Sophie Bettschen

Overseeing the entire pre-embarkation process for artists performing on cruises Ensuring all entertainers are well-prepared and compliant with the necessary requirements before joining the ships

• Contract Management: Drafting, reviewing, and finalizing artist contracts to ensure terms and conditions are clear and aligned with company policies
• Documentation Assurance: Ensuring the timely collection and verification of documents, including passports, medical certificates, and background checks. Drafting and reviewing documentation to guarantee compliance with both internal policies and international regulations
• Visa and Permission Assistance: Facilitating the process of obtaining visas, work permits, and other necessary travel permissions, particularly for international artists
• Itinerary Planning & Crisis Management: Coordinating comprehensive travel plans for artists, including flights, accommodation, and transfers, while managing last-minute changes and disruptions to ensure timely arrivals and seamless transitions from travel to onboard performance
• Payroll Management: Overseeing all aspects of artist payroll and ensuring payments are processed accurately and on time

Played a pivotal role in the largest hotel in the city, ensuring the smooth operation of the hotel and its 293 rooms. Successfully managed a team of 10, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment, and demonstrated full responsibility for the overall management of the hotel during shifts. Front Office & Customer Service: Oversaw the front office team, ensuring efficient check-in/out processes, handling guest inquiries, and promptly resolving issues to maintain high customer service standards.

• Food & Beverage & Operational Management: Supervised the F&B team, ensuring exceptional dining experiences and addressing operational needs while maintaining quality standards across all departments
• Financial & Night Audit Management: Handled refunds, processed financial transactions, and conducted night audits, reconciling records and preparing detailed reports for management
• Emergency & Safety Response: Acted as the primary responsible person during emergencies, including fire safety and first aid incidents, ensuring the well-being of guests and staff
• System Proficiency: Utilized Opera and Micros systems to manage operations efficiently, coordinating seamlessly across departments and ensuring smooth hotel functions

Joined two months prior to the opening, to assist with setup and launch .Played a crucial role in outfitting hotel rooms and bars, assisting in the recruitment process and contributing to the hotel’s successful opening. Reported to the Operations Manager and General Manager, managed operations at the Lounge Bar, fitting 250 guests.

• Team Management: Supervised and managed a team of 5, ensuring smooth daily operations and high service standards
• F&B Operations: Oversaw F&B orders, managed Mini Bar reports, and conducted monthly stock takes, ensuring proper inventory control and cost management
• Cocktail Creation & Bartending: Crafted cocktails and contributed to the creation of the hotel’s signature cocktail menu, significantly enhancing the guest experience and beverage offerings
• Supplier Relations: Acted as the primary contact for wine and spirits suppliers, managing orders and maintaining supplier relationships to ensure consistent, high-quality beverage service
• Staff Training & Event Management: Trained new staff in F&B operations and successfully managed private events at the Lounge Bar, ensuring efficient execution and exceptional guest service

Contributed to the success and operations of the hotel by assisting the General Manager in all facets of hotel management. As Assistant General Manager and Manager on Duty, ensured daily operations and effective decision-making across departments.

• Financial Reporting & Management: Compiled comprehensive sales and expense reports for various departments, provided insights to the hotel owner for strategic planning, and handled weekly banking responsibilities
• Manager on Duty & Team Supervision: Oversaw hotel operations during shifts, supervised teams across front office, Food & Beverage, housekeeping, and kitchen departments, and assumed full management responsibilities in the General Manager’s absence
• Operational & Event Support: Reported daily operational challenges to the General Manager and collaborated with the marketing team to plan and execute events
• Staff Training & Social Media: Played a key role in training new staff to maintain high service standards and managed the hotel’s social media platforms, engaging with guests and promoting offerings effectively
• COVID-19 Response & Problem Solving: Navigated operational challenges during the pandemic by managing reduced staff levels, and adapting guest services to comply with government restrictions, ensuring the hotel’s continued operation