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- Tasks: Lead the pre-opening and ongoing operations of the Rooms Division at a luxury hotel.
- Company: Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere - a distinguished luxury destination in Cheshire.
- Benefits: Exclusive discounts, competitive salary, training opportunities, and 28 days holiday.
- Other info: Be part of a unique culture with extraordinary colleagues.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape unforgettable guest experiences from day one.
- Qualifications: Degree in Tourism or Hospitality Management and 3 years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: On-site in Knutsford, Cheshire, North-West England (not remote)
Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere is one of the North West’s most distinguished luxury destinations. Nestled in the heart of the Cheshire countryside and surrounded by a championship golf course, the resort combines Fairmont’s world-renowned elegance with the warmth and character of its local heritage. Renowned for exceptional service and attention to detail, Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere offers guests an indulgent escape featuring world-class spa experiences, exceptional dining, and outstanding leisure facilities.
Your purpose will be: The Director of Rooms is a key pre-opening leader responsible for the successful set-up, launch and ongoing direction of all Rooms Division operations at Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere. This role will establish Fairmont brand standards, recruit and develop high-performing teams, and design exceptional guest journeys from day one. Following opening, the Director of Rooms will drive service excellence, operational efficiency, and financial performance across the Rooms Division, ensuring a seamless transition from opening to steady-state operations.
Job Description:
- Lead the pre-opening planning and set-up of the Rooms Division, including Front Office, Housekeeping, Guest Relations, Concierge, and related functions.
- Champion Fairmont’s luxury service culture from pre-opening through launch, embedding brand standards, service rituals, and guest experience frameworks.
- Support the development and implementation of Rooms Division SOPs, policies, and operational standards in line with Fairmont requirements.
- Recruit, onboard, train, and develop the Rooms Division leadership team and colleagues in preparation for opening.
- Oversee the pre-opening training program, simulations, and trial stays to ensure operational readiness at opening.
- Partner with Engineering, Housekeeping, and project teams to support room readiness, snagging, and handover processes.
- Establish room inventory controls, out-of-order procedures, and preventative maintenance coordination ahead of opening.
- Work closely with Revenue Management, Sales, and Marketing to support pre-opening pricing, positioning, and go-to-market strategies.
- Support the development of Rooms Division budgets, forecasts, payroll models, and productivity standards for opening and stabilization.
- Act as a visible leader during pre-opening, soft opening, and opening phases, supporting teams and engaging with early guests.
- Oversee the end-to-end guest journey design, ensuring seamless experiences from pre-arrival to post-departure from day one.
- Establish guest feedback, service recovery, and online reputation processes in readiness for opening.
- Define KPIs and reporting frameworks to monitor performance during opening and stabilization.
- Ensure full compliance with health, safety, fire, and life safety standards prior to and following hotel opening.
Qualifications:
- Degree in Tourism or Hospitality Management.
- Minimum 3 years relevant experience in a similar capacity.
- Proven senior leadership experience within Rooms Division operations in a luxury or upper-upscale hotel environment.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience managing budgets, forecasts, and P&L performance.
- Demonstrated ability to lead large, multi-disciplinary teams and drive service excellence.
- Experience working within a branded luxury hotel environment (Fairmont, Accor, or similar preferred).
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong problem-solving ability with a calm, guest-focused approach.
- Ability to engage effectively with luxury clientele and senior stakeholders.
- Upholds brand standards for professional conduct and presentation.
Please note that we believe in flexibility and multi-skilling, and you may be asked to do different tasks from time to time to enable us to meet the needs of our guests and colleagues.
Additional Information:
- Exclusive Discounts: Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, Spa and Golf discount; Fairmont, Raffles, and Accor Hotels (friends and family rates are included); 20% off food and beverage in on-site restaurants; Colleague restaurant.
- Being part of The Mere Team – our culture is unique!
- You will benefit from training and development opportunities.
- Competitive salary and benefits including pension.
- 28 days of holiday including public holidays.
- 1-5 days service award based on length of service.
- Special rates for Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere colleagues and their friends & family and discount across Accor hotels worldwide.
- And last but not least you will get to work with a team of EXTRAORDINARY people.
Director of Rooms in Knutsford employer: AccorHotel
Contact Detail:
AccorHotel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Rooms in Knutsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who have experience with luxury hotels. They might have insider info on openings or even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your game face on for interviews! Research Fairmont’s brand values and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their luxury service culture. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect match!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you note expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It shows you’re genuinely interested and keeps you top of mind.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and really want to be part of the Fairmont family.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Rooms in Knutsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for luxury hospitality shine through. We want to see how much you care about creating unforgettable guest experiences and how you embody the Fairmont brand values.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience in Rooms Division operations. We’re looking for specific examples of your leadership skills and how you've driven service excellence in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Director of Rooms role. Share your vision for the position and how your background aligns with our goals at Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere!
How to prepare for a job interview at AccorHotel
✨Know the Brand Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Fairmont's values and service culture. Understand their luxury standards and think about how you can embody these in your role as Director of Rooms. This will show your genuine interest and alignment with the brand.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and leadership style. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or improved guest experiences, especially in a luxury setting.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Since the role involves managing budgets and financial performance, be ready to discuss your experience with P&L management. Bring specific examples of how you've driven financial success in previous roles, and be prepared to talk numbers!
✨Engage with Enthusiasm
During the interview, demonstrate your passion for hospitality and guest experience. Engage with the interviewers by asking insightful questions about the pre-opening process and how you can contribute to creating unforgettable moments for guests.