Hostelling International USA Hiring for Hospitality Traveling Manager at Chicago, IL, US Full Time

Job Description

Job Description

HI USA is seeking a Traveling Manager to join the Hostel Network Department, to support operations and initiatives across our 14 hostels.

This new role will support local hostel teams in times of need and contribute to the planning and execution of new departmental initiatives, identification and implementation of best practices, execution of physical property improvement projects, and supporting a consistent guest experience.

The Traveling Manager will fill in for management-level positions in a variety of scenarios including coverage for pre-planned manager vacations, emergency or interim needs, task force projects, etc.

Assignments may include but are not limited to interim Hostel Manager / General Manager, Assistant General Manager, Guest Services Manager, or Housekeeping Manager.

The Traveling Manager will also help support the opening of HI USA’s seasonal Cape & Island hostels in mid-May and closing in late September.

Position Logistics :

• Basic lodging will be provided, typically in the assigned hostel. A private guest or staff room will be provided (dorm room converted to a private if needed, bath may be shared at times).
• The preferred home location for this role is near a major airport, in one of our cities of operation.
• Basic lodging when not on assignment may be available in San Francisco, CA, or Hyannis, MA depending on the season.
• Travel expenses to and from assignments are covered per travel policy.
• Meals and transportation during assignments are not covered. Use of guest or staff kitchens is expected.
• Mid-assignment trip home may be accommodated for longer assignments (generally 4+ weeks).

Responsibilities :

The Traveling Manager’s responsibilities will vary depending on the assignment. The successful candidate should have the knowledge and experience to perform a variety of responsibilities including but not limited to :

• Work across all hostel departments as assigned including Housekeeping, Maintenance, Engagement / Programming, and Sales / Revenue, to ensure seamless operations.
• Monitor and support local teams in providing excellent customer service, solicit and respond to guest feedback.
• Receive and resolve guest / employee issues promptly.
• Foster a safe environment for guests and staff; