How long have you worked at Savoy Place?
I started at Savoy Place in 2010, during the refurbishment I took the opportunity to return home to Lebanon and came back to work at the London venue following the re-opening in 2015.
What does your role involve?
I ensure the whole team are working to the best of their ability while sharing the responsibilities and workload. I look after the Management and Budget implications of resources within the department and organise agency staffing, and planning. Other duties include Managing H&S training, especially within the Porters Team. In addition, I work on other projects for example painting & decorating in order to maintain the building looking Fresh. I also work with the Operations Manager, Martyn Westcott-Wreford in relation to recruitment and am the direct manager for the porter team.
Favourite part about the job?
I enjoy the various day to day challenges at work and most importantly looking after the guests, members and visitors to Savoy Place ensuring the highest level of customer satisfaction is achieved.
Job satisfaction is achieved through receipt of positive feedbacks as it constitutes the main objective by ensuring the guests receive an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Challenges of the job?
Christmas parties. They are incredibly fun to work as they always bring a different mood and vibe to other events. However, it often means long days at a busy time of the year. Another challenge we often face is with High-profile Clients, for example, Government officials whereby security is paramount. We pride ourselves on our ability to host these events but for us duty managers it means exceptional building arrangements and readiness as it requires a high level of professionalism and alertness in order to meet the demands of the client.
Favourite event?
Working at Savoy Place has offered many new experiences and allowed me to be in the heart of moments in history, for example Hosting the House of Qatar during the 2012 Summer London Olympics. The entire building was taken over for 29 days. They completely stripped the inside of the furniture and adapted the building to suit their needs. There was live broadcasting taking place and a whole host of important people such as athletes, ambassadors and royalty using the building every day.
Why work at Savoy Place?
We are lucky to have really strong relationships between teams. We have the opportunity at Savoy Place to work with great colleagues and meet new clients every day.
What did you do before?
I initially went to university to study computer science but changed my degree to hotel management. I was fortunate enough to study in Switzerland and then work in Miami from 2000 to 2002. I moved to London in 2002 where I first started my working life in the hotel industry.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I'm an outdoor person and enjoy nature. I have two favourite hobbies swimming in summer and snowboarding in winter.