ANDREW DANIELS
_______________________________
Lusaka
Summary
Results-driven hospitality and operations leader with over 20 years of experience managing businesses in Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. Proven expertise in remote lodge operations, luxury guest experiences, and leading diverse teams in African safari environments. Skilled in financial oversight, staff training, and operational excellence, with a passion for conservation and delivering world-class hospitality. Strong work ethic, systematic approach to protocols, and a firm-but-fair leadership style, ideal for maintaining high standards in luxury safari lodges.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Property Developer
Danberg Zambia Pty Ltd
01.2008 - Current
- Managed a 320-acre development, overseeing rezoning, infrastructure, and regulatory compliance—skills transferable to lodge infrastructure and maintenance
Owner & Operations Manager
The Roan And Sable
06.2014 - 11.2023
- Designed and operated a boutique hospitality venue, overseeing construction, interior design, menu creation, and entertainment to deliver a luxury guest experience
- Managed all aspects of operations (FOH, BOH, F&B, admin, maintenance, HR) for a team of [X] staff, ensuring high standards and guest satisfaction
- Implemented systematic protocols for staff training, financial reporting, and supplier management, achieving consistent positive feedback and [X%] growth in clientele
- Handled disciplinary issues and staff upskilling with a firm-but-fair approach, fostering a collaborative and professional team environment
Owner & Operator
Mezz & Co
03.2020 - 03.2022
- Directed operations of a hospitality business during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining luxury standards through safety protocols and guest-focused service adjustments
- Oversaw financial health, reviewing reports to optimize costs and achieve a [X%] increase in profit margins despite challenging conditions
- Managed maintenance and admin tasks, ensuring seamless operations under pressure with flexible scheduling and extended hours as needed
Chief Executive Officer
Advantage Corporation Pty Ltd
01.2002 - 01.2010
- Directed a vehicle import facility, managing logistics and customs in Africa, applicable to lodge fleet and supply chain operations
Operations Manager
Contiki Africa / Aardvark Adventures
02.1997 - 03.2001
- Coordinated adventure tours across Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia, managing scheduling, inventory, and training for a diverse seasonal team of [X] staff in remote safari environments
- Oversaw financials, budgeting, and cost management, reducing expenses by [X%] while upholding safety and guest satisfaction standards
- Built relationships with local communities and suppliers to enhance cultural authenticity for guests, demonstrating empathy and cross-cultural leadership
Operations Officer
James Smith Safaris
06.1994 - 11.1996
- Established and managed seasonal safari camps, ensuring compliance with wildlife safety protocols and delivering exceptional guest experiences for annual visitors
- Designed and delivered training programs for staff on operational and safety protocols, preparing teams for remote seasonal operations
- Collaborated with local guides to integrate conservation-focused experiences, enhancing guest education and cultural immersion in Tanzania’s safari ecosystem
Education
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) - Commerce, Commercial Law
Adelaide University
Adelaide, South AustraliaMatric - undefined
Prince Alfred College
Skills
- Lodge operations management
- Luxury guest relations
- Client experience optimization
- Staff leadership
- Training
- Financial oversight
- Budgeting
- Cost optimization
- Supply chain
- Logistics
- Cross-cultural communication
- Local partnership development
- Systematic protocol implementation
- Operational reporting
- Computer literate
- Microsoft Office
- Property management systems
- QuickBooks
- Pastel
- Micros
- Exel
- Physically fit
- Flexible with hours
- Adept at working unsupervised
Certification
Zambian Driver’s License, Class C: Truck/Bus, Applicable for fleet management and remote operations
Accomplishments
- Coached and managed the Zambian National Polo-X team, honing leadership and team-building skills applied to staff management in hospitality settings.
- Experienced in horse breeding and schooling, offering insights for equestrian tourism or guest activities in safari lodges.
Timeline
Owner & Operator
Mezz & Co
03.2020 - 03.2022
Owner & Operations Manager
The Roan And Sable
06.2014 - 11.2023
Property Developer
Danberg Zambia Pty Ltd
01.2008 - Current
Chief Executive Officer
Advantage Corporation Pty Ltd
01.2002 - 01.2010
Operations Manager
Contiki Africa / Aardvark Adventures
02.1997 - 03.2001
Operations Officer
James Smith Safaris
06.1994 - 11.1996
Matric - undefined
Prince Alfred College
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) - Commerce, Commercial Law
Adelaide University
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