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Haiti Forum

4 years ago

Job/Volunteer/Intern Opportunity in Haiti - Entrepreneur - Start-up

4 years ago
Hi,
We are dynamic young group (Haitian and non-Haitian) who are in the last stages of building a boutique and sustainable (beach) hotel in Ile-a-Vache, Haiti. For the last remaining steps before the launch, we are seeking for a dynamic manager with an entrepreneurial mindset who can be available in Haiti to handle the preparations for the grand opening. And if interested, the candidate could then take over to lead the operations activities after the launch. The manager position will be paid per the compensation proposal in the Job Description below.

We are also looking for an intern who is interested in getting experience in tourism and hospitality industry in Haiti or a volunteer who would want to support the project. The intern/volunteer would contribute as a Manager's Assistant (unpaid) to support the activities to be handled by the General Manager. The internship/volunteering opportunity can last from one month to any length convenient to the candidate. Preferably, the intern can be Haitian or Non-Haitian; speaks English (must) and Creole (optional but can greatly help); and is interested in, has an education, or has experience in hospitality and tourism industry (optional but would be great).

As all of us from the executive team of this startup live outside of Haiti which has created some challenges for us. Hence, finding the right candidates to represent us on the ground would be perfect and your platform has the members with the right profiles for us. Therefore, it would be greatly appreciated if you could assist us in finding a candidate for the following job opportunity and also in publishing the following post on your website if appropriate:
Job/Volunteer/Intern Opportunity in Haiti - Entrepreneur - Start-up

Hotel Pre-Opening & General Manager

Position Introduction

Are you ready to grow your dream career while making others' vacation dreams come true? Well this is the opportunity to join our team and help deliver unforgettable experiences that make vacation dreams come true.

We are excited to launch a new boutique beach hotel in the southern side of Haiti during the fall of 2019. To support this endeavor, we are currently seeking for an enthusiastic and adventurous project manager to oversee the pre-opening activities and coordinate with company executives, owners and contractors alike. Once the hotel is launched, the manager will then lead the operation with the ultimate objective to provide a world class service.

If you are interested in becoming a part of an incredible, fun, dynamic and international team apply for this position today by sending your CV and cover letter to [email protected]!

Position Task Summary

This is a mid-level position that will be asked to work collaboratively with other team members, contracted third parties, and with the owner/principal of the firm.

The selected manager will oversee the hotel pre-opening activities such as coordinating final construction needs, setup logistics needs, staff hiring, supply ordering, system preparations, furnishing, training, etc... After launching the hotel, the primary focus will be shifted to the day to day oversight of hotel programs. Direct hotel pre-opening and/or management experience would be a great plus.

Job Setting and Physical Demands (Fundamentals)

To be successful in this role, you must be able to read, write, and verbally communicate effectively and professionally in French, Creole, and English with associates, guests, and owners. You must be able to deal with difficult situations and people, while exhibiting a consistent level of professionalism. You must be able to feel comfortable operating in an off-grid remote area. You will regularly use a phone, computer and different software. Occasionally you will have to lift or move up to 25 pounds. The selected manager will be required to work on site. Accommodation onsite and transportation (car & boat) can be made available if necessary. Travels to sister hotels in Port-au-Prince and Jacmel are expected.

Duties and Responsibilities
Pre-Opening

Prepare and position the hotel to be competitive in the market
Recruit human resources (all departments and the entire staff)
Establish the standards and procedures for all the operational functions (e.g. HR, service, reservations, reception, sales, housekeeping, restaurant, maintenance, marketing, complaints management, IT etc…)
Ensure operational standards are communicated, trained on, and maintained
Develop long and short-range plans for the operation. Ensure the plans, once approved, are properly executed.
Develop marketing and sales plan (pre- & post-opening).
Preparation and implementation of the opening ceremony "Grand Opening"
Budget preparation for the pre and post-opening phases
Develop risk management plan (hotel and restaurant inspection, certification and hotel classification)
Research and source equipment, materials, supplies and systems necessary to ensure operation efficiency and effectiveness; negotiate with qualified suppliers; prepare and review contracts; Perform quality control on products and services delivered by suppliers.
Coordinate with the construction team, interior designers, and hotel owners/managers for finishing and furnishing activities.

Hotel Management
Primary Purpose:

To assist in overseeing the hotel in all aspects of operations effectively, ensuring proper training of staff, compliance to brand standards, promoting high guest satisfaction and retention, and business profitability.

General Responsibilities:

Represent the hotel owners and act on their behalf for client and partner interactions. Partner closely with owners to set and understand the priorities to develop overarching annual business goals and strategic plans.
Interview, hire and onboard new staff to meet the highest levels of guest service. Ensure staff continued readiness through training and coaching. Provide the vision, leadership and strategy to inspire your associates to deliver exceptional service and drive financial success.
Conduct daily and weekly inspections of the entire facility to ensure cleanliness and maintenance issues are addressed timely and effectively. Ensure service quality thresholds are being met by the staff at all times. Fill in whatever capacity is needed when staffing levels are limited.
Identify and take action to drive incremental revenue during high demand times through effective yield management. Enable innovation to drive results. Set appropriate metrics necessary to evaluate the performance of the different functions. Analyze performance data to identify opportunities for improvement such as expense reduction and waste elimination without compromising service quality.
Review daily audit reports for accuracy and investigation of any irregularities.
Provide feedback to staff during staff meetings about a) guest survey scores, b) associate survey scores, c) financial goals/budgets, and d) operational issues to facilitate associate understanding and buy-in toward areas in need of improvement.
Encourages and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Serving as a role model to demonstrate appropriate behaviors.
Execute successful sales and marketing campaigns
Exercise dynamic revenue management to drive profit through strong financial controls
Interact with guests when there is a complaint and resolve it to their satisfaction.
Monitor all channels (i.e. internal and external such as online) for guest feedback. Work with staff to formulate corrective action plans to address found irregularities regardless of the source to promote continuous improvement.

