Eirene Cairns Cowan
Summary
I am a personable and organised employee with extensive experience in the hospitality & tourism industry. I have a proven skill in establishing rapport with people from all walks of life. I work well under pressure and am able to multi-task to achieve my goals. My strong customer service skills, administration experience, work ethic, and adaptability adds value to any role I pursue. I love exploring and adventure and taking in the magic that this world and this life has to offer.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Dog Handler & Pupbus Driver
Pets & Pats
Kumeu, Auckland
11.2021 - Current
- Develop positive, long-term relationships with clients through friendly customer service, and bonded with animals through regular contact.
- Maintain clean driving record and provided reliable pick-ups and drop-offs.
- Monitor animals during group play sessions for signs of aggressive or fearful behavior.
- Communicate with customers to coordinate delivery times.
- Use GPS navigation to plan optimized routes and developed delivery route understanding to avoid high traffic areas.
- Ensure safe and secure handling of all daycare and lodging dogs while in the facility.
- Managed the day to day operations and led the team to work safely and efficiently.
Supervisor of Passenger Services
Real Journeys
Manapouri, Southland
08.2019 - 03.2020
- Led and supervised a team of ten crew aboard an overnight cruise vessel in remote Fiordland. Intense role working over 80 hours per week with the following duties:
- Crew training, rosters, stock ordering, housekeeping, food preparation, table service, crane operation, kayak guiding and deckhand responsibilities.
Front Office Receptionist
The Lodge At Kauri Cliffs
Matauri Bay, Northland
09.2018 - 08.2019
- Full-time front-line reception and administration duties in luxury level Lodge.
- Assisted with administrative tasks such as filing documents, photocopying, faxing.
- Scheduled appointments and activities for clients and recorded all client data into the system.
- Prepared invoices for customers according to company procedures.
- Provided excellent customer service by responding promptly to inquiries and requests from clients, customers in person or via telephone, email.
- Ensured that front desk area was well organized at all times.
- Responsible for opening and closing the office on time each day.
- Entered new client data into database systems accurately.
Event Espresso Expert
Markey Coffee Communication
Canada & USA
10.2017 - 05.2018
- Executed the role of a contract travelling barista, efficiently handling the setup and breakdown of espresso service equipment at event facilities.
Demonstrated exemplary skills in providing top-notch barista service while liaising effectively with clients.
Assistant Lodge Manager
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing
Blue River, BC, Canada
01.2017 - 04.2018
- Demonstrated comprehensive expertise in various roles such as front desk, retail, housekeeping, barista, dining and bar service. Successfully led training and supervision of staff alongside ski technician responsibilities.
- Ensured smooth operation and outstanding customer service by overseeing all areas of responsibility.
Front Desk Agent & Housekeeper
The Crossing Resort
Banff National Park, Canada
06.2017 - 11.2017
- Effectively managed general front desk duties in a bustling motel located in a remote area, working five days a week while also taking on an extra housekeeping shift every week.
- This was a seasonal role.
Functions Manager
Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant
Wellington, NZ
09.2011 - 06.2016
- Organise and coordicate private and corporate functions in the busy bar and restaurant.
- Meeting with clients, liaising with the kitchen and bar staff and making sure the execution of the functions exceeds the clients expectations.
- The 'go to' person for checking spelling and grammar for all website content, newsletters and menus.
- Consulted for any customer complaint resolution.
Event Organiser
Adventure Wellington
Wellington, NZ
06.2012 - 01.2014
- Managed the planning and execution of diverse outdoor pursuits
- Played a key role in coordinating and executing significant club events
- Voluntary role in registered charity organisation
Event Espresso Expert
Markey Coffee Communication
London, United Kingdom
09.2009 - 04.2011
- Provided event services throughout the UK and Europe, demonstrating exceptional adaptability, hard work, and enthusiasm.
Reception Team Leader
Brentwood Hotel
Wellington, NZ
04.2005 - 04.2007
- Greeted guests upon arrival, answered inquiries and provided information about hotel services.
- Checked in guests using established procedures, verified guest identification and credit card information.
- Processed payments for guest accounts, accepted cash or credit cards as payment.
- Responded to customer complaints and addressed issues promptly and professionally.
- Maintained accurate records of occupied rooms, reservations and cancellations.
- Managed the switchboard, transferring calls and taking messages as required.
- Coordinated daily operations including check-ins and check-outs, room assignments and special requests from customers.
- Trained new team members on basic office protocols and procedures.
Education
Certificate in Horticulture Services - Landscape Design -
Unitec School of Architecture
07.2021
Diploma in Travel And Tourism Management -
Southern Institute Of Technology
12.2020
City & Guilds International Certificate in Professional Food & Beverage Service -
Hutt Valley Polytechnic
2000
High School Diploma -
Kuranui College
1999
Skills
- English Written and Oral Communication
- Attention to Detail
- Customer Service
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Organizational Skills
- Experienced with multiple booking systems, computer and mobile applications and POS systems
Personal & Professional Referees
Gary Clarke - Former General Manager. Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant, Wellington, NZ.
Written reference available on request
Tamara Salzmann - Former Lodge Manager. Albreda Lodge, Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing, BC, Canada
tamara.salzmann@gmail.com
Timeline
Dog Handler & Pupbus Driver
Pets & Pats
11.2021 - Current
Supervisor of Passenger Services
Real Journeys
08.2019 - 03.2020
Front Office Receptionist
The Lodge At Kauri Cliffs
09.2018 - 08.2019
Event Espresso Expert
Markey Coffee Communication
10.2017 - 05.2018
Front Desk Agent & Housekeeper
The Crossing Resort
06.2017 - 11.2017
Assistant Lodge Manager
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing
01.2017 - 04.2018
Event Organiser
Adventure Wellington
06.2012 - 01.2014
Functions Manager
Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant
09.2011 - 06.2016
Event Espresso Expert
Markey Coffee Communication
09.2009 - 04.2011
Reception Team Leader
Brentwood Hotel
04.2005 - 04.2007
Certificate in Horticulture Services - Landscape Design -
Unitec School of Architecture
Diploma in Travel And Tourism Management -
Southern Institute Of Technology
City & Guilds International Certificate in Professional Food & Beverage Service -
Hutt Valley Polytechnic
High School Diploma -
Kuranui College