Task Force Manager Chicago Area

Job Title: Task Force Manager

Reports to: Senior Management

Travel: Up to 90% of the time in Illinois and Michigan.

WHAT YOU CAN OFFER

Are you a diverse leader - comfortable in seeking out new experiences, exploring the unknown, fueled by meeting new people, forming new partnerships, and new experiences?

Are you good at creating harmonious relationships by seeing the bumps in the road ahead of time and taking precautions to steer around and resolve potential conflicts?

Finally, do you remain unflappable in contentious situations with knowledge in how to deescalate emotional responses?

WHAT WE CAN OFFER:

• Health and Dental Insurance
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Paid time off
• Six company paid holidays in addition to time and half for hours worked on designated holidays

Job Description

The Task Force/Traveling General Managers are responsible for assisting and supporting hotel properties and staff in a variety of ways. These include but are not limited to:
Serving as an "acting" or "interim" General Manager for hotels where that position is vacant
Supporting underperforming properties
Assisting with recruiting, training and development for various positions in the field
New hotel openings and acquisitions
Special projects

In the primary role of serving as an acting or interim manager, the Task Force/Traveling General Manager is responsible for the overall operational results of the assigned hotel, correcting deficiencies as identified by senior management, bringing or maintaining hotel into compliance with company and franchise standards and policies, maximizing revenue and profits, hiring associates, maintaining appropriate staffing, participating in local sales efforts and promoting company and franchise values and initiatives.

Travel, sometimes extensive travel, is required for in this role.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Fulfills the role of a hotel General Manager during vacancy periods, times of need for assistance or additional support or as otherwise assigned by senior management.
• Provides leadership to assigned hotel or project and consistently projects a professional and ethical image in all aspects of work performance and conduct.
• Implements and maintains company and brand standards and expectations.
• Directs management and associates of assigned hotel to ensure strong performance in all service-related aspects of the operation. Actively participates in producing superior results in the area of revenue generation, profitability, service, social media reviews, i.e.., Trip Advisor, Expedia, franchise ratings, etc. as well as other service-related initiatives.
• Handles, as needed, guest and associate issues in concert with senior management and HR. Works to appropriately resolve issues according to company and franchise policies, practices and expectations and federal, state and local laws.
• Handles scheduling, labor management, payroll processing, etc., according to company labor practices, policies and standards.
• Actively participates in revenue management and pricing strategies, implementation and execution.
• Actively involved in and responsible for overall cleanliness and service performance for the assigned property.
• Highly involved with local sales and marketing efforts.
• Handles property-level ordering and receiving of operating supplies.
• Manages accounts receivable and actively participates in collection efforts.
• Ensures that emergency, security and life-safety procedures are in place as required by company and brand policies and standards and/or as required by federal and state regulations.
• Effectively and regularly communicates progress, challenges, statuses, etc. of assignment with senior management and provides proactive updates as needed.
• Assists in the professional development of managers and associates.
• Accomplishes all responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Hands-on, in-the-trenches involvement and participation in the operation of the assigned hotel or project on a regular, ongoing basis.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum five years related experience and/or training; valid Driver's License .
• Must have a strong "ownership" approach to managing with a high sense of urgency and attention to detail to accomplish tasks and maintain or improve company standards.
• Highly organized to accomplish multiple tasks, make quick adjustments as needed.
• Strong leadership skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong knowledge of hotel management and general business principles and practices.
• Knowledge of safety management principles including OSHA regulations.
• Knowledge of employment laws and regulations.
• Must be a self-starter with the ability to work independently but must also be able to work in a collaborative, team environment.
• Driven to accomplish personal, property and company goals.
• Ability to manage and resolve difficult guest and associate situations, respond to guest and associate needs.
• Effectively multitask and simultaneously juggle several tasks, projects, needs. The ability to prioritize and to meet aggressive deadlines.
• Must consistently maintain high levels of professionalism, accuracy, thoroughness, detail, responsiveness always and in all situations.
• Must have basic abilities in using Excel, Word, Outlook (email) and other computer-based platforms and systems. Must also be comfortable and proficient with franchise property management and reservations systems.
• Ability to meet the demands of the work schedule; will require the ability to work outside of regular business hours.
• Requires ability to travel frequently (see below).

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS & LOCATION

• This role requires extensive travel and prolonged trips. Travel may be up to 90%. Schedule flexibility and the ability to adjust and deploy quickly, regroup on short notice, is required. Balance is important so time, trips to home base and other factors related to travel and assignments will be handled on a case-by-case basis. However, reasonable time off, travel schedules, etc. will be fair and will allow for time away from assignments.
• Most travel is unaccompanied and most lodging will be booked in company hotels.
• Expenses are reimbursed according to company policies. Some flexibility with regard to "home" location.