Deborah Cohen

I have recently completed a contract working at RiverBend Lodge in Addo Elephant National Park as an Assistant Lodge Manager. I was primarily involved in setting up their new channel manager, SiteMInder, and enabling multiple channels. Sales and Marketing formed a part of my role as well where I was responsible for contacting tour operators and travel agents to create and build on relationships. I also assisted our reservations team as required.

After completing my studies, I worked in America for a while before returning to South Africa where I worked in 5-star hotels in Food and Beverage Management as well as the Cape Town International Convention Centre. I worked with the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee in Cape Town where I was the Food and Beverage Coordinator for the Cape Town Stadium. I was privileged to be the General Manager at Tsala Treetop Lodge in Harkerville, outside Plettenberg Bay.

I was also in Goa, India where I was a General Manager for a small resort hotel.

Due to the roles that I have previously held, it has required me to be a strong leader, a good communicator as well as being organised in the workplace. Adapting to various property management systems has been essential. I have always taken a hands-on approach which has afforded me the opportunity to have good working relationships with staff, and guest interaction being in the forefront, whilst ensuring that standards are being maintained.

Drawing up of budgets and managing them have been essential. HR and admin responsibilities have also been a requirement.

Furthermore, I have always taken immense pride in my work and consider myself to be extremely conscientious with a sense of urgency and a strong focus on attention to detail. The experiences I have gained over the years have been invaluable, and this will assist with any new challenges that may arise.

I do hope that you will consider my application for the Assistant General Manager position or any other suitable positions that you may have. Should you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.