Daniel Halawani
Calgary,AB
Summary
Proactive manager with demonstrated leadership abilities, strategic planning expertise and problem-solving acumen. Assists senior managers with accomplishing demanding targets by encouraging staff and coordinating resources. Methodical and well-organized in optimizing coverage to meet operational demands.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
HI-Calgary Assistant Manager
HI CANADA
05.2024 - Current
- I was entrusted with managing all daily hostel operations, ensuring top-tier service quality, cleanliness, and efficiency while overseeing key functions.
- I implemented cost-saving measures, cutting janitorial expenses by 30% and breakfast costs by 45%, while refining pricing strategies to maximize revenue.
- I optimized staff scheduling to reduce labor costs and personally covered shifts when needed to maintain seamless operations.
- I monitored budgets and financial reports, fine-tuned yield strategies for peak periods, and resolved revenue management challenges to improve financial performance.
- I elevated the hostel’s GRI from 81.03% to 89.8%, increased review response rates to 82.4%, and introduced engagement activities that enhanced the guest experience.
- I recruited, trained, and mentored staff across departments, fostering a culture of collaboration, recognition, and high performance.
- I established local partnerships, strengthened membership offerings, and contributed to strategic marketing efforts, including developing presentations for HI Canada.
- I spearheaded hostel safety initiatives, led joint health and safety meetings, ensured compliance with industry standards, and took a proactive approach to problem-solving and operational improvements.
HI-VJB Hostel & CRS Acting General Manager
HI CANADA
05.2022 - 12.2023
- I simultaneously managed a 200-unit hostel and the central reservations office while covering for the manager during her maternity leave.
- Developed and executed a business development strategy to expand the base of quality host organizations.
- Established partnerships with suppliers and represented the company positively in the coworking space and industry functions.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Maintained financial management and reporting responsibilities, including budgeting, tracking, and invoice review, while staying updated on travel industry trends and patterns.
- Oversaw financial management and reporting, accurate accounting records, budget application, arrival, and placement data tracking, and meticulous updates to the custom CRM system.
- Conducted monthly invoice reviews, identified inaccuracies, and maintained financial processes and systems knowledge. Attended biweekly operations meetings to provide operational and financial updates to company executives.
- Increased customer service ratings through personable service.
Implemented an optimized approach using OTA platforms (Booking.com, Expedia, HostelWorld) through SiteMinder and the hostel's internal system to prioritize channels that generate higher profits by reducing commission costs.
Business Owner
Amorino
02.2020 - 01.2022
- Oversaw business budget planning and administration, accounting functions, purchasing and bi-weekly payroll to handle financial needs.
- Put together realistic budgets based upon costs and fees for successfully operating business.
- Capitalized on social media platforms to increase market awareness and communicate with food blogger (Foodie.)
- Devised and deployed sales and marketing tactics to drive strategic growth and support achievement of revenue goals.
- Input income and expense details into database to track business finances and address variances.
- Achieved sales goals and increased revenue and profits through productive strategy development and organizational leadership which led to 32% growth in second half of 2021.
- Optimized team hiring, training and performance.
Associate Consultant
iCRM
04.2017 - 02.2020
- Compiled research data and gave professional presentations highlighting finds and recommended optimizations.
- Provided advice, made recommendations and implemented problem-solving strategies when business needed to re-energize.
- Contributed to large-scale project under guidance and supervision of chief consultant.
- Analyzed multi-international markets for client's major expansion to provide most lucrative market.
- Organized and analyzed primary and secondary research to understand industry and potential market to prepare optimal execution and penetration strategies.
Education
MBA - Business
New York Institute of Technology
Vancouver, BC04.2024
Master of Science - International Business
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA, USA01.2017
Skills
- Entrepreneurial mindset and managerial skills
- Extensive travel industry experience
- Strong leadership capabilities
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Decision-Making and goals oriented
- Proficiency in financial management and reporting
- Collaborative team player with positive attitude
- Strong work ethic and advocate for inclusivity
Timeline
HI-Calgary Assistant Manager
HI CANADA
05.2024 - Current
HI-VJB Hostel & CRS Acting General Manager
HI CANADA
05.2022 - 12.2023
Business Owner
Amorino
02.2020 - 01.2022
Associate Consultant
iCRM
04.2017 - 02.2020
MBA - Business
New York Institute of Technology
Master of Science - International Business
Georgia State University
Certification
- Bloomberg Market Concepts | Bloomberg Finance | Issued Mar 2023
- Emergency First Aid | Canadian Red Cross | Issued Dec 2022
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