Biography

I joined the University in May 2020 after working in the Hospitality industry for over 15 years, working for Marriott Hotels in various locations across the North East of England and Scotland, in a number of operational departments and in several different roles including department manager, operations manager and working up to Hotel Manager. I had responsibility for the operational performance of the hotel ensuring brand standards were met and guest satisfaction scores were of a high level, identifying and understanding any issues and problem solving, decision making, health and safety, recruitment and other HR activities, mentoring staff, leading the team, managing all department heads, generating talent, financial planning, conducting health and safety audits, brand standard audits, crisis management planning, involvement with strategic planning and supporting revenue management.

With a keen interest in coaching and developing others I completed several training courses: TOPPS, Train the Trainer, Effective Training skills and facilitated Orientation Training and Essential Skills for Supervisors and Managers. and put in place talent cafés and supervisor in training programs to support the development of staff.  

I am based at Ambleside (when teaching), and I work remotely when holding TPR meetings with our students and their employers, visiting them in their workplace for face to face meetings and/or online.  

Qualifications and memberships

I graduated from Sheffield Hallam University with a BSc in Tourism and Hospitality Business Management in 2008 which included a year’s placement working in industry in Rochester, New York.