Ricardo D. Gardner
Savanna-La-Mar,Jamaica
Summary
Results-driven IT Manager with 8 years of experience in overseeing IT infrastructure, network management, and cybersecurity for hospitality environments. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, implement innovative tech solutions, and optimize systems to improve operational efficiency and enhance guest experience. Seeking to leverage expertise in project management, strategic planning, and IT service management to contribute to the success of the organization while ensuring robust and secure technology systems.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
IT Manager
Blue Diamond Resorts / Royalton Reosrts
St Johns , Antigua
03.2024 - Current
- Develop and implement the hotel’s IT strategy to align with the overall business goals.
- Plan and manage the hotel’s IT budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources and technology.
- Oversee the selection and implementation of new technologies or upgrades.
- Evaluate and introduce innovative tech solutions to improve guest services and operational efficiency.
- Provide technical support to hotel staff, addressing any hardware or software issues quickly and effectively.
- Coordinate with other departments to ensure IT systems align with the operational needs of the hotel.
- Train staff on new software, technologies, and procedures to ensure smooth operation across departments.
- Troubleshoot and resolve system errors or failures, working closely with vendors and service providers.
- Implement and monitor security protocols to protect the hotel's network from cyber threats.
- Ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations, including PCI DSS for payment systems and GDPR for guest data.
- Conduct regular security audits and work to improve network security and firewalls.
- Liaise with external vendors for IT-related services and hardware procurement.
- Ensure the timely delivery of IT services and products from external suppliers.
- Negotiate contracts and service level agreements (SLAs) with vendors and ensure that they are being met.
- Maintain an inventory of all IT equipment (computers, printers, routers, etc.) and ensure optimal functionality.
- Oversee the implementation and maintenance of hotel management software (e.g., property management system, booking system, POS system).
- Ensure that the hotel’s software is regularly updated and is compatible with other operational systems.
- Monitor software performance and resolve any technical issues related to hotel applications.
- Assist in budgeting for IT-related expenses, including software licenses, hardware procurement, and network upgrades.
- Monitor and report on IT expenditures, ensuring the department stays within the allocated budget.
- Explore cost-effective IT solutions that improve efficiency while staying within budget.
- Lead IT projects to upgrade existing systems, implement new technologies, or launch new services.
- Coordinate with other departments to ensure IT projects are implemented smoothly and with minimal disruption to operations.
- Maintain project schedules, manage timelines, and ensure IT projects are completed on time.
- Ensure smooth operation of guest-facing technology such as Wi-Fi networks, in-room entertainment systems, and self-service kiosks.
- Collaborate with the marketing team to leverage technology for enhancing the guest experience (e.g., mobile apps for reservations, personalized services,).
- Assist in managing a team of IT technicians and support staff.
- Mentor and train junior IT staff, encouraging skill development and fostering teamwork.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide feedback to improve team productivity.
- Stay updated on the latest IT trends and best practices relevant to the hospitality industry.
- Regularly review the hotel’s IT systems and suggest improvements to enhance performance, security, and guest satisfaction.
IT Assistant Manager
Royalton Negril Resorts and Spa
Westmoreland, Negril
03.2018 - 02.2024
- Oversee the maintenance and enhancement of the hotel’s IT infrastructure, including networks, hardware, and software.
- Ensure the hotel’s servers and systems are running efficiently, including email systems, file servers, and reservation systems.
- Manage data backup procedures and disaster recovery plans to protect sensitive hotel data.
- Provide technical support to hotel staff, addressing any hardware or software issues quickly and effectively.
- Coordinate with other departments to ensure IT systems align with the operational needs of the hotel.
- Train staff on new software, technologies, and procedures to ensure smooth operation across departments.
- Troubleshoot and resolve system errors or failures, working closely with vendors and service providers.
- Implement and monitor security protocols to protect the hotel's network from cyber threats.
- Ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations, including PCI DSS for payment systems and GDPR for guest data.
- Conduct regular security audits and work to improve network security and firewalls.
- Collaborate with vendors and external IT security experts to identify and fix vulnerabilities.
- Oversee the implementation and maintenance of hotel management software (e.g., property management system, booking system, POS system).
- Ensure that the hotel’s software is regularly updated and is compatible with other operational systems.
- Monitor software performance and resolve any technical issues related to hotel application
- Assist in managing a team of IT technicians and support staff.
