Job Description
The Assistant Guest Services Manager serves as a dynamic, visible leader on the front lines of hotel operations, driving first and last impressions while ensuring seamless execution across the porte-cochère, valet team, bell desk, and guest reception. This role bridges high-touch curbside hospitality with expert departmental coordination, mentoring colleagues to deliver personalized, proactive service aligned with Fairmont luxury standards.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Maintain an active, visible leadership presence on the front drive and lobby floor during peak arrival and departure banks, actively directing flow and handling high-volume surges.
- Oversee daily execution of door, bell, and luggage services, ensuring baggage delivery, storage, and retrieval meet Fairmont luxury response times.
- Partner closely with third-party valet operations and parking leadership to manage traffic flow, eliminate curbside bottlenecks, enforce safety protocols, and ensure vehicle retrieval promptness.
- Direct the staging and greeting protocols for VIP arrivals, motorcoach tours, large corporate group movements, and high-profile convention check-ins.
- Champion Fairmont brand standards, Leading Quality Assurance (LQA) service expectations across all touchpoints.
- Identify, prepare for, greet, and escort VIPs, personalizing their arrival and departure experiences.
- Take immediate ownership of guest escalations, executing empowered service recovery, issuing adjustments or credits where warranted, and documenting root causes for divisional review.
- Analyze guest feedback through hotel systems and service recovery tracking to identify operational bottlenecks and implement corrective coaching.
- Lead daily shift briefings and line-ups, communicating daily VIP movements, group arrivals, city events, and luxury standard focuses.
- Train, cross-train, and coach Bell Captains, Bellpersons, Door Attendants, and Concierges.
- Foster an inclusive, high-engagement Heartist culture, recognizing outstanding performance and handling performance management, progressive discipline, and attendance tracking in accordance with hotel policy.
- Build efficient, labor-optimized departmental schedules based on occupancy, group resumes, and arrival/departure forecasts.
- Manage inventory, key control, luggage tag tracking, and uniform standards across all guest services areas.
- Ensure strict adherence to PCI compliance, guest data confidentiality, and key security policies.
- Assist the Director of Front Office and Director of Rooms with special operational projects, standard operating procedure updates, and departmental audits.
- Maintain complete knowledge of and comply with all departmental policies/service procedures/standards.
- Maintain complete knowledge of correct maintenance and use of equipment. Use equipment only as intended.
- Anticipate guests’ needs, respond promptly and acknowledge all guests, however busy and whatever time of day.
- Maintain positive guest relations at all times.
- Resolve guest complaints, ensuring guest satisfaction.
- Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation and organization of assigned work areas.
- Maintain complete knowledge of:
- all hotel features/services, hours of operation.
- all hotel restaurant food concepts, menu price range, dress code and ambiance.
- all hotel room types, numbers/names, layout, appointments, amenities and locations.
- all hotel room rates, special packages and promotions.
- daily house count and expected arrivals/departures (particularly VIPs).
- scheduled daily group activities, names and location of meeting/banquet rooms.
- local events, attractions, holiday schedules.
- Obtain department keys and/or radio; ensure security of such.
- Access all functions of computer system in accordance with departmental specifications.
- Set up workstation with necessary supplies; maintain cleanliness throughout shift.
- Legibly complete requisition for additional supplies/materials and submit to Department Head.
- Maintain updated resource materials on all vendors and information to accommodate guest requests.
- Review designated in-house guest list and be familiar with guests' names and room locations.
- Answer department telephone within 3 rings, using correct salutations and telephone etiquette.
- Accommodate all guest requests expediently and courteously. Follow up with designated hotel personnel to ensure completion of request.
- Coordinate guest requests with designated vendors which may include:
- Room accommodations
- Airline reservations, changes, cancellations
- Transportation from hotel to airport and return
- Bus/train transportation
- Limousine reservations
- Car rentals
- Car repair and servicing
- Charter flights/rentals
- Babysitting services
- Banking/financial services
- Business center services/fax or telex services/mailing and delivery services
- Interpretation services
- Notary services
- Restaurant reservations, nightclub activities
- Dry cleaning, laundry, alterations, repairs
- Film processing
- Sporting events, golf facilities, sport and athletic activities/rentals, outdoor activities, health club facilities
- Formal wear rentals
- Flowers
- Salon appointments
- Shoe shines
- Shopping services
- Movie/theater/attraction tickets
- Sightseeing tours
- Medical services
- Religious services
- Place orders for amenities and coordinate delivery of amenities to designated guest rooms.
- Call guest upon completion of each arrangement coordinated for guest to confirm.
- Relay accurate directions to guests' desired destination within local area and distribute maps with highlighted routes.
- Assist guests in locating and retrieving lost luggage.
- Review resumes for arriving groups; organize and coordinate master accounts and check-in/ pre-registration procedures.
- Maintain complete records on Attendance Calendars of attendance and any performance/disciplinary conversations with staff.
- Provide feedback to staff on their performance; handle disciplinary problems and counsel colleagues according to hotel standards.
- Take, record and relay messages accurately, completely and legibly.
- Ensure that staff reports to work as scheduled. Document any late or absent colleagues.
- Coordinate breaks for staff.
- Assign work duties to staff.
- Inspect grooming and attire of staff; rectify any deficiencies.
- Inspect, plan and ensure that all materials and equipment are in complete readiness for service; rectify deficiencies with respective personnel.
- Monitor the staffs' interaction with guests, ensuring prompt and courteous service; resolve discrepancies with respective personnel.
- Assist staff with their job functions to ensure optimum service to guests.
- Observe guest reactions and confer frequently with staff to ensure guest satisfaction.
- Assist guests with reports of lost/stolen articles, following hotel policy.
- Adhere to hotel requirements for guest/colleague accidents or injuries and in emergency situations.
- Ensure security of guest room access.
- Constantly monitor staff performance in all phases of service and job functions; rectify any deficiencies with respective personnel.
- Complete all paperwork and closing duties.
- Maintain awareness of undesirable persons on hotel premises and contact Loss Prevention where necessary.
- Complete all paperwork and closing duties.
Essential:
- Minimum 2–3 years of progressive leadership experience within Front Office, Guest Services, Concierge, or Bell Operations in an upscale, luxury, or high-volume full-service hotel.
- Hands-on operational proficiency with Opera PMS, ALICE, and Microsoft Office systems.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to maintain composure under high-pressure scenarios.
- Proven track record of team building, conflict de-escalation, and driving colleague engagement.
- Broad familiarity with the Dallas Arts District, Downtown Dallas venues, dining, and transportation networks.
- Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field (equivalent practical hotel experience accepted).
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
Essential:
- Ability to stand and walk continuously throughout a 10-hour shift.
- Frequent lifting, carrying, and handling of guest luggage weighing up to 50lbs, with occasional pushing/pulling of loaded luggage carts up to 200lbs.
- Flexibility to work varied schedules including early mornings, evenings, late nights, weekends, and holidays according to business volume.
What’s in it for You?
Generous Paid Time Off: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with our paid time off policy.
Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance to keep you and your family healthy.
401K Plan: Secure your future with our competitive 401K retirement savings plan.
Complimentary Shift Meal: Savor delicious meals on us during your shifts!
Exclusive Employee Benefit Card: Unlock discounted room rates at Accor hotels worldwide, making travel more affordable.
Professional Development: Enhance your skills with learning programs through our Academy, tailored for your growth.
Make a Positive Impact: Get involved in our Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, like Planet 21, and contribute to meaningful change.
Career Advancement Opportunities: Take your career to new heights with opportunities for national and international promotions.