Hotel Manager Q&A

Lindsie Briscoe

VENUE MANAGER - THE WOODCROFT HOTEL

WHAT IS THE TITLE OF YOUR POSITION?

Venue Manager

WHAT HOTEL/S DO YOU MANAGE?

The Woodcroft Hotel, which is part of the RD Jones Group.

HOW DID YOU ENTER THE HOTEL INDUSTRY AND WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER PATH?

I chose hospitality and started as a waitress/bar tender. I worked my way up through hotels working in all facets of the hotel.

DO YOU HAVE ANY FAMILY CONNECTIONS IN THE HOTEL TRADE?

My sister works in alcohol retail (Dan Murphy’s).

WHAT DOES YOUR POSITION ENTAIL?

All aspects of hotel management - working with and to budgets, rostering, hiring, staff managing, working on the floor (which I love), banking and payroll... plus creating a great staff culture.

WHAT ASPECT OF THIS POSITION IS YOUR FAVOURITE?

Working with a really fantastic team and giving the best service down south!

WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVOURITE PART OF THIS ROLE?

Sometimes the hours are long and they keep me away from my family.

APPROXIMATELY HOW MANY STAFF DO YOU MANAGE?

46 staff members.

WHO HAVE YOUR MENTORS BEEN OVER THE YEARS?

I have been lucky to work with a very supportive head office who give great ideas and support me, and I find the way they work together really fun.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE LOOKING TO WORK THEIR WAY UP THE HOTEL BUSINESS LADDER?

Work hard, gain experience in every area you can and always smile!

WHAT DOES YOUR FUTURE LOOK LIKE? WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?

Probably still here at The Woody.

WHAT MAKES YOUR HOSPITALITY OFFERING DIFFERENT FROM OTHER VENUES?

We are very strong in customer service, often a little cheeky, and we make really good food and cocktails!

DO YOU HAVE RENOVATION PLANS FOR THE HOTEL/S IN YOUR GROUP?

We were renovated almost six years ago, and still look brand new!