Assistant Manager - Reservations

Assistant Manager - Reservations

Raffles Udaipur opened in 2021, its ornamental gardens, tumbling fountains and stately Indo-Saracenic architecture describing a love story between India and the West. Set on a 21-acre private island rich with birdlife and exotic flora and fauna, this contemporary reimagining of a country mansion is the first Raffles hotel in India.

Job Description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Assistant Manager - Reservations to join our dynamic team in Udaipur, India. In this pivotal role, you will oversee the reservations department, driving revenue optimization while ensuring exceptional guest experiences. You will lead a talented team, manage complex booking operations, and implement strategic initiatives that enhance our hotel's occupancy and profitability. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our organization's success while fostering a collaborative and customer-focused work environment.

• Plan and coordinate room reservations while implementing effective selling techniques and strategies to maximize room revenues and achieve occupancy targets
• Supervise and mentor reservation associates, providing supportive guidance and clear delegation of tasks to ensure efficient department operations and team development
• Prepare and analyze monthly forecasts, statistical reports, and occupancy projections to support strategic planning and annual budget development
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date guest records and corporate databases, ensuring all booking information is recorded according to standard procedures and company policies
• Respond promptly to guest inquiries and resolve issues with professionalism and discretion, demonstrating empathy and problem-solving capabilities to ensure guest satisfaction
• Analyze guest history and special instructions for regular and VIP guests, ensuring personalized service delivery and enhanced guest experiences
• Monitor and manage corporate account numbers, room availability positioning, and overbooking strategies to optimize hotel performance
• Apply revenue management principles and approved discount structures, ensuring corporate rates are offered in accordance with company policy
• Identify cost-effective resource utilization opportunities and educate the team on efficient operational practices
• Ensure the team receives comprehensive training on safety provisions, standard procedures, and customer service excellence
• Communicate any matters affecting hotel interests to management with transparency and assertiveness
• Handle additional responsibilities as delegated by management, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in a dynamic hospitality environment

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 2-3 years of professional experience in Reservations, Front Office, or Guest Services within the hospitality industry

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English with strong attention to detail and accuracy

• Advanced proficiency with hotel reservation systems and booking platforms

• Demonstrated ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining precision and accuracy

• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional ability to prioritize competing demands

• Proven track record of handling guest requests with professionalism, discretion, and effective problem-solving

• Solid understanding of revenue management principles, upselling techniques, and occupancy optimization strategies

• Strong data entry skills with a commitment to maintaining accurate and comprehensive records

• Leadership capabilities with the ability to motivate, support, and develop team members

• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret data, prepare forecasts, and generate meaningful reports

• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams in a supportive and inclusive manner

• Customer service orientation with genuine passion for creating positive guest interactions and experiences

• Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in additional languages beyond English

• Experience with financial management and budget analysis in a hospitality setting

• Demonstrated strategic thinking ability and innovative approach to problem-solving

• Background in conflict resolution and guest complaint management

• Experience with revenue optimization and dynamic pricing strategies