Meet Colette, Hotel Manager at SKYCITY Grand Hotel. She’s been with us for over 7 years, and she brings with her a wealth of hospitality experience, having been in the industry since she was 18! Outside of work, Colette says that she has a love for baking and enjoys making cakes and cupcakes. Keep on reading to find out more about her...
What other roles have you held at SKYCITY?
Front Office Manager at both SKYCITY Hotel and SKYCITY Grand Hotel
How long (in total) have you worked at SKYCITY?
7.25 years
Can you describe your current role?
My role as hotel manager is a varied one – no two days are the same! From managing my team, to dealing with guests, ensuring we are meeting our financial targets and making sure that my team and I are consistently delivering exceptional customer service to our guests.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
The knowledge that our guests are having an enjoyable time with us is what I enjoy most. We are in the business of customer service, and to see the positive guest feedback that we receive means that we are doing it right! It also solidifies for me why I do what I do.
What sorts of challenges do you encounter?
All sorts of things. Guests and their requests can be challenging, however we aim to please and do our best to make sure their expectations are met.
What did you do before you joined SKYCITY?
I’ve been in hospitality since I was 18 and have had roles across various areas – F&B, Hotel Reservations and Front Desk.
What do you enjoy about working at SKYCITY?
The people that I work with on a daily basis. They make my job easy to do. The team that I manage, as well as the Hotels Leadership team that I am a part of.
What would you say to anyone considering joining your team or applying for a job like yours?
Bring your passion! We are all about creating guest experiences, and we want people that are passionate about our guests. We can teach systems and processes, so we want people to join our team that have the same passion and drive that we do. A lot of people think that working in hotels is glamorous, and that it is easy – it’s a lot of hard work, BUT a lot of fun at the same time!
Is there anything about SKYCITY that makes it different to other work places?
The opportunity to be yourself. The inclusiveness of everyone at SKYCITY is very evident across the business.
Also, the pace at which SKYCITY makes decisions and changes – the AKL site is very different to what it was 7 years ago – it’s been amazing to watch the development that has taken place already and then to also be a part of the development that is taking place in the future.
Where were you born/raised and how long have you lived in Auckland?
I was born in Cape Town, South Africa and lived there for 14 years. My family immigrated to NZ in July 1997, so I have been here in Auckland for almost 21 years.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I have a love of baking , and spend a lot of time making cakes and cupcakes.
Thank you for sharing your story Colette! If her story has inspired you to join one of our amazing teams at SKYCITY, head over to our careers website and apply!
