James Edmunds

Health: Excellent, non smoker. ID NO: 8110125210087

Guest Farm Manager - Operations - Willaway Farm Lodge - Plettenberg Bay

(2016-03 - 2025-05)

As the Guest Lodge Manager and Operations manager my responsibilities were well noted in my nine years of employment. I tackled and took leadership of all operations in order to maximize profitability and to ensure exceptional guest experiences by managing all departments, 65 staff, sales and marketing including guest relations and public relations. The Key responsibilities included were developing the Lodge strategies, setting budget and financial targets, recruiting and training of staff, resolving guest complaints.

• Operational insight: Ensure the smoothness and efficient delivery of services across all departments including rooms, food and beverage, housekeeping and maintenance.
• Financial Management: Created and managed the Guest Farm/Lodge budget, forecast revenue and expense and implement cost saving measures to optimize profitability.
• Sales and Marketing: Lead sales and marketing efforts ro drive revenue, attract key markets and cultivate relationships with clients and travel agencies.
• Staff Management: Hire, train and develop the Lodge staff to maintain high service standards, manage performance and maintain a positive working environment.
• Guest Relations: Handle guest complaints, address issues and ensure that all guests receive excellent service and have their needs met.
• Staff meetings: Conduct daily or regular meetings with department heads to discuss operational changes, review progress and set daily priorities.
• Performance Monitoring: Analyze daily reports on occupancy rates, guest feedback, and financial performance to identify areas for improvement.
• Legal Compliance: Ensure that the Guest Farm/Lodge meets all licensing, health and safety regulations.
• Public Relations: Acted as a Brand Ambassador for the Guest Farm/Lodge and dealing with media enquiries or public relations.
• Facility Management: I made sure that all maintenance, security and renovations were dealt with and to ensure that the property was in good condition.
• Stable Yard/Outrides: The stables housed 22 horses that were supervised by the Stable Manager. From AHS inoculations to collecting horse feed and organizing trail rides for guests, all horses and our guests were no 1 priority. From providing weddings on Horseback to kiddies camps and pony parties was additional services that we offered.
• All communication was issued to the owner of Willaway Farm so he was well informed of the daily running of the business.

Motoring Journalist - Galimoto Media

(2011-01 - 2016-03)

As a Motoring Journalist I would adhere to the strict rules of SAGMI and provided the most in depth knowledge of all cars that were issued to me for road testing. All written detailed information was proof read before submission for online approval. From this potential clients could then ascertain which vehicle would best suit their needs.

Head Trail guide - Stable Yard Manager - Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

(2008-03 - 2011-01)

I was responsible for the wellbeing of all 26 horses and all guests that are horse riding. All shows and pony camps would be specially prepared by myself and my team. Inoculations and vet checks were in place monthly and annually according to AHS rules. Horse feet were trimmed on a 6 week basis. Daily tick and flea inspections were put in place from a day to day basis. All horses had passports when crossing mountains for show days and weekend events.

Stable Yard Manager - Head Trail guide - Arabella Country Estate

(2002-02 - 2008-01)

As the Stable Manger and Head Trail guide of 22 horses, the responsibility of the horses and hotel guests were down to the last detail. Sunset and beach rides were prepared with snacks and drinks on arrival. Pony parties, weekend getaways and weddings were all put together by myself and my team.

Communication was key to make this yard a successful one. All horses were inoculated every year for AHS and all feet were trimmed every 6 weeks. All medical treatments were issued when necessary unless a VET was needed for more detailed work.

Camps Bay High School (2000)

Diploma - Tourism Hospitality - Cape Technikon (2002 - 2002)

SANEF - Beaulieu Equestrian Academy (2006)

Motoring Journalism - SAGMI (2016)