Director of Front Office at Sheraton Hotels & Resorts

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. - One of the leading hotels and leisure companies in the world with more than 1000 properties in over 100 countries, is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, W, Le Meridien, Aloft and Element.

Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., a subsidiary of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., is one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com or www.starwoodvacationownership.com.

We are seeking for employment dynamic, result-oriented and self-motivated person to fill the position below:

Director of Front Office

Ref: 20098958

Department: Front Office

Job Description
Position Purpose:

To ensure the professional and effective running of the day-to-day Rooms operation in accordance with all Sheraton Service Standards and in line with Starwood Hotels and Resorts Policies and ProceduresResponsible for short and long term planning and day-to-day operations of the rooms and related areas. Recommend budget and manage expenses/margins within approved budget constraints.

Essential Function

Co-ordinate all activities, operations and running of Front Office – whilst actively displaying a proactive front of house leadership style.Together with direct reports, take a leading role in positively representing the company with guests, reinforcing a customer focused approach to hotel operations at all times - and harnessing Guest Experience Index (GSI) data is a tool to measure successProvide clear leadership for quality and Process Improvement initiatives aligned with business goals and objectives, maintaining close liaison and support for teams - specifically Six Sigma/ProgressIdentify opportunities for resources and facilities to be shared between the Central London properties and implement best practices. Additionally maintain regular communication between complexed locationsMaintain, implement and adhere to standard policies, systems and procedures relating to hotel operations, including health and safety systems and quality standards, and systems contingency planning.Set up and maintain a high level of personal service and guest recognition, with particular attention to VIP's and amenities.Together with the Reservations Manager, ensure that reservation patterns, overbooking and yield opportunities are maximised to best effect.Continually develop and enhance the Front Office Incentive Programme to ensure that opportunities and Incremental revenues are maximised.Ensure quality of data is maintained within the property management system enabling accurate guest history and sales information.Ensure that all written guest feedback concerning Front Office/Rooms is responded to within 48 hours of receipt.Actively participate in the annual marketing and operating plan processes as requiredEnsure that all Front of House Public areas are well maintained and kept to a high standard of cleanliness and good repairEnsure effective channels of communication are in place maximising the opportunities of distributing the information available - and encouraging ideas and participation from all team members, through monthly team briefings, daily morning meetings and daily operations meetingsSupply and co-ordinate effective training to enable all front office staff to carry out their duties as required. Ensure Training profiles are in place and kept up to dateParticipate as a member of the Hotels Fire and Emergency Team as required

Supportive Functions:

Actively promote the Starwood Preferred Guest program to both guests and employees - ensuring all benefits are promoted and understood, and that annual enrolment targets are metTo assist the hotel in achieving Employee Satisfaction targets through good working practices and team liaison. Monitor employee morale and turnover, proactively supporting the Employee Satisfaction Index (ESI) process and ensuring action plans are established and followed up to address issues.To monitor and analyse customer feedback/data and where applicable act upon guest comment through the Guest Experience Index (GEI) and In House data collection methods (e.g. Guest Questionnaire/comment cards)Actively solicit guest opinion by ensuring a strong lobby presence – meeting guests regularly, and assist Head Housekeeper in checking guestrooms to ensure standard of product is maintained.Develop and identify new business opportunities – feeding new leads to sales teamEnsure that the hotel maintains a competitive edge by identifying new product and service enhancementsCarry out appraisals, encouraging 2 way feedback – and to utilise the opportunity to set goals and objectives ensuring all staff are working to the same goals and objectivesActively lead and encourage participation in company approved Community Service Initiatives

Qualification and Experience

B.Sc, High school diploma required, additional hospitality or butler training preferred.Extensive Knowledge of Fidelio and familiarity with Internet/MS Office applications and related IT preferred.At least 4 years of experience within the hospitality industry in a supervisory position.Front Office Experience preferred.

Requirements
Specific Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

The Must be able to speak, write and converse freely in English.Must be able to speak, write and converse freely in the language spoken in the area.Must be able to speak in one additional language other than the first two.Must be able to lift heavy luggage.Must be able to stand 8hrs a day while maintaining a smile and positive attitude.Must be proactive.

This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.