- Mentor and train junior IT staff, encouraging skill development and fostering teamwork.
- Ensure the smooth operation of guest-facing technology, such as Wi-Fi networks, in-room entertainment systems, and self-service kiosks.
- Collaborate with the marketing team to leverage technology for enhancing the guest experience (e.g., mobile apps for reservations, personalized services, etc.).
- Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide feedback to improve team productivity.
IT Technician
Royalton Negril Resorts and Spa
Westmoreland , Negril
02.2017 - 02.2018
- Install, maintain, and repair hardware (e.g., computers, printers, POS systems, and other technology) used by hotel staff.
- Install and update software programs used for various hotel operations like booking systems, guest management, and accounting.
- Oversee and maintain the hotel's computer networks, including both wired and wireless networks.
- Ensure that the hotel's Wi-Fi system is up and running at all times, providing guests with seamless internet access.
- Work closely with hotel management to identify and solve technology challenges affecting the hotel’s operations.
- Provide input on the adoption of new technologies that can improve operational efficiency or enhance the guest experience.
- Respond to and troubleshoot any tech issues reported by hotel staff or guests, such as problems with room phones, entertainment systems, or Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Provide on-site or remote support when needed.
- Train hotel staff on how to use new systems, software, or tools.
- Provide ongoing support to staff to troubleshoot any tech issues they might face.
- Assist guests with technological issues related to their in-room technology (TV, Wi-Fi, room automation).
- Ensure that any guest-facing systems (like digital check-in, room key management, and interactive room technology) are functioning properly.
- Maintain records of all IT-related activities, including hardware inventory, software licenses, network usage, and incident reports.
- Regularly report any issues or system updates to Property IT Manager
Education
Bsc - Information Technology
University of The Commonwealth Caribbean
Kingston, Jamaica 12-2024
Certificate of Technical Studies - A+ Certification
Comptia
Online Studies 09-2024
Certificate of Technical Studies - Computer Networking
Comptia
Online Studies 06-2024
NCTVET HEART TRUST NTA DIPLOMA - Business Administration And Management
Heart Trust NTA
02-2017
Sciences -
Manning’s School
07.2014
Skills
- Technical leadership
- IT budgeting
- IT risk management
- IT infrastructure
- IT procurement
- Disaster recovery
- IT service management
- Cybersecurity best practices
- Network administration
- Mobile technologies
- Technical troubleshooting
- Documentation management
- Team development
- Team collaboration
- Documentation and reporting
- Cybersecurity management
- Information confidentiality
- IT compliance
- Application support
- Quality assurance
- IT asset management
Hobbies and Interests
- Mentoring aspiring IT professionals and leading workshops
- Staying updated with cybersecurity trends and ethical hacking challenges
- Playing strategic video games and participating in tech competitions
- Volunteering with local non-profits to improve their IT systems
- Fitness enthusiast – Visits the Gym regularly
- Singing - Big Fan of Karaokes
- Lover of sports
- Video game fanatic
Other Information
- Leadership: Managing IT teams and projects.
- Communication: Ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders/ hosts or employees
- Problem-Solving: Addressing technical challenges with creative solutions.
- Team Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.
- Time Management: Managing multiple IT projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
- Negotiation: Securing favorable terms with vendors and partners.
Awards
Employee of the Year 2018 - Royalton Negril Resorts and Spa
- Recognized for outstanding performance, leadership, and contributions to Royalton Negril successful project completions, improved systems, and cost savings.
Employee of the Year 2024 - Royalton CHIC Antigua
Awarded for demonstrating exceptional leadership in managing IT teams, implementing successful IT strategies, or managing complex technology projects. Spear headed IT Projects in the opening Phase of the Hotel.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
IT Manager
Blue Diamond Resorts / Royalton Reosrts
03.2024 - Current
IT Assistant Manager
Royalton Negril Resorts and Spa
03.2018 - 02.2024
IT Technician
Royalton Negril Resorts and Spa
02.2017 - 02.2018
Bsc - Information Technology
University of The Commonwealth Caribbean
Certificate of Technical Studies - A+ Certification
Comptia
Certificate of Technical Studies - Computer Networking
Comptia
NCTVET HEART TRUST NTA DIPLOMA - Business Administration And Management
Heart Trust NTA
Sciences -
Manning’s School
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