Abongile Jobodwana

With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, I currently serve as Assistant General Manager for one of South Africa's leading hotel groups. In my role as Head of Department, I oversee key operational areas including Front Office, Reservations, Food & Beverage, Housekeeping, and Maintenance. I bring a strong track record of driving service excellence, operational efficiency, and team performance across multiple departments.

My leadership style fosters a collaborative and high-performing culture focused on delivering outstanding guest experiences.

Assistant General Manager - City Lodge Johannesburg Airport - Johannesburg

(2022-07)

City Lodge Johannesburg Airport - 219 Rooms

• Lead and oversee the operations of Front Office, Reservations, Food & Beverage, Housekeeping, and Maintenance, ensuring seamless service delivery, guest satisfaction, and operational excellence across all departments.
• Drive occupancy, ADR, and F&B revenue growth through strategic revenue management, upselling initiatives, and quality service standards.
• Manage departmental budgets, cost control, and financial reporting, ensuring profitability while maintaining service quality.
• Motivate and guide multi-department teams, implementing training, performance management, and continuous improvement strategies.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and legislative requirements, while maintaining high standards of cleanliness, functionality, and guest comfort.
• Build and maintain vendor and supplier relationships, ensuring cost-effective procurement and service quality across departments.
• Support the Executive Team in planning, forecasting, and reporting, including mid-month and year-end financial process.

Junior Assistant General Manager - City Lodge Johannesburg Airport - Johannesburg

(2014-01 - 2022-06)

City Lodge Johannesburg Airport - 219 Rooms. Reason for leaving: Internal promotion

• Develop and implement operational policies and service standards across Front Office, Reservations, Food & Beverage, Conference Services, and overall hotel operations to ensure efficiency and excellence.
• Provide financial oversight, managing creditors, debtors, house accounts, and preparing accurate month-end financial reports.
• Lead sales and marketing strategies with a focus on brand visibility, revenue growth, yield management, and maximising occupancy.
• Control departmental budgets and expenditures through regular stock takes, cost analysis, and financial performance tracking.
• Ensure full compliance with internal and external standards including KPMG audits, FCS protocols, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), and ENERGY efficiency requirements.
• Coordinate monthly training sessions and departmental meetings to drive continuous staff development and operational alignment.
• Manage HR functions including recruitment, performance management, disciplinary procedures, and employment equity implementation.
• Oversee staff scheduling, leave planning, and effective management of labour overheads to optimise workforce productivity.
• Mentor and coach team members to enhance performance, build capability, and support career progression.
• Handle guest feedback and complaints with professionalism, ensuring swift resolution and high levels of guest satisfaction.

In service Training (Food & Beverage, Banqueting) - Carnival City Casino In service Training (Accommodation – Reception, Reservation, Conference, Facilities) - Carnival Hotel

National Diploma - Hospitality - Walter Sisulu University of Technology (2009)

Matric - Cambridge High School (2003)