Christian Kruse
Santiago,RM
Summary
Hotel Operations Manager with 10+ years of experience across Chile and Australia. Hands-on and pragmatic leader specialized in operations standardization, project openings and renovations, and crisis management. Proven record in developing and implementing operational manuals, managing supplier and government contracts, and improving guest satisfaction. Recognized for integrity, adaptability, and approachable leadership that builds trust and team engagement. Motivated by continuous learning, process improvement, and achieving meaningful results for both the company and its people.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Corporate Operations Manager (Director of Operations)
Hoteles Terrado
01.2024 - 10.2024
- Led operations for 8 hotels (800+ rooms) nationwide, supervising Hotel Managers directly.
- Developed and implemented brand-wide Operational Standards and Procedures Manuals.
- Actively participated in the Executive Board to execute structural, system, HR, maintenance, and cost-control improvements.
- Successfully professionalized operational practices, achieving higher service consistency and cost efficiency across the chain.
Hotel Manager / Operations Deputy Manager
Wyndham Hotels
04.2019 - 12.2023
- Initially hired to design and implement the Operations and Brand Standards Manuals for the newly created Pettra brand (transitioning from Radisson Blu).
- Oversaw operations and staff training for a recently acquired hotel in Antofagasta.
- Promoted to Hotel General Manager in 2020 during the pandemic; led the hotel’s adaptation as a government-approved quarantine facility, managing all regulatory and contractual requirements.
- Directed the full renovation and reopening of the property as Wyndham Garden Antofagasta Pettra.
- Later managed the Wyndham Santiago Pettra, leading its reopening, recruitment, and inclusive workforce integration (LGBT+, differently abled, generational, and migrant inclusion).
- Consistently achieved operational excellence through staff engagement, training, and process improvement, resulting in record guest satisfaction and cost control performance.
- Recognized by ownership for leadership and results achieved in record time.
Night Auditor / Multi-Property Supervisor
At Hotel Group
05.2018 - 11.2018
- Supervised nightly operations for 8 hotels (150+ rooms total).
- Conducted audits ensuring compliance, accuracy, and operational continuity across all properties.
Hospitality Team Leader / All-Rounder
Romano’s Italian Restaurant & The Deck
06.2015 - 06.2018
- Worked in diverse front and back-of-house positions: receptionist, housekeeping, waiter, barman, kitchen hand, and steward.
- Created operational procedure manuals to standardize processes and improve training efficiency.
Early Career Development
Grand Hyatt Santiago, InterContinental Santiago, Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Rotational internships and professional roles across departments in luxury hotel operations, gaining solid foundations in service excellence and brand standards.
Education
MBA - FINANCES
Universidad De Chile
Chile11-2023
Advanced Diploma - Hotel and Service Management
IP Internacional Culinary
Chile07-2014
Diploma - Leadership and Management
Entrepreneur Education
Gold Coast, Australia03-2017
High School Diploma - undefined
German School of Santiago
ChileSkills
- Leadership
- Integrity
- Crisis Management
- Operational Excellence
- Standardization
- Team Development
- Cross-Cultural Adaptability
- Process Implementation
- Communication & Negotiation
- Problem Solving & Decision Making
- Facilities & Technical Coordination
- Expansion & Renovation Projects
- Process Optimization & Budget Control
- Continuous Learning
- Strategic Thinking
Languages
Spanish: Native
English: Advanced
German: Upper-Intermediate
Timeline
Corporate Operations Manager (Director of Operations)
Hoteles Terrado
01.2024 - 10.2024
Hotel Manager / Operations Deputy Manager
Wyndham Hotels
04.2019 - 12.2023
Night Auditor / Multi-Property Supervisor
At Hotel Group
05.2018 - 11.2018
Hospitality Team Leader / All-Rounder
Romano’s Italian Restaurant & The Deck
06.2015 - 06.2018
Early Career Development
Grand Hyatt Santiago, InterContinental Santiago, Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa
01.2011 - 01.2013
High School Diploma - undefined
German School of Santiago
MBA - FINANCES
Universidad De Chile
Advanced Diploma - Hotel and Service Management
IP Internacional Culinary
Diploma - Leadership and Management
Entrepreneur Education