Looking for a position in the hospitality industry

After many years of property management and hospitality at all levels I believe that I am unrivalled in my experience and unmatched in my passion. I have established and managed guest houses both here and overseas and therefore have had experience with all aspects of the business never forgetting attention to detail and understanding that people are your real business, making sure that they are happy and stay in a well managed, peaceful and serene environment.

I would be honoured to oversee all marketing, booking and guest relations, gardening, maintenance, security and staff management for you, ensuring  that your property continues to portray its natural beauty, runs smoothly and efficiently at all times to meet all of your and your guests’ needs.

Karen McKay
Sierra Cottage, Gemini Way, Constantia
mckaykaren@gmail.com
082 261 9279

Education

2004 Horticulture Certificate – Intec
2002  Interior Design Diploma – Intec
1999 Property Sales Course – Bill Rawson Real Estate
1993 Public Relations And Communications Diploma – Birnam Business College
1992 Estate Agent Board Exam – Institute Of Estate Agents SA

Recent Work Experience

2007 - I worked for Eurocape Holdings as Property Manager where I oversaw the transition period of Mandela Rhodes Place from a building site to the completed project, setting up of all of the facilities such as security, cleaning, concierge, waste management, etc. I assisted in putting together budgets and establishing the body corporate and rental pool, liaising with commercial owners and tenants as well as residential owners and tenants and other service providers there, as well as all other properties owned by Eurocape Holdings.

2006 – 2007 – Property Manager for Bloomberg Luxury Properties. I took care of seventeen properties owned by the company on the Atlantic Seaboard. My duties included staff management, housekeeping, seeing to general maintenance of the properties, gardens pools etc. Guest relations were a huge part of my job managing all arrivals and departures and any other queries and requests.

2002 – 2006 – Property Manager for Francois Hoffman. I renovated, redecorated and managed his properties, procuring tenants, lease administration, rent collection and related account payment. I organized and supervised all general upkeep, maintenance and repairs of buildings and gardens. I established a Guest House called Ecalpemos with one of the properties. Which I  managed, overseeing all aspects, such as housekeeping, staff management, administration, book keeping, marketing, bookings, guest relations, tour bookings and car hire, as well as the day to day running of the business. The Guest House was awarded a three star rating by the Tourism Grading Council Of South Africa, and was a member of the Guest House association of South Africa.

2002 - Worked as an Estate Agent (Sales) for Helio Trust in Hout Bay

2000 – 2002 – Elephant and Castle, Suffolk, United Kingdom. I managed all areas of the business, including the restaurant and bar (front and back of house), Bookings, administration, and guest relations for the Bed and Breakfast, and housekeeping, garden and maintenance for the whole property.