Before joining the Sky Tower team as Duty Manager, Stephen worked at SKYCITY Hotel, having been in Reception, Night Manager and Duty Manager roles. When asked what employee benefit he enjoys the most, he says “24 Heaven!”. A play on our 24/7 employee restaurant – no doubt Stephen really loves this one. We caught up with him to talk about his career at SKYCITY and what it’s like to work at the most iconic building in Auckland.
How long have you been in your current role?
I’ve been in my current position as Duty Manager at the Sky Tower for one year.
What other roles have you held at SKYCITY?
I’ve previously worked at SKYCITY Hotel as a Receptionist, Night Manager and Duty Manager before becoming a Duty Manager at the Sky Tower.
How long have you worked at SKYCITY?
I’ve been with SKYCITY for a total of four years.
Can you tell us a bit about your role?
As Duty Manager I help oversee the daily operations of the Sky Tower including:
Managing and compiling rosters for 30+ staff
Organising events such as the School Holiday Programs, Firefighter’ Challenge, SKYTOWER Birthday, Step Up challenge etc…
Ensuring the team is having fun and have enough support to manage day to day operations
Providing manaakitanga to our guests
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
It’s amazing to work at the most iconic building in Auckland, the view from the Sky Tower at night overlooking the city is breath taking! Getting to Greet guests from all ends of the world and sharing amazing stories with each other is also something I thoroughly enjoy.
What sorts of challenges do you encounter?
Weather!
When the weather is adverse it can affect our operations – We get lower visitations due to poor visibility, the lift speed may reduce if there is a high wind, being busy we have to effectively manage guest queues, also having active communication with our restaurants (Orbit 360 and The Sugar Club) and stakeholders.
Tell us about some of your career achievements/highlights at SKYCITY
Overseeing the Qualmark review (Gold Star)
Completing the Emerging Leadership Program
Nominated for Quest for the Best (QFTB)
Retaining the Sky Tower’s number one spot on TripAdvisor ‘Sights and Landmarks’
What did you do before you joined SKYCITY?
Before joining SKYCITY I worked in other Front of House Hotel roles having been in Reception, Night Manager and Duty Manager roles.
What do you enjoy about working at SKYCITY?
I’m proud of the responsibility SKYCITY provides and what we achieve for our community.
I also enjoy the SKYCITY culture and that we’re always striving to do more, be better.
What would you say to anyone considering joining your team or applying for a job like yours?
‘Please!’
You’ll have so much fun working at SKYCITY, you’ll learn great amounts from the challenges you encounter and grow a lot.
Which of SKYCITY’s employee benefit(s) do you enjoy most?
24 Heaven!
Being able to access discounted staff meals at any time of the day while on shift at our Staff Restaurant 24/7. With so many choices and healthy options available, it’s hard to beat!
Is there anything about SKYCITY that makes it different to other work places?
It’s all the small and thoughtful things that are provided which other places miss out! Also, the support from other teams and managers that’s provided.
Where were you born/raised and how long have you lived in Auckland?
I was born in Oxford in the UK and have lived in Auckland for 19 years.
What do you like to get up to outside of work?
Hiking, Running and Food!!
Thankyou for sharing your story Stephen! If his story inspired you to join our team at SKYCITY, check out all the opportunities we currently have on our Careers website!
