Director of Rooms

We are looking for a Director of Rooms to join the pre-opening of SLS The Red Sea.

Ennismore, with its luxury brand SLS Hotels, is currently opening a magnificent project in the oasis that is The Red Sea. SLS The Red Sea is planned to open in 2025.

Introducing the newest gem of dazzling luxury to reach The Red Sea project: resort offers 150 luxurious keys, complemented by an impressive array of 7 distinct Food & Beverage outlets and a rejuvenating spa sanctuary. Catering to both adults seeking a getaway and families craving connection and some adventure, this hotel brings a wonderland of extraordinary experiences to The Red Sea, providing an array of amenities and activities tailored for travelers of all ages.

This project is not for the faint at heart.  At Ennismore, we are ambitious, and this project is a perfect example of that.  If you are looking to make your mark as we expand further into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, build an exciting hotel with lots to offer, and curate the team with some of the best and brightest in the lifestyle and luxury hospitality space, this might just be the right fit for you.

The Director of Rooms (DOR) assists Hotel Manager in the management of the Rooms Division Team, including Front Office , Housekeeping, Laundry and Guest Relations teams. The DOR is required to demonstrate humility in leadership of the team, be technically sound on Front Office software, has a guest-centric approach in service delivery, be a confident communicator, and have a creative mind and a sense of responsibility to uphold the SLS Brand. The DOR ensures the delivery of the Swissotel guest service experience throughout the entire guest journey, meanwhile ensuring maximization of room revenue and productivity as well as developing managers and colleagues.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED FOR THE ROLE

• Possess strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate in second language.
• Manages all guests/team members’ needs with equal drive.
• Carries an eye for detail and an approachable demeanor for all guests and team members.
• Composed under pressure, makes rational decisions to resolve situations, delivered with a degree of professionalism.
• Self-driven approach to carry out assigned responsibilities.
• Ensures security and confidentiality of guest and hotel information in accordance with the company's or country’s data security act.
• Possess good computer and property management system knowledge.
• High level of integrity, enthusiasm, and dedication for continuous improvement.
• Embraces change and is open-minded in a dynamic work environment.
• Has an understanding of the middle eastern clientele and culture.
• Has an understanding of key stakeholders in the luxury travel space.

KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• The DOR will be the reporting manager for the Front Office department.
• Manages SLS guest experience by periodically reviewing and ensuring a seamless flow of processes together with the process owners; detects and evaluates possibilities for innovative enhancements.
• Supports all leaders within the division in upholding a flawless impression and perception of Swissotel services, products and colleagues through hands-on and smart operational leadership and by ensuring solid and steady communication flow at department/section head level for a lively exchange of ideas and concerns.
• Ensures service standards and individual performance are aligned with Accor and Ennismore values.
• Champions the Guest Satisfaction measuring tools and platform, including responding to guest surveys, delegating task, communication with corporate office and regular internal meetings.
• Ensures accurate monthly forecasting and accrual submission; composes and submits a feasible and executable annual budget with focus on profitability, cost per occupied room and productivity.
• Cooperates with the Finance team and ensures compliance of credit policies and procedures.
• Constantly identifies new revenue opportunities and improvements of existing revenue streams and up-sell schemes.
• Responsible for maintaining inventory levels, maintenance and general upkeep of equipment and operating supplies.
• Ensures intelligent use of funds available by optimizing spending while ensuring availability of funds for needed improvements and new initiatives.
• Identifies and implements new opportunities for inter-hotel sales and in-house facilities.
• Ensures guests receive the experience as detailed in brand Standard Operation Procedure (SOP), SLS Local Standard Operation Procedure (LSOP), as well as Leading Quality Assurance (LQA) and Forbes standards, and aims to achieve the scores and goals set by the hotel.
• Oversees the handling and follow-up of any security incident and guest complaint and always reinforces hotel values.
• Works with all fellow divisional leaders to ensure synergies of service and product offerings are constantly improved.
• Cooperates closely with the Food & Beverage team to ensure a seamless experience in several overlapping areas, such as In-Suite Dining, Minibar, Restaurant patron flow and traffic.
• Works closely with the sales and revenue management to ensure optimal balance of hotel supply and demand.
• Communicates closely with the Director of Engineering to initiate and drive new product improvements and projects.
• Acts according to hotel emergency and crisis management procedures.
• Performs any duties and special projects as requested by management.

• 4+ years’ experience in a similar Senior Leadership role at a Luxury 5-star hotel.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
• Strong knowledge of computer systems (MS skills, etc.)
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Full awareness of KSA market and country laws.
• Progressive Leadership experiences.
• Proficiency with PMS and hotel operating systems.
• Proven record in coordinating multiple departments to make gains toward target.
• Self-confident, proactive, and able to prioritize and make effective decisions.
• Ability to build strong relationships, interact, and influence others at all levels of the organization.

What's in it for you...

• The opportunity to join an innovative, fast-growing, international group that’s committed to not just building new hotels but building a global brand.
• The chance to challenge the norm and work in an environment that is both creative and rewarding.
• Become part of a team that’s very passionate about creating great hospitality experiences and exploring new locations at every opportunity.
• A competitive package and plenty of opportunity for development.
• Excellent discounts across the entire Ennismore family of brands.

SLS is part of Ennismore, a creative hospitality company rooted in culture and community, with a global collection of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. Ennismore is a joint- venture with Accor, formed in 2021.