Assistant Front Office Manager

Sonesta Hotels•Hilton Head Island, SC

About The Position

We’re Sonesta International Hotels. The 8th largest hotel company in the U.S.—and growing fast. An epic blend of full-service and focused hotels in major cities, Sonesta’s uniquely diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties makes us everywhere you want to be. Driven by the human side of hospitality, we deliver service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and experiences that truly connect. Together We Thrive—bringing quality, value, and amazing hospitality to every guest, every stay, across 1000+ properties in eight countries and counting. Job Description Summary Assist in managing all aspects of front office areas, which may include but not limited to guest registration, bell services, concierge services, business center, telephone services, and guest reservations to ensure guest satisfaction and maximize hotel profitability. Adhere to all brand standards and desk merchandising. Serve as Front Office Manager in his/her absence. Job Description Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Assist in manage day-to-day activities of the Front Office staff. Schedule employees to ensure proper coverage. Recommend and/or initiate salary, disciplinary, or other staffing/human resources-related actions in accordance with Company rules and policies. Alert management of potentially serious issues. Ensure all staff is properly trained on systems, security and cash handling procedures, and service standards and have the tools and equipment needed to effectively carry out their job functions. Ensure guests receive prompt, professional attention and personal recognition. Ensure guests are greeted upon arrival. Respond appropriately to guest complaints. Implement appropriate service recovery gestures in order to ensure total guest satisfaction. Schedule and regularly conduct routine inspections of the front office and public areas to ensure the appearance of such areas reflects highly on the hotel, brand, and Company. Assist in creating and implementing action plans to correct deficiencies. Assist in monitoring and controlling labor costs and expenses, and achieving revenue and profitability goals. Assist in maintain procedures for PBX to serve as a central communications point during emergency/crisis situations. Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other departments. Key departmental contacts include Accounting, Revenue Management, Sales and Marketing, Catering, Food and Beverage, Housekeeping, and Maintenance Interact with outside contacts: Guests- to ensure their total satisfaction Regulatory agencies-regarding safety and emergency matters Other contacts as needed (professional organizations and/or community groups) Perform other duties as assigned including assisting staff with their job functions during peak periods. May serve as “Manager on Duty” as required. Accountability: This job is second in command in Front Office operations in a large full-service, luxury, resort, or major flagship hotel with an extensive range of facilities and services. Typically supervises front desk agents, and/or bell-persons, doorpersons, reservationists, concierge representatives, Night Audit, PBX, etc. Additional Job Information/Anticipated Pay Range Qualifications and Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management/Business Administration or related field plus two years front office/guest services experience including supervisory experience, or an equivalent of education and experience . Must speak fluent English. Other languages preferred. Frequently standing up behind the desk and front office areas. Carrying or lifting items weighing up to 50 pounds Handling various objects Use a keyboard to operate various property management and reservations systems, etc. Communication skills are utilized a significant amount of time when interacting with others; demonstrated ability to interact with guests, employees and third parties that reflects highly on the hotel, the brand and the company. Reading and writing abilities are utilized often when completing paperwork and management reports, interpreting results, giving and receiving instructions, and training. Mathematical skills, including basic math, budgeting, profit/loss concepts, percentages, and variances are utilized frequently. Problem solving, reasoning, motivating, organizational and training abilities are used often. May be required to work nights, weekends, and/or holidays. The statements in this job description are intended to describe the essential nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be ALL responsibilities or qualifications of the job. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management/Business Administration or related field plus two years front office/guest services experience including supervisory experience, or an equivalent of education and experience
Must speak fluent English.
Frequently standing up behind the desk and front office areas.
Carrying or lifting items weighing up to 50 pounds
Handling various objects
Use a keyboard to operate various property management and reservations systems, etc.
Communication skills are utilized a significant amount of time when interacting with others; demonstrated ability to interact with guests, employees and third parties that reflects highly on the hotel, the brand and the company.
Reading and writing abilities are utilized often when completing paperwork and management reports, interpreting results, giving and receiving instructions, and training.
Mathematical skills, including basic math, budgeting, profit/loss concepts, percentages, and variances are utilized frequently.
Problem solving, reasoning, motivating, organizational and training abilities are used often.
May be required to work nights, weekends, and/or holidays.

Nice To Haves

Other languages preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist in manage day-to-day activities of the Front Office staff.
Schedule employees to ensure proper coverage.
Recommend and/or initiate salary, disciplinary, or other staffing/human resources-related actions in accordance with Company rules and policies.
Alert management of potentially serious issues.
Ensure all staff is properly trained on systems, security and cash handling procedures, and service standards and have the tools and equipment needed to effectively carry out their job functions.
Ensure guests receive prompt, professional attention and personal recognition.
Ensure guests are greeted upon arrival.
Respond appropriately to guest complaints.
Implement appropriate service recovery gestures in order to ensure total guest satisfaction.
Schedule and regularly conduct routine inspections of the front office and public areas to ensure the appearance of such areas reflects highly on the hotel, brand, and Company.
Assist in creating and implementing action plans to correct deficiencies.
Assist in monitoring and controlling labor costs and expenses, and achieving revenue and profitability goals.
Assist in maintain procedures for PBX to serve as a central communications point during emergency/crisis situations.
Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other departments.
Perform other duties as assigned including assisting staff with their job functions during peak periods.
May serve as “Manager on Duty” as required.