Qualifications (Education and Experience)

High school diploma, with at least 5-7 years of leadership experience in the guest services, front desk, or related professional area in a hotel or resort environment.
College degree, with at least 3-5 years of leadership experience in the guest services, front desk, or related professional area in a hotel or resort environment.
Master’s or PhD degree, with at least 1-3 years of leadership experience in the guest services, front desk, or related professional area in a hotel or resort environment.
Degree in tourism, hospitality, and similar fields (e.g. training, certification, etc…) GREAT PLUS
Work experience in tourism, hospitality, and similar fields or in general management, hotel management, business opening, renovations, interior design, GREAT PLUS
Education or working abroad experience (e.g. US, EU, Canada, etc…) not required but would be a GREAT PLUS

Prerequisites

Must speak and write FLUENTLY at least 2 of the following languages Creole, French, and English with some speaking and writing fluency in the 3rd (REQUIRED); Fluency in Spanish would be a good PLUS
Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision REQUIRED
Highly organized with strong analytic skills REQUIRED
Excellent computer skills (incl. Microsoft Excel in a business environment, and mobile apps) and ability to learn new programs/systems quickly REQUIRED
Excellent attitude and a strong work ethic REQUIRED
Ability to work under pressure and on deadline REQUIRED
Valid Foreign Visa or Passport PLUS or (EU, US, CANADA, etc…). Ability to travel for conferences, tradeshows, training, etc… GREAT PLUS
Full operational knowledge of property management systems PLUS.



Aptitude Profile

Leadership: Maintains a productive climate and confidently motivates, mobilizes, and coaches employees to meet high performance standards and goals. Must be a positive role model for staff and co-workers with ability to identify and resolve problems timely.
Flexibility: Must be flexible in work hours to accommodate last minute changes in scheduling. Must be able to change tasks and adjust energy level needed to accommodate a fast-paced environment.
Decision Making: Makes choices or reaches conclusions by establishing objectives, gathering relevant information, identifying alternatives, setting criteria for the decision, and selecting the best option
Communication Skills: Listens, writes, and speaks effectively, and positively relates and interacts with co-workers and others
Planning and Organizing: Systematically develops plans, prioritizes, organizes and manages resources in order to accomplish business goals within a specific time period
Commitment to Excellence: Identifies what needs to be completed and takes action to achieve a standard of excellence beyond job expectations. Must be detail oriented in supervising staff, inspection of facilities and completing assignments.
Safety and Security: Promotes a safe work environment for co-workers and customers.
Guest Service: Identifies and responds to current and future client needs by providing excellent service to internal and external customers. Must have strong interpersonal skills to engage and interact with associates and guests
Teamwork: Resourceful team player that builds, strengthens, and maintains collaborative relationships with others inside and outside the organization
Corporate Values: Understand, embraces, and integrates corporate values into everyday duties and responsibilities
Traveler and tourist mindset.
Entrepreneurial mindset

Compensation

900,000 – 1,800,000 Gourdes per year (Base salary: 450,000 - 900,000 Gourdes (+) Bonus: 450,000 - 900,000 Gourdes)
~$12,000 - $24,000 USD per year (Base salary: ~$6,000 - $12,000 USD (+) Bonus: ~$6,000 - $12,000 USD)
Free on-site accommodation is available
Free meals can be provided.
Access to transportation (Car and Boat) will be provided (valid driver’s license required)

Company Description

Located close to Les Cayes, this luxurious family owned boutique beach hotel will offer a heaven of grace and tranquility. It is currently undergoing the final touches for the construction to be completed and for the business launch to occur during the fall of 2019. Once complete it will have 16 rooms, each individually decorated, with a breathtaking view on its tropical garden and the ocean. Serving the most delicious cuisine in the area, the onsite restaurant will also be a destination in itself. The hotel will be organized to target and primarily serve couples who are looking for quiet seclusion, honeymooners seeking for privacy, and single travelers or groups of friends in need of an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life; our customers will find peace in this stretch of paradise.


Hotel Pre-Opening & General Manager's Assistant (Internship/Volunteer)
We are also looking for an intern who is interested in getting experience in tourism and hospitality industry in Haiti or a volunteer who would want to support the project. The intern/volunteer would contribute as a Manager's Assistant (unpaid) to support the activities to be handled by the General Manager. The internship/volunteering opportunity can last from one month to any length convenient to the candidate. Preferably, the intern can be Haitian or Non-Haitian; speaks English (must) and Creole (optional but can greatly help); and is interested in, has an education, or has experience in hospitality and tourism industry (optional but would be great).

Thank you,
Viky

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