Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Darren Placido

Stayner,Ontario

Summary

Accomplished hospitality leader with a demonstrated history of success in directing and inspiring teams to exceed guest expectations and drive operational excellence. With 20 years of comprehensive hospitality experience, adept at developing and implementing strategic initiatives to optimize guest satisfaction, revenue growth, and operational efficiency. Proven expertise in team building, training, and cultivating a culture of service excellence. Exceptional communicator with a collaborative approach to leadership, adept at fostering strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Hotel Manager

Blue Mountain Resort
05.2019 - 11.2024
  • Oversaw day-to-day operations of 445-room hotel with staff of approximately 150 employees. This included Front Desk, Housekeeping and Maintenance Associates.
  • Tasked to set targets to achieve success in areas of finance/budgets, employee engagement and guest experience.
  • Conducted regular staff performance evaluations, identifying areas for improvement and providing constructive feedback, mentoring and recognition.
  • Implemented successful strategies to increase success around our key metrics.
  • Hired and trained new employees, demonstrating best methods for serving clients and guests.
  • Established positive work culture that promoted teamwork, collaboration, and employee morale.

Front Office Manager/Hotel Guest Services Manager

Blue Mountain Resort
12.2006 - 05.2019
  • Managed daily room inventory of 765 rooms to maximize occupancy rates and revenue generation.
  • In addition to over seeing Front Desk Operations I Oversaw Resort shuttle program, At Your Service dispatching, Parking Ambassadors, Welcome Ambassadors and Pool Attendant / Lifeguards.
  • Implemented staff training programs, improving employee performance and team cohesion.
  • Collaborated with housekeeping and maintenance departments to ensure timely room availability and optimal guest experience.
  • Resolved guest complaints professionally, maintaining positive relationships with customers for future business opportunities.
  • Developed effective communication channels within the team to improve decision-making process and problem-solving abilities.
  • Created weekly schedules for front office staff to ensure appropriate coverage during peak hours or high demand periods. Ensure payroll was accurate and submitted on time.

Group Desk Manager

Blue Mountain Resort
04.2006 - 12.2006
  • Led a team of employees with a focus towards lodging needs for group delegates.
  • This included management of group blocks, inputting rooming lists, coordinating logistics around room drops, luggage drops and an array of group specific requests
  • The Group Desk Manager also worked closely with the Group Sales and the Conference Event Management teams to fully understand and meet the needs of our groups

Front Desk Agent, Trainer and Supervisor

Blue Mountain Resort
06.2004 - 04.2006
  • Responded swiftly to room requests and other inquiries made via establishment website, email, or phone.
  • Contributed to team success by consistently meeting or exceeding performance targets for guest satisfaction ratings and occupancy rates.
  • Mentored new hires on best practices at the front desk ensuring they were properly trained and equipped to excel in their roles.
  • Identified opportunities for process improvement within the front desk operations, leading to enhanced efficiency.

Ontario Parks Security Officer / Warden

Ministry Of Natural Resources
05.1999 - 09.2003
  • Managed daily operations, including inmate processing, housing assignments, food service delivery, medical care provision, and recreational activities scheduling.
  • Educated patrons and enforces Provincial legislation including Provincial Parks Act, Highway Traffic Act and the Liquor License Act.
  • Championed diversity initiatives within staffing practices to ensure an inclusive workforce reflective of the diverse inmate population served.
  • Prioritized mental health support for both inmates and staff by partnering with local mental health providers to offer counseling services onsite.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Kinesiology And Physical Education

Wilfrid Laurier University
Waterloo, Ontario
04.2003

Skills

  • Guest Relations Management
  • Hotel operations
  • Training and mentoring
  • Outstanding communication skills
  • Inventory Management
  • Organization
  • Teamwork and Leadership
  • Relationship Building
  • Task Prioritization

Timeline

Hotel Manager

Blue Mountain Resort
05.2019 - 11.2024

Front Office Manager/Hotel Guest Services Manager

Blue Mountain Resort
12.2006 - 05.2019

Group Desk Manager

Blue Mountain Resort
04.2006 - 12.2006

Front Desk Agent, Trainer and Supervisor

Blue Mountain Resort
06.2004 - 04.2006

Ontario Parks Security Officer / Warden

Ministry Of Natural Resources
05.1999 - 09.2003

Bachelor of Arts - Kinesiology And Physical Education

Wilfrid Laurier University
Darren Placido