Front Office Manager

Company Description

We are far more than a worldwide leader. We are more than 240 000 women and men who share something unique.
Each and every day we host the world. We care for millions of people. We are all moved by curiosity. We love blending cultures. We are proud of our differences
Yes, we lead the way. But we want to go further, with audacity, with imagination, with passion

Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk

Sofitel Dubai the Obelisk is Sofitel’s largest property in the Middle East. The hotel features 594 luxury guestrooms inclusive of 68 suites and 96 serviced apartments in the heart of Dubai. A variety of trendy restaurants and bars including a contemporary Asian restaurant, a Gastro Pub, a French Brasserie and Pool Bar & Lounge bring residents and patrons together to celebrate the French “Joie de Vivre”. Guests have the option to unwind at the Sofitel Spa with L’Occitane and outdoor pools with private cabanas or workout in a fully-fledged fitness center. Business travelers have access to 1,589 square meter of meeting space including one state-of-the-art ballroom ideal for the most sought after social gatherings.

Part of the Wafi Mall new extension and close to the iconic Raffles Dubai, Sofitel Dubai the Obelisk will infuse the brand’s essence with capitalizing on a perfect balance of modernism and ancient Egypt reflective of the renowned design elements of Wafi. If you are as excited as we are about connecting hearts and showing your guest passion, join us as the next Heartist – Front Office Supervisor and help us to make Sofitel Dubai the Obelisk a truly welcoming destination!

The Position

Has overall responsibility for providing leadership and management for the Rooms Division (Front Office, Concierge, Sofitel Club Lounge, Boutique, Housekeeping and Butlers department) and be accountable for its asset and performance – i.e., Rooms revenue & profitability, competitive revpar index, guest satisfaction, brand consistency and employee engagement. Also manages and drives performance to outsourced labor related to her Division (Valets, Limousine company and Housekeeping )

KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain complete knowledge of:
  • All hotel features/services
  • All room types, numbers, layout, décor, appointments and locations
  • All room rates, special packages and promotions
  • Daily house count and expected arrivals/departures
  • Previous day’s pickup and anticipated business levels
  • Room availability status for any given day
  • Scheduled in-house group activities, locations and times
  • All hotel and divisional policies and procedures
  • Monthly forecast and budget items
• Tour hotel daily; audit staff adherence to Sofitel’ service standards in all phases of service and job functions; follow up with designated employees where needed
• Review departmental/divisional profits, payroll expenses, rooms’ expenses, cost per occupied room, previous day’s occupancy and room revenues
• Conduct daily briefings, review all information pertinent to the day’s business
• Prepare weekly work schedules and Manager on Duty schedules in accordance with the staffing guidelines and labor forecasts; adjust schedules to meet business demands
• Conduct weekly meetings with departmental managers and review all information pertinent to the week’s business
• Observe and review guest feedback / comments and confer frequently with staff to ensure guest needs are being met
• Monitor and handle guest complaints in an expedient and effective manner
• Anticipate sold-out situations/and know how many rooms are overbooked; assist in locating alternative accommodations for guests and assist in “walking” and following up with guests, in accordance with hotel policies and procedures
• Review all out-of-order rooms daily with respective departments to determine most current status and estimated date for return to room inventory
• Complete work orders for submission to Engineering for prompt maintenance repairs
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and yearly Rooms Division financial forecasts
• Prepare annual capital expenditures report
• Monitor monthly status of all accrual categories, i.e., linen, bathrobes, uniforms, etc.
• Provide training and development opportunities for all management employees
• Conduct annual / semi-annual performance reviews for all managers; provide performance feedback to all staff; handle disciplinary problems and counsel managers and staff
• Facilitate divisional and departmental management meetings
• Monitor and facilitate all Internal Defect Reports relating to the Rooms Division
• Work with appropriate departments in setting future rates and special packages
• Assist with facilitation of all quality auditing processes
• Mentor and train appropriate employees for upward growth
• Acts as Brand Ambassador with all our key contacts, regular guests and maximizes guest engagement and drives a culture of guest relations with her teams.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Solid business / financial acumen with good understanding of luxury hotel operations
• Good understanding of Property Management System
• Act as a role model in delivering elegant and understated service with sophistication
• Demonstrate leadership qualities to build strong employee engagement
• Strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail
• Good communicator with fluency in English.  Ability to communicate in a local language where the hotel operates (e.g. French, Mandarin, Arabic, etc) is desirable
• Proven organizational skills, able to set and meet deadlines with quality results.
• Good understanding of budgeting, forecasting, expenses and payroll control
• Executive presence – self assured exuding quiet confidence and humility

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree from a reputable hotel school preferred.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in managing Rooms operations in a luxury hotel gained from working in key cities / resorts destinations globally.