Director of Front Office

At Fairmont, our passion is to connect our guests to the very best of our destinations. From the beaches of Hawaii to the deserts of the United Arab Emirates to the heart of London, our hotels offer guests extraordinary places, created by combining unique architecture, expressive decor and artistry, and magnificent features. Add engaging service, and the result is an unforgettable guest experience.

Director of Front Office

Providing engaging, sincere, personalized service is one of the ways our Front Office Colleagues and Leaders are turning moments into special memories for our guests at Fairmont Century Plaza! As Director, Front Office, you will lead our team of service ambassadors, maximize Front Office operations and ensure exceptional guest service.

What you will be doing:

• Ensure the smooth and efficient operation of all Front Office functions and related services to achieve maximum sales and guest satisfaction, while adhering to established company policies and procedures.
• Responsible for the Front Desk, Guest Services and Royal Service/Reservations departments to ensure the smooth, efficient operation and highest level of guest satisfaction
• Helps to overlook the Fairmont Gold department
• Seeks feedback on guest satisfaction and resolves problems in accordance with our Mission Statement and philosophy of employee empowerment.
• Ensure that a high level of guest service is achieved at all times in all Front Office departments and that complaints are handled efficiently.
• Monitor house count during the day via stay over analysis, cancellations, early departures, no show, and bed assignments to maximize revenue and occupancy.
• Carefully oversee group arrivals which include: Pre-assigning rooms, pre-keying and ensuring availability of special requests, reviewing resumes and assigns Resume Reviews.
• Ensure proper assignment of rooms of the VIP and Loyalty guests and the distribution of the VIP report to all departments.
• As often as time permits, help inspect the allocated rooms and escort VIP guests to their rooms.
• Proper management of the expenses within the Front Office Division
• Handle guest requests for credit with Night Manager and Accounting
• Work closely with the Front Office Managers and ensures smooth shift transitions.
• Keeps accurate records of daily events in the designated log books.
• Ensure key inventory control.
• Assist in creating and maintaining manuals relevant to safety procedures, hours of operation, promotions, guest service requirements etc.
• Knowledgeable of all policies, procedures and systems, including Micros PMS relating to all Front Office Departments
• Promote a cooperative team spirit amongst colleagues by listening, giving positive feedback, monitoring and ensuring follow up.
• Responsible for recruiting Front Office positions.
• Responsible for colleague performance reviews and progressive disciplinary action.
• Design, implement, and follow up on colleague incentive programs.
• Conducts monthly department meetings with the Front Desk, Guest Services and Royal Services colleagues.
• Facilitate and manage colleague training as necessary
• Contribute to a fun, positive work environment for the Front Office Team and other colleagues
• Encourages colleague participation in special events.
• Assist with IT functions, including but not limited to: configuration of PC’s, server/system updates, basic networking, troubleshooting, etc.
• Consistently offers professional, engaging and friendly service
• Other duties as assigned

Your Skills and Qualifications Include:

• Minimum of 4 years Front Office Management experience required
• University/College degree or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience, preferred
• Previous 5-star luxury experience an asset
• Union experience an asset
• Experience working with OPERA PMS advantageous
• Must have excellent computer and troubleshooting skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Outstanding communication skills - oral and written
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Displays a team philosophy and leads by example
• Excellent problem solving skills
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Strong attention to detail

What is in it for you:

• Salary Range: $120,000 -130,000 USD
• Discounted hotel rooms and food & beverage rates to employees at our sister properties around the globe.
• We provide learning programs through our Academies to promote growth and development so that you can perform at your full potential
• Opportunity to develop your talent and grow within your property and across the world!
• Ability to make a difference through our Corporate Social Responsibility activities, like Planet 21 and WATCH
• Competitive Health Benefit Package within 30 days of employment
• 401(k)/Roth IRA Eligibility after 60 days of employment 
• Cell Phone Usage Reimbursement

Your team and working environment:

What was true in 1966 remains true to this day: The Century Plaza Hotel is part of a visionary development intent on doing what others could only imagine. Previously deemed the “Western White House,” (as the only venue outside the White House to host state dinners), Century Plaza’s place in history remains unshakeable. A modernized take on luxury and elevated guest experience from product to people enlivens the real wow factor.

This experience begins with a new kind of workplace, one where the energy is contagious, the stories are invigorating, and the challenges present inspiring opportunities to make your mark. We provide an environment of trust, respect, and integrity.  A home away from home.  Where diversity and inclusion are celebrated. Privacy and personal information are protected. Through Accor’s Employee Value Proposition, we ensure fair treatment and a workplace free from discrimination & harassment.

Visa Requirements:  Must provide proof of eligibility to be employed in the United States of America.

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:
We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent. We commit to a future where diverse identities are celebrated, and equitable and inclusive practices are woven into the fabric of everything we do as an organization.

Fairmont Century Plaza is an Equal Opportunity Employer EEO M/F/V/D

Why work for Accor?
We are far more than a worldwide leader. We welcome you as you are and you can find a job and brand that matches your personality. We support you to grow and learn every day, making sure that work brings purpose to your life, so that during your journey with us, you can continue to explore Accor’s limitless possibilities.
By joining Accor, every chapter of your story is yours to write and together we can imagine tomorrow's hospitality. Discover the life that awaits you at Accor, visit  https://careers.accor.com/

Do what you love, care for the world, dare to challenge the status quo! #BELIMITLESS