Director of Rooms

Eaton Workshop is a purpose-driven global hospitality company dedicated to shaping a better world based on values of inclusivity, integrity, and imagination and driven by a triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. Founded by Hong Kong-born Asian-American Katherine Lo in 2018, she started Eaton to reimagine how we could build physical and digital spaces as platforms for creativity and collective change with an eye towards a more fair world. Eaton Workshop’s physical and digital spaces are a place for kindred spirits to commune, collaborate, and make an impact. Our properties, Eaton DC in Washington DC and Eaton HK in Hong Kong, champion our brand pillars: Impact (social and environmental impact), Culture (the arts, literature, theater, music), Media (radio, film), Wellness (holistic mind-body-spirit healing), and House (purpose-driven members workspace), as well as beautifully designed, ethical hotel and F&B offerings.

We encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply to work with us at Eaton Workshop – BIPOC, women, LGBTQIA, international citizens, and more. We welcome professionals who strongly believe in our mission and can demonstrate parallel or applicable experience and skills to help us achieve it.

We are looking for people who embody integrity, compassion, humility, an open mind, and a collaborative spirit. We are not looking for people who pursue ego, who put self gain and profit above all else, and who don’t truly support our mission. Ultimately, we are looking for people who carry an adaptive growth mindset, can build on their expertise, collaborate across disciplines, and see the higher purpose in going beyond the status quo.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The ideal candidate will be socially conscious, culturally competent, with an interest in building community. The Director of Rooms will guide the Front Office, Engineering and Housekeeping Leadership teams and is responsible to leading these departments towards providing exceptional service to every guest while simultaneously maximizing hotel profitability. This position is responsible for managing the short and long-term planning of all rooms departments and for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the rooms departments and related areas. Furthermore, the Director of Rooms will be responsible for ensuring that all hotel operations are performed professionally and adhere to the brand and company standards.

The Director of Rooms will be reporting to the Hotel Manager.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for overseeing and guiding the overall day-to-day operation of the rooms departments.
• Actively participate in the strategic planning and ongoing development of the hotel, including revenue forecasting and budgeting.
• Overseeing the health, safety and security of our guests and fellows, ensuring health and safety remains a consistent priority.
• Lead and support all rooms departments in the achievement of their financial and operational targets via effective organizational development, policy and procedural development, and appropriate fellow training activities.
• Foster a solution-oriented, engaged work environment, motivating and engaging fellows to continuously deliver the best possible service to our guests.
• Ensure that monthly financial outlooks for all rooms departments are on time, on target and accurate, and all necessary reporting deadlines are met.
• Coordinate the planning and implementation of CAPEX projects.
• Update and ensure timely awareness of the hotel’s business continuity plan as well as its emergency and crisis management plans.
• Assume the responsibilities of the Manager on Duty.
• Tour the operating departments, daily, ensuring the smooth operation and staffing in all areas, making adjustments as needed via department heads.
• Conduct weekly one-on-one meetings with all rooms department heads to ensure proper training, review of financials, goals and operational performance.
• Attend operational line ups at least once a week for Engineering, Housekeeping and Front Desk.
• Meet all financial review dates and corporate directed programs in a timely fashion.
• Ensure that all rooms departments maintain budgeted productivity levels and Eaton Workshop standard checkbook accounting procedures.
• Develop managers for future advancement through competency training.
• Interview, hire and regularly engage and monitor the development of management trainees.
• Make sure that all rooms department heads follow the payroll procedure, managing overtime and meal break penalties.
• Inspect rooms regularly (weekly at a minimum) with the Front Office Leadership, Director of Housekeeping and Chief Engineer.
• Arrange the cleanliness and maintenance of the physical property through inspections and preventive maintenance programs with department managers.
• Motivate, coach, counsel and discipline all rooms department management.
• Be in the public areas during peak times, greeting guests and offering assistance as needed.

PHYSICAL

• Periods of standing exceeding 50% of shifts are required.
• Position is a very active position.
• Ability to follow instructions, directions, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work alone in an established routine.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERTISE

• Must have previous experience in Front Office and Housekeeping leadership, within a similar hotel brand is required.
• Past engineering experience is not a requirement but working knowledge of the department is favored.
• Preferable to have previous experience as Director of Rooms.
• Extensive Hotel operations experience required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of budget planning and financial controls.
• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to high school diploma.
• Ability to speak, communicate and read effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Capable of working in fast paced environment and possess high level attention to detail.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills, are gracious, friendly and work well with others.