VINAY RAINA
Auckland,New Zealand
Overview
1
1
Certification
26
26
years of professional experience
Summary
Results-driven Operations Leader skilled in team development and performance enhancement to meet organizational goals. Expertise in succession planning and workforce development, effectively aligning operations with strategic priorities. Focused on continuous improvement and resource management to enhance service quality and profitability while fostering a collaborative team environment.
Work History
Team Lead – Operations
New Zealand School of Tourism
10.2022 - Current
- Directed operational turnaround, increasing academic year on year completion rates from 46% to 69%, then to 88%, sustaining 88% performance in 2025 despite sector-wide challenges.
- Lead end-to-end campus operations across academic delivery, compliance governance, and performance management.
- Built high-performing team through structured planning and leadership development initiatives, resulting in improved team collaboration and effectiveness.
- Strengthened staff retention and team engagement across academic and operational functions, contributing to a more stable and motivated workforce.
- Enhanced student development frameworks and engaged industry stakeholders, fostering better alignment between curriculum and industry needs.
- Partnered with senior leadership to align operational KPIs with strategic business objectives.
Hospitality Tutor
New Zealand Management Academies (NZMA )
07.2018 - 10.2022
- Delivered hospitality teaching across levels 2-7 at two Auckland campuses
- Guided learners through coursework, assessments, and practical tasks with clear, structured coaching.
- Collaborated with academic and support teams to guide and mentor learners through coursework, assessments, and practical tasks with clear, structured coaching.
- Delivered tailored tutoring across vocational subjects, adapting support to individual learning needs and abilities.
General Manager
Sarovar Hotels
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Directed full P&L operations for two boutique hotels (52 rooms; 80+ staff).
- Oversaw budgeting, cost control, procurement, workforce planning, and revenue optimization to enhance financial performance.
- Implemented operational efficiency initiatives to streamline service delivery and strengthen margin control.
- Led department heads across Rooms Division, F&B, and Administration to achieve compliance and ensure operational excellence.
Food & Beverage Services Manager
Trident Jaipur – Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Appointed Interim Hotel Manager (3 months), assuming full operational oversight during leadership transition.
- Managed multi-department operations within a 132-key luxury hotel.
- Rebuilt and aligned teams around operational vision, enhancing accountability and performance.
- Streamlined cross-department processes, enhancing service consistency and operational efficiency.
- Implemented structured succession planning, strengthening internal leadership capability.
- Executed disciplined operational strategies, leading to sustainable performance improvements.
Banquets , Breakfast And In Room Dining Manager
Hilton Auckland
01.2005 - 01.2014
- Promoted through five roles over nine years, culminating in managing Food outlets and Banquets.
- Managed medium-large scale event operations, ensuring seamless execution across 7 function rooms.
- Monitored market trends within local hospitality industry, adapting strategies as needed to maintain competitive edge.
- Created a positive work environment that fostered teamwork, resulting in improved employee retention rates.
- Reviewed service trends and staffing needs to improve consistency and operational performance.
Progressive Roles
Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
11.2000 - 03.2005
- Began hospitality career as a Housekeeping Associate at Wildflower Hall, Shimla, one of India’s premier luxury resorts.
- Earned selection into Oberoi Centre of Learning & Development (OCLD) management trainee programme for exceptional performance and potential.
- Completed a two-year postgraduate management development programme combining academic study with practical operational exposure.
- Conducted rotational assignments across multiple Oberoi luxury hotels, acquiring diverse experience in operational departments and leadership roles.
- Undertook rotational assignments across multiple Oberoi luxury hotels, gaining experience across various operational departments and leadership functions.
Education
Post Graduate Diploma - Hotel Management (Level 8)
Pacific International Hotel Management School
New ZealandPost Graduate Diploma - Housekeeping Management
Oberoi Centre of Learning & Development
IndiaDiploma - Hotel Management
Institute of Hotel Management
IndiaSkills
- Operations management
- Performance monitoring
- Process improvement
- Coaching and mentoring
- Performance enhancement
- Relationship building
- Influencing skills
- Workforce engagement
Accomplishments
- Values Award – Yoobee Colleges (2025)
- Employee of the Year 2011 – Hilton Auckland
- Dependability Award 2013 – Hilton Auckland
Certification
License Controller Qualification, Fundamentals of Business Analysis , Supporting Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities ( Level 4)
Working Rights
Nationality: New Zealand Citizen
Timeline
Team Lead – Operations
New Zealand School of Tourism
10.2022 - Current
Hospitality Tutor
New Zealand Management Academies (NZMA )
07.2018 - 10.2022
General Manager
Sarovar Hotels
01.2017 - 01.2018
Food & Beverage Services Manager
Trident Jaipur – Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
01.2015 - 01.2017
Banquets , Breakfast And In Room Dining Manager
Hilton Auckland
01.2005 - 01.2014
Progressive Roles
Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
11.2000 - 03.2005
Diploma - Hotel Management
Institute of Hotel Management
Post Graduate Diploma - Housekeeping Management
Oberoi Centre of Learning & Development
Post Graduate Diploma - Hotel Management (Level 8)
Pacific International Hotel Management School