Director, Hotel Operations

Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort•Cherokee, NC

About The Position

Operate an inviting and exciting hotel that attracts and retains gaming, convention, and retail guests to maintain a competitive advantage in our market and maximize hotel contribution to casino revenue.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
Valid driver’s license required, CDL preferred with no more than one (1) DUI convictions or 3 or more moving violations, 3 or more traffic citation convictions in the past 3 years (from date of conviction) or conviction for suspension or conviction for at fault accident within the last 3 years required
Must demonstrate the following essential knowledge and skills:
Strong communication, supervisory, coaching, and organizational skills are required
Ability to resolve problems/conflicts in a diplomatic and tactful manner
Must possess interpersonal and negotiating skills necessary to manager others and communicate with all levels of management and clientele
Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive material
Ability to plan long-term goals and the financial knowledge necessary to develop and maintain detailed financial records
Proficient in the use of Windows based office software including but not limited to Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Neat, professional appearance with excellent personal hygiene
Demonstrated teamwork behaviors and attitudes
Knowledge of LMS, Superuser LMS Certification
Knowledge of the HotSOS. REX, Infogenisis, CVPS system programs
Knowledge of Harrah's employment policies
Must be able to stoop, bend, reach, kneel, twist and grip items
Must be able to respond to visual and aural cues
Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English
Must be physically mobile with reasonable accommodations
Must have the manual dexterity and coordination to operate office equipment, including computers, fax machine and photo copier
Must be able to work at a fast pace and in stressful environment
Must be able to operate in mentally and physically stressful situations
Must be able to lift 25 pounds and carry up to 5 pounds
Must be able to travel overnight if required
Must be able to tolerate area containing varying noise and temperature levels, illumination, vibration, crowds, and air quality including secondhand smoke
Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution with a concentration in Business Management or Hotel/Hospitality preferred
Five years successful management experience required in Hotel Operations with at least 500 rooms preferred
Luxury hotel experience preferred
Experience in design and construction is preferred
Casino/Convention hotel experience preferred
Proficiency in Spanish preferred

Responsibilities

Establish and endorse the business objectives, ethics, and values of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in accordance with the Code of Commitment and Mission, Vision and Values
Provide functional leadership to Front Services, Front Office, Housekeeping, Laundry and Transportation.
Prepare and implement operating plans and budgets
Review and track monthly financial statements
Develop and propose property's hotel capital improvement plan
Create and sustain a memorable hotel experience driven by flawless delivery of service and a consistently superior room product
Develop business plans for Hotel Operations that support the property plan, including initiatives for quality, service, and profitability, employee development and retention strategies, employee productivity benchmarks, management succession planning and business growth
Ensure first class service and accommodations by establishment and implementation of standards and procedures that support delivery of the highest level of guest service
Prepare ongoing detailed management and operational analysis; oversees and ensures operational functions and proper staffing, including employee retention
Research new and innovative ways of improving guest satisfaction and work applications
Respond to guest feedback/complaints gathered by direct interaction, comment cards, and service program scores; performs root cause analysis, corrects deficiencies
Develop and implement service, operating and product standards, ensuring first class accommodations and consistent delivery of flawless service
Periodically conducts operating service reviews to help Hotel division improve performance against expected outcomes
Identifies “best practices” from property operations and communicates appropriately
Promote positive guest and employee relations at all times
Maintain a clean, safe, hazard- free work environment within areas of responsibility, ensuring compliance with all safety and health regulations
Serve as a leader for employees while fostering teamwork, employee morale, motivation, and open communications
Act as a role model and coaches while developing employees using a consistent, approachable demeanor and clearly articulating expectations
Strive to improve and streamline departmental operation, through the continuous assessment of policies and procedures, work processes and program effectiveness/value
Endorse the business objectives, ethics, and values of Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
Provide appropriate recognition and rewards to individuals and groups when consistent superior performance is attained
Ensure that each team member clearly understands and is held accountable for their respective performance expectations
Coordinate Hotel Operations with other departments to ensure the highest degree of customer satisfaction and efficient operations
Develop measurement systems that allow employees/management to track progress toward goals and provides an objective framework for evaluating performance of individual Hotel areas
Work with various internal and external departments (e.g., IT, Purchasing, and external suppliers) to direct their activities in support of hotel desired outcomes
Build excellent relationships, communicates, and consults with property hotel management, general managers, senior management, to ensure understanding and support initiatives, while ensuring alignment and commitment with the direction of the hotel areas with all constituents
Responsible for, actively participates in, the initiation of personnel actions which includes training and development, performance appraisal, discipline, hiring, firing, promoting, scheduling, and all other duties / paperwork to ensure a productive staff
Ensure timely and accurate performance appraisals and accurate work history entries
Proactive with incidents and issues ensuring resolution with employees
Lead an organization with methods and actions that are ethical and in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and Company policies
Identify compliance risks and take actions necessary to eliminate or minimize risks
Champion, within the organization, a commitment to honesty, integrity, and responsible corporate behavior
Create a compliance culture within the organization and foster an environment where employees feel comfortable reporting potential violations or misconduct
Ability to uphold and demonstrate the highest level of integrity and honesty in all situations and recognize standards required by a regulated business
Adhere to regulatory, departmental and company policies/procedures in an ethical manner
Complete other duties as assigned