Tannif Turner
Montego Bay,Jamaica
Summary
Dynamic, guest-focused, and inspiring Leader with extensive experience providing operational and event management in the hospitality industry. Repeatedly recognized for top performance through fast-track promotions and industry awards. Committed to creating each wedding/event as a unique narrative brought to life. Employing managerial best practices and working with key stakeholders to build brand and facilitate seamless events and hotel operations. Well-versed in booking venues and arranging speakers, negotiating terms and conditions and hiring personnel to manage operations of events. Versatile and outgoing professional possessing strong networking abilities paired with in-depth knowledge of hospitality management procedures.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Wedding and Events Manager
Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort and Off-Shore Island
St. James, Jamaica
04.2015 - 01.2023
- Track record of providing exemplary leadership and excellent guest service as the Wedding Manager and the Evening Operations Manager for an award-winning luxury 227 room hotel
- Utilize an empowering approach to leadership that resulted in the Wedding Department gaining recognition as the “Department of the Year” for 2 consecutive years
- An achievement never accomplished at any Sandals Resort property
- Train and supervise 15 to 25 team talents including Assistant Wedding Manager ,Wedding Planners and Event Coordinators: evaluate performance and provide effective feedback to improve productivity and recognize performance
- Organize and supervise up to 3 weddings and multiple events at a time of 50 to 200 guests from date of booking to departure, including venue & guestroom requirements, food & beverage, audio-visual and accounting
- Solicit wedding business at trade shows, conventions, and promotional events
- Set, review and manage budgets to cut costs without sacrificing high quality service
- Prepare and facilitate the accurate and timely submission of payroll data to the Accounts Dept
- Conduct inter-departmental meetings to review event contracts; collaborate with departments to streamline and ensure superior guest experience
- Coordinate and oversaw evening operations with the inclusion of Housekeeping, Maintenance, Inventory, Front Desk/Guest Services, Kitchen, evening activities and Security.
Senior Wedding Planner
Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa
St. Ann, Jamaica
11.2013 - 01.2014
- Streamlined the operations of the Wedding & Events Department by implementing standardized practices that aided in saving costs and improving wedding sales
- Repeatedly exceeded weekly and quarterly sales targets by 10% to 50%
- Coordinated all onsite weddings in a collaborative and resourceful manner
- Utilized Microsoft Excel to maintain a complete database of accounts
- Identified and qualified prospects through telemarketing, tradeshows, sales blitzes and other sales initiatives
- Collaborated successfully with departments to ensure successful wedding events. Implemented initiatives to train and develop staff; conducted daily briefings.
Senior Concierge /Wedding Planner
Super Clubs Grand Lido Negril Resort & Spa
Westmoreland, Jamaica
09.2003 - 10.2013
- Achieved promotional advancement from earlier positions and was consistently recognized as “Most Mentioned” and “Top Achiever” for excellent service in the Resort’s “Guests Satisfaction Survey” and Trip Advisor Reviews
- Prided with the responsibility of solely checking-in all VIP guests and groups
- Prepared welcome letters and pre-booking of complimentary services for all VIP Guests
- Conducted daily room inspections and ensured standards of quality were met
- Created training plans and facilitated job training sessions for up to 10 team members
- Advised bridal party on wedding ceremony, flowers, decorations, and photographer
- Assisted the wedding party with the selection and fitting of wedding attire, coordinate beatification services and attire for the wedding day
- Oversaw the marketing of tours and excursions
- Provided on-hand assistance during wedding ceremony and reception and prepared wedding documentations
- Made recommendations to the Guest Services Manager in conducting performance evaluations and discipline
- Coordinated guest service efforts to include group arrivals, departures and guest transportation while maximizing the guest experience through top quality customer service
- Maintained a friendly, cheerful and courteous demeanor always.
Personal / VIP Concierge
Super Clubs Grand Lido Negril Resort & Spa
Westmoreland, Jamaica
02.2004 - 01.2006
- Facilitated the building of brand loyalty which was proven in a 5% increase in multiple repeat concierge guests within a two-year period
- Provided personalized check in and check out for VIP guests
- Met and greeted concierge guests and expedited the airport arrival and departure process
- Fast-tracked services for concierge guests including the booking of services and the inspection of rooms
- Resolved guest’s complaints, turning them into opportunities for excellence.
Guest Services Agent
Super Clubs Grand Lido Negril Resort & Spa
Westmoreland, Jamaica
09.2003 - 01.2004
- Ensured guest requests were met and complaints handled in a timely manner
- Liaised with Housekeeping on room status and updates to expedite check in procedures
- Ensured that rates were accurate in the property management system for smooth operations of the company’s accounting procedures.
Education
Certificate in IEWP – International Event & Wedding Planning Professional -
QC Career School
Certificate in Project Management -
The University of the West Indies Mona School of Business
Completed Several Executive Level Trainings and Managerial Certifications -
Sandals Corporate University
Certificate in Computer Studies -
U.W.I School of Continuing Studies
High School Diploma and Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) Passes Obtained -
Dunrobin High School
Skills
- Master Planning
- Wedding Consultation
- Vendor Negotiation
- Sales and Marketing
- Vendor Contract Laws
- Designing Essentials
- Project Management
- Financial Analysis
- Logistics Management
- Team Building
- Supply Chain Management
- Sales Process Optimization
- INFOR Management System
- Oracle Solutions
- Visual One PMS Solutions
- CRM, SAP Software
- MS: Word, Excel, PP and PM
- Customer Service-Driven
- Schedule Management
- New Business Development
- Food Service Knowledge
Accomplishments
- Recipient of the Annual General Manager’s Award (2018)
- Leader for Department of the Year (2016 & 2017)
- Manager of the Year (2017)
- Parish Finalist Tourism Service Excellence Award (2014)
- Certificate in TPDCO Supervisory Management (2005)
- Clerical Staff of the Year (2004)
Testimonial
“Now for the wedding...boy was I stressed and not so nice, but Tannif Turner and her wedding planning staff went ABOVE and beyond to make my wedding day special!!! Tannif knows her stuff and she like things timely and perfect, so do not let that be taken the wrong way. If you want detail, she is the one to get it done!!! If I could I would move her and her staff here to run a wedding business I would!!!” Oct. 2018 Trip Advisor Review
Timeline
Wedding and Events Manager
Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort and Off-Shore Island
04.2015 - 01.2023
Senior Wedding Planner
Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa
11.2013 - 01.2014
Personal / VIP Concierge
Super Clubs Grand Lido Negril Resort & Spa
02.2004 - 01.2006
Senior Concierge /Wedding Planner
Super Clubs Grand Lido Negril Resort & Spa
09.2003 - 10.2013
Guest Services Agent
Super Clubs Grand Lido Negril Resort & Spa
09.2003 - 01.2004
Certificate in IEWP – International Event & Wedding Planning Professional -
QC Career School
Certificate in Project Management -
The University of the West Indies Mona School of Business
Completed Several Executive Level Trainings and Managerial Certifications -
Sandals Corporate University
Certificate in Computer Studies -
U.W.I School of Continuing Studies
High School Diploma and Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) Passes Obtained -
Dunrobin High School
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