Director of Security at Sonesta Hotels International Corporation in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

Job Description Summary

The Director of Security will be responsible for the safety and security of all guests, colleagues, and visitors. Primary functions include professional implementation of policies and procedures relevant to emergency management, disturbance resolution, investigation and resolution of guest and associate incidents in safety and security matters, theft or hotel property and services. The Director will oversee the property's security operations while working with all departments to promote a safe environment. Responsible for all security matters, theft of hotel property and services. Coordinate, when necessary, with law enforcement agencies.

Job Description

Job Tasks:

• Assist with managing the daily activities of the security department. Plan and organize work and schedule employees to ensure proper coverage.

• Communicate and enforce policies and procedures.


• Interview and hire new personnel according to hotel policies and standards.


• Recommend and/or initiate disciplinary, or other staffing-human resources related actions in accordance with Company rules and policies. Alert management of potentially serious issues.


• Ascertain departmental training needs and provide such training and enforce standards in accordance with Standards Manual.


• Monitor performance and development of staff and ensure all procedures are completed to the department standards; rectify deficiencies with respective personnel.


• Direct development and performance of staff; follow up with corrections when needed.


• Prepare and administer timely Performance Evaluations according to hotel standards.


• Prepare weekly work schedules in accordance with staffing guidelines and labor forecast.


• Prepare daily/weekly payroll reports.


• Foster and promote a cooperative working climate, maximizing productivity and associate morale.


• Plan and conduct monthly departmental meetings and Daily Shift Meetings (DSM)


• Anticipate guests' needs and respond promptly to guests' requests.


• Maintain positive guest relations at all times.


• Resolve guest complaints ensuring guest satisfaction.


• Be familiar with all Hotel services/features and local attractions/activities to respond to guest inquiries accurately.


• Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation and organization of assigned work areas.


• Review the daily activities; check the following:

• House count


• Forecasted covers for each outlet


• Catering activity


• Purchases


• Meetings


• Appointments


• VIPs/special guests

• Work cohesively with co-workers as part of a team.

• Work with minimal supervision.


• Maintain confidentiality of guest and associates information and pertinent hotel data.


• Ability to comprehend P & L, budget reports, and write commentary.


• Maintain complete knowledge of and comply with all departmental, divisional, and hotel policies, procedures, and standards.


• Maintain complete knowledge of correct maintenance and use of equipment. Use equipment only as intended.

• Complete work orders for maintenance repairs and submit to Engineering. Contact Engineering directly for urgent repairs.


• Document pertinent information in the logbook and follow up on items notated during other shifts.


• Investigate complaints relative to security personnel, report findings to Director of Engineering, AGM & General Manager.


• Manage all fire alarms and emergencies within the property.


• Monitor access to Lost and Found and valuable lock-up area.


• Monitor control of master keys.


• Liaise with general liability / corporate risk office and liability carrier on all guest and associate injuries.


• Notify Director of Engineering, General Manager/AGM regarding any reports involving possible liability.


• Monitor and approve security services for banquet functions/meeting rooms.


• Prevent losses of company and guest property due to thefts, burglary, pilferage and other criminal activity.


• Insures a safe and tranquil environment for guests and employees.


• Monitors the activities of personnel on the premises to detect and counter thefts and other criminal activities.


• Maintain and follow OSHA regulations/MSDS.


• Responsible for overseeing the implementation of hotel wide standards.


• Respond to request for First Aid/CPR for guests or associates.


• Maintain confidentiality of all incidents and reports.


• Maintain effective communication with local fire, police and other authorities.


• Implement and maintain all security control procedures in the Hotel.


• Respond to emergencies according to Corporate and Hotel policy.


• Ensure good safety practices of associate and guests throughout the Hotel and maintain proper emergency and security procedures.


• Any other duties reasonably assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Job Information/Anticipated

Pay Range

Special Qualifications, Education or Licenses:

• 3 to 5 years of experience in similar role


• Hotel/Hospitality experience highly preferred.


• Communication skills are utilized a significant amount of time when interacting with others; demonstrated ability to interact with customers, employees and third parties that reflects highly on the hotel, the brand and the Company.


• Certification in safety and training and/or licensed as a Security Officer or Law Enforcement Officer may be required.


• Certified CPR, First Aid instructor and training in law enforcement techniques desired.


• Working knowledge of local laws, investigation methods, OSHA requirements and fire codes and life safety codes.


• Problem solving, reasoning, motivating, organizational and training abilities are used often.


• Mathematical skills, including basic math, budgeting, profit/loss concepts, percentages, and variances are utilized frequently.


• May be required to work nights, weekends, and/or holidays.

This job requires ability to perform the following:

• Carrying, lifting, pushing and/or pulling items weighing up to 50-100 pounds


• Frequently standing up and moving about the facility


• Frequently handling objects and equipment to secure the facility.


• Frequently bending, stooping, and kneeling

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

Upon submitting your application, please ensure you complete a full application in addition to attaching a resume. Incomplete applications received will not be considered.