Front Office Manager

JOB OVERVIEW:

Responsible for all Front Office functions and staff. Areas of responsibility include Front Desk, VIP Desk, Front Services, Service Express, Guest Services, and Club Lounge. Directs and works with managers and employees to successfully execute all Front Office operations, including guest arrival and departure procedures. Works to establish a safe and secure environment for all guests and associates. Strives to continually improve guest and employee satisfaction and maximize financial performance of the department.

WORK REQUIREMENTS:

Front Office Manager Responsibilities

• This position has approximately 4 assistant manager direct reports and 30 hourly indirect reports.
• Manage the day to day operations of Front Desk, Front Services, Service Express, Guest Services and Club Lounge.
•  This position carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies, procedures and applicable laws.
•  Interview, hire, process references including new hire paperwork to company standard, for all Front Office staff in compliance with state and federal laws and company policy.
•  Set specific goals and objectives for all the employees in the Front Office
•  Establish and communicate performance criteria to all employees and reinforces specific performance goals with subordinate employees, and provide feedback.
•  Appropriately disciplines and create performance improvement plans for employees, for any performance related issues.
•  Maintain proper staffing levels for all operating departments according to hotels’ business levels.
•  Review with managers and staff the schedules on a weekly basis to ensure business needs and budgeted levels are being met.
•  Communicates with team members, both verbally and in writing, to answer questions and provide clear direction in advising and instructing staff in details of work, policies and procedures.
• Provides timely and real-time feedback to management and hourly associates on service and operational standards; including feedback on all levels of service and operational details.
• Adhere and have a complete understanding of the Safety Rules and Regulations.
• Plan, distribute, delegate and direct daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual work assignments.
• Monitor and develop team member performance to include, but not limited to, providing supervision and professional development, scheduling, conducting counseling and evaluations and delivering recognition and reward.

Maintaining Property Standards

• Providing Exceptional Customer Service
• Handles guest problems and complaints efficiently.
• Empowers employees to provide excellent customer service.
• Displays leadership in guest hospitality by exemplifying excellent customer service and creating a positive atmosphere for guest and employee relations.

Managing Profitability 

• Prepare employee schedules according to business forecast, payroll budget guidelines and productivity requirements.
• Work with the Front Office staff on all shifts and prioritize their work assignments.
• Processes payroll and is responsible for scheduling in line with the monthly labor budget.
• Assist in developing financial forecasts and actively participate in monthly profit and loss review meetings.

Managing and Conducting Departmental Activities

• Celebrates successes and publicly recognizes the contributions of team members.
• Establishes and maintains open, collaborative relationships with employees.
• Ensures employees are treated fairly and equitably.
• Provides feedback to employees based on observation of service behaviors.
• Supervises employee’s ability to execute departmental and property emergency procedures.
• Ensures disciplinary procedures and documentation are completed according to Standard and Local Operating Procedures (SOPs and LSOPs) and support the Peer Review Process.
• Ensures property policies are administered fairly and consistently

Major areas of responsibility include but are not limited to:

• Maintain complete knowledge of and comply with all departmental policies/service procedures/standards.
• Anticipate guest needs, respond promptly and acknowledge all guests, however busy and at any time of day.
• Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation and organization of assigned work areas.
• Ensure all in-house group activities, locations and times set and communicate to staff.
• Maintain a working knowledge of all hotel and departmental policies and procedures.
• Empowers associates to provide excellent customer service.
• Ensures on-going communication occurs in all areas of responsibility to create awareness of business objectives, awareness of expectations and recognition of exemplary performance.
• Assist in monitoring and developing team member performance to include, but not limited to, providing supervision, scheduling, conducting counseling and evaluations, providing professional development and delivering recognition and reward.
• Ensure brand required and service programs are in place and executed properly.
• Communicates with key departments (Housekeeping, engineering, Food & Beverage, reservations, Sales and event planning) to ensure luxury 4 Diamond guest experience from arrival to departure.
• Communicate closely with housekeeping and maintenance regarding discrepancies and ensure a luxury 4 diamond experience quality of Front Office.
• Respond to all guests’ requests, problems and concerns presented in person or through comment cards, letters and/or phone cals, in an attentive, courteous and efficient manner. Follow up to ensure guest satisfaction.
• Work with Front Office Staff on all shifts and prioritize their work assignments.
• Ensure Marriott Rewards account number is associated with frequent guests accounts and enroll those guests are not already members

Qualifications and Requirements

• Experience in elevated guest service (4-5 Diamond, 4-5 Stars) highly preferred..
• Degree in Hotel Management preferred.
• Knowledge of effective office organizational practices.
• Ability to customize approach to conveying complex information and ideas to others in a convincing and engaging manner; appropriately interprets verbal and non-verbal behavior; and models active listening to ensure understanding.
• Ability to lead and participate as a member of a team to move the team forward.
• Strong team player and able to motivate a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills(English).
• Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.
• Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
• Maintain regular attendance in compliance with the handbook policies.
• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which include wearing nametags.
• Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions.
• Complete designated cashier and closing reports in the property management system.
• Count bank at the beginning and end of each shift. Balance and drop receipts according to accounting specifications.
• Perform other duties as requested by management.
• Uses basic computer hardware and software (e.g., personal computers, word processing software, Internet browsers, etc.).
• Proven ability in leading and motivation people.
• Understanding Financial Statements (P&L).
• Knowledge of Light Speed and GXP preferred.
• Understanding of Budgeting procedures for all Front of the House departments.
• Excellent knowledge of forecasting.
• Understanding purchasing and cost control procedures.

EDUCATION & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• High School diploma or GED; 5 years of experience in the Guest Services, Front Desk, or related professional area.
• 2-year degree from an accredited University in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Hospitality or Business Administration preferred.
• Experience in the hospitality industry preferred
• Experience in 4 Diamond Rated Hotel preferred
• Opening hotel experience preferred.
• Demonstrated skills in supervising and leading an operations team to revenue goal achievement
• Must be able to walk/stand for long periods of time
• Excellent communication skills
• Must be able to work days, nights, weekends and holidays.
• Constant standing and walking throughout shift
• Occasional lifting and carrying up to 30 lbs
•  Occasional kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting 
• Occasional ascending or descending ladders, stairs and ramps
• Frequently use hands for keyboard and arms to reach.

LICENSES/ CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid driver's license required.

COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to communicate effectively in English/Spanish preferred, both verbally and in writing.
• Able to effectively deal with internal and external guests, some of whom will require high levels of patience, tact and diplomacy to diffuse anger, collect accurate information and resolve conflicts.

EOE/M/F/D/V/SO

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