Assistant Front Office Manager - Cape Town at Sun International

InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town is looking for a passionate and energetic Assistant Front Office Manager to help lead our Front Office team and create memorable guest experiences.

Job Description

Job Purpose

• The Assistant Front Office Manager for Hotel is accountable for supervising front desk activities (check-in, check-out, night audit), ensuring that internal (SOP’s) and external (tourism grading) standards and procedures are continuously achieved, client disputes / queries are resolved and that the customer experience provided by the department is professionally executed in line with InterContinental standards and legislative requirements. 

Key Performance Areas

• Shift Supervision
• Put in place staff scheduling and duty allocations to ensure maximum coverage
• Handle shift briefings / handovers / shift reports
• Interact and be present on the floor during service to understand and assist clients with requests, special requirements, recommendations, concerns, resolution of complaints, etc.
• Manage staff appearance and floor appearance/ functioning of equipment and systems for the outlet
• Report and resolve any issues experienced
• Manage the control of stock and operating equipment as per SOP for the department
• Cash-ups at the end of the shift
• Complete shift reports
• Facilitate the preparation of welcome letters/cards; VIP amenities and any special requests for guests visiting the property (e.g. special flowers/cake)
• Meet and greet and ensure VIP customers; return customers; guests in high-paying room categories (e.g. Presidential suites); special Occasion customers enjoy exceptional experiences Front Office Operations
• Monitor and verify room status information, ensuring this is accurate and communicated to relevant stakeholders
• Review arrival list for all arrivals and VIPs to check room allocations, amenities and special requests.
• Oversee and supervises guest arrivals and departures with the front office team
• Participate in checking-in and checking out guests as required and review the rooms system to ensure data hygiene and complete customer information
• Maintain master key control for the shift
• Review daily front office work and activity reports generated by night audit
• Supervises the management of debtors, group and individual guest invoicing and cash operations.
• Conduct cash-up procedures, verifying all bank deposits at the end of the shift
• Monitor all receptionists to ensure maximum guest satisfaction through personal recognition and prompt cordial attention from arrival through departure.
• Develop and track a comprehensive filing system with back-up documentation of, vouchering, schedules, forecasts, reports and tracking logs
• Co-ordinate internal audit procedures, ensuring that procedures (including the pricing policy) are duly applied.
• People Supervision
• Supervise staff conditions of employment, e.g. attendance, absenteeism, leave, adherence to policies and procedures
• Identification of employee training needs
• Perform on the job training and coaching to close developmental gaps and build succession for a talent pipeline within the outlet
• Supervise employee relations within the department
• Staff communication and motivation
• Performance contracting, reviews and development
• Assist in providing resources and removing obstacles  to performance
• On boarding of new staff members
• Financial Control
• Authorise spend in line with budget
• Report on any variances for the department
• Delivered Customer Experience
• Ensures that guests are treated with courtesy and respect at all times
• Interact with guests and provide professional service standards and solutions
• Handle any escalated complaints, disputes and suggestions as required 
• Engage with customers and provide a customer experience within the hotel / on the floor that will support brand loyalty ensuring SI as the brand of choice
• Interact and be present on the floor during service to understand and assist clients with requests, special requirements, recommendations, concerns, resolution of complaints, etc. 
• Conduct staff training on product knowledge / promotions (including promotion information, functions, facilities, opening times of restaurants; activities;
• Compile plans and flag VIP guests to ensure their experience during their stay is exceptional; including the smooth movement of VIP’s to and from activities or restaurants; providing different options and activities, including external offerings, personalising their experience
• Provide post-mortem feedback with regards promotions to ensure these are always relevant and effective 
• Shift handover ensures that staff have sufficient insights and information with regards VIP customers visiting the property
• Follow up on Customer feedback whilst the customer is still on site to ensure that any negative customer experiences are turned around to a positive experience 

Job Requirements

Education

• Grade 12
• 3 Year Hotel School Diploma or equivalent National Qualification at a Diploma level 

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience as an receptionist in a front office environment
• Previous experience in a supervisory or duty management role in a similarly graded star hotel is an advantage
• Ability to work shifts that meet operational requirements (including public holidays, night work and weekends)
• Physically able to stand for extended periods of time 

Skills and Knowledge

• Collecting Information
• Team Co-operation
• People Supervision
• Appraising & developing
• Problem-Solving
• Analytical skills
• Attention to detail
• Reviewing / evaluating information and data
• Emotional resilience
• Dealing with Customers (including dealing with conflict)
• Self-driven and presentable
• Valuing Diversity & Inclusiveness
• Corporate & industry knowledge
• Product knowledge & standards – rooms, facilities, promotions, etc.
• Proficient English written and verbal communication skills
• Accommodation pricing structures
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Opera 
• Business Acumen
• Basic Financial Acumen
• Night audit procedures
• Knowledge and application of legislation relating to Safety, Health and the environment