Soraya Fernandes

Operations

MarketingHRConsultingEntertainmentFinanceEducationContent ManagerSEO ManagerEvent ProducerLecturerTutorCustomer ServiceCustomer Success ManagerChief Customer Officer (CCO)Case ManagerClient Relations SpecialistChat SupportLive ChatCustomer Care SpecialistCustomer Retention SpecialistTraining&Development SpecialistAssistantSoft Skills TrainerAdministrative AssistantPersonal AssistantExecutive AssistantOffice AssistantResearch AssistantData Entry

Professional Overview A dynamic and results-driven professional with over 30 years of international experience spanning luxury hospitality, educational leadership, private aviation, and diplomatic services. Recognized for strategic operational leadership, transformational restructuring, and consistently delivering excellence across global markets including Portugal, South Africa, the USA, Brazil, Mozambique, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and The Bahamas. Luxury Hospitality & Operational Leadership Most recently served as Director of Operations at Grand House Relais & Châteaux (2018–2025), where you led the hotel’s grand opening, navigated its post-COVID recovery, and spearheaded a major departmental restructuring across Front Office, F&B, and Housekeeping. Your initiatives resulted in the hotel’s first-ever positive Gross Operating Profit (GOP) and culminated in a successful business sale in 2025. Previous hospitality experience includes leadership and guest service roles at prestigious properties such as Mount Nelson Hotel (Cape Town) and Carlton Hotel (Johannesburg), where you cultivated a deep foundation in VIP guest relations and premium service standards. Education Leadership & Learning Development Over 15 years of experience in international education, having worked with IB and Cambridge curricula across Portugal, The Bahamas, Mexico, USA, and Indonesia. You served in both teaching and curriculum leadership capacities, launching digital learning solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic and mentoring educators to deliver high-impact, student-centered learning. As the Founder of a Montessori Nursery & Preschool in Portugal, you created a respected early education institution for international families, demonstrating entrepreneurial vision and operational acumen. Diplomatic & High-Level Event Coordination Your early career includes high-level roles in the diplomatic sector, such as Diplomatic Travel & Hospitality Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Mozambique and Head of Travel & Trade Events at the U.S. Consulate in B