We’re Sonesta International Hotels.
The 8th largest hotel company in the U.S.—and growing fast.
An epic blend of full-service and focused hotels in major cities, Sonesta’s uniquely diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties makes us everywhere you want to be. Driven by the human side of hospitality, we deliver service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and experiences that truly connect.
Together We Thrive—bringing quality, value, and amazing hospitality to every guest, every stay, across 1000+ properties in eight countries and counting.
Job Description Summary
The Director of Rooms is responsible for leading the daily operations of a full-service hotel, with direct oversight of Front Office, Housekeeping, and Security. This leader is a highly operational, systems-driven professional who excels in creating processes, implementing structure, and ensuring accountability across departments.
This role requires deep expertise in Opera Cloud PMS, with the ability to leverage the system to drive operational efficiency, reporting accuracy, inventory control, guest profile management, and financial integrity.
The Hotel Manager partners closely with the General Manager and Executive Committee to drive revenue, protect profitability, elevate guest satisfaction, and build a disciplined, service-focused culture.
Job Description
Core Leadership Responsibilities
Operational Systems & Process Development
- Design, implement, and refine SOPs across Front Office, Housekeeping, and Security.
- Build scalable systems that improve efficiency, reduce errors, and increase accountability.
- Establish clear daily, weekly, and monthly operational rhythms.
- Monitor KPIs and create action plans to correct deficiencies.
- Ensure strong interdepartmental communication processes.
Opera Cloud Expertise
- Expert-level proficiency in Opera Cloud PMS.
- Manage room inventory, rate strategies, and availability controls.
- Audit reservations, routing instructions, crew/group billing setups, and direct bill accounts.
- Ensure profile integrity and enforce profile change standards.
- Train department leaders on system usage and reporting functionality.
- Leverage Opera reporting tools to analyze trends, identify opportunities, and mitigate risk.
- Oversee night audit compliance and financial reconciliation accuracy.
Front Office Leadership
- Oversee all guest arrival and departure processes.
- Implement structured service standards and escalation procedures.
- Monitor upsell programs, pre-arrival planning, and VIP processes.
- Ensure proper handling of airline crew manifests and group rooming lists.
- Maintain strong guest recovery systems.
Shuttle & Transportation Oversight
- Oversee all hotel transportation operations, including airport, airline crew, and group transfers.
- Develop structured pickup and drop-off schedules aligned with airline manifests and group itineraries.
- Ensure built-in buffer systems to account for traffic, weather, and operational delays.
- Implement daily vehicle safety inspections and compliance documentation.
- Monitor shuttle productivity, fuel usage, and driver scheduling alignment with forecasted demand.
- Train drivers on time-sensitive airline operations, professionalism, and guest interaction standards.
- Ensure clear communication between Front Office and Shuttle teams regarding arrivals, delays, and manifest changes.
- Establish accountability systems to ensure on-time performance and guest satisfaction.
- Maintain safety compliance with DOT standards and company policies.
Housekeeping Operations
- Build productivity systems aligned with MPOR/MPC targets.
- Implement structured inspection programs and room readiness tracking.
- Align scheduling with forecast and occupancy trends.
- Establish inventory control systems for linens and supplies.
- Ensure maintenance communication processes are clearly defined and followed.
Security & Risk Management
- Implement clear safety protocols and documentation standards.
- Oversee incident reporting processes and investigation procedures.
- Ensure compliance with key control, camera systems, and access policies.
- Develop emergency response and crisis management systems.
- Conduct regular safety audits and team training.
Financial & Labor Accountability
- Review daily labor reports and align staffing with forecast.
- Build labor management processes that protect service standards while controlling cost.
- Monitor departmental budgets and identify expense reduction opportunities.
- Partner with Finance on forecasting and performance analysis.
Leadership & Culture
- Develop department managers through coaching and structured accountability.
- Create measurable performance expectations.
- Drive a culture of ownership, urgency, and operational excellence.
- Lead by example with strong floor presence and proactive guest engagement.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in a full-service hotel.
- Advanced, hands-on expertise in Opera Cloud PMS.
- Demonstrated experience building processes and operational systems.
- Strong financial acumen and labor management experience.
- Experience overseeing Front Office, Housekeeping, and Security.
- Proven ability to lead large teams in a fast-paced environment.
Ideal Leadership Profile
- Process-oriented and detail-driven
- Strong problem solver
- Data-driven decision maker
- Calm under pressure
- Holds teams accountable while building culture
- Thrives in complex, high-volume environments
Additional Job Information/Anticipated
Pay Range
$85,000 - $95,000 and are eligible for a bonus plan
Benefits
Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. We offer a variety of benefits to our employees including:
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Account with Company Match
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
- Paid Vacation and Sick Days
- Sonesta Hotel Discounts
- Educational Assistance
- Paid Parental Leave
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
- Various Employee Perks and Discounts
- Hospital Indemnity
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Accident Insurance
Sonesta is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Upon submitting your application, please ensure you complete a full application in addition to attaching a resume. Incomplete applications received will not be considered.