002
- Led day-to-day operations across multiple departments, ensuring consistent service standards
- Regularly reviewed performance metrics with upper management, identifying areas for improvement or potential growth opportunities.
- Acted as the Lodge Manager overseeing lodge management whenever required.
Education
Train the Trainers Course -
Training Solutions
Nairobi - Kenya01-2008
Certificate - Labour Laws
Tanzania Industrial Relations Association
Dar Es Salaam 01-2006
Finance for Non-Finance Managers -
KPMG
Nairobi - Kenya01-2004
Professional Diploma - Hotel Management
Kenya Utalii College
Nairobi - Kenya01-1999
Leadership Certificate -
Outward Bound Trust
01-1998
Advanced Diploma - Sales & Marketing Management
IABE
London - UK01-1997
Skills
- Fluent in Kiswahili
- Fluent in English
- In-depth knowledge of hotel operations
- Financial analysis and management
- Expertise in food and beverages
- Guest experience management
- Skilled in leading diverse teams
- Expertise in strategic marketing
- Revenue management
- Problem resolution
- Project planning
Leadership Roles And Memberships
- Tourism Commissioner, Zanzibar, 2023 - 2026
- CEO, Hotel Association Zanzibar, 2021, Present
- Member, Chaîne des Rôtisseurs - Kampala, Uganda Chapter, (2011 - 2015)
Timeline
General Manager / Country Manager
Zanzibar Serena Hotel & TPSZ
07.2018 - Current
Relief Manager
Serena Hotels
11.2015 - 06.2018
General Manager
Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa
06.2010 - 10.2015
Lodge Manager
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge & Serengeti Serena Lodge
10.2002 - 05.2010
Assistant Lodge Manager
Serengeti Serena Lodge, Arusha Serena Hotel, Lake Manyara Serena Lodge, Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
09.1999 - 09.2002
Train the Trainers Course -
Training Solutions
Certificate - Labour Laws
Tanzania Industrial Relations Association
Finance for Non-Finance Managers -
KPMG
Professional Diploma - Hotel Management
Kenya Utalii College
Leadership Certificate -
Outward Bound Trust
Advanced Diploma - Sales & Marketing Management
IABE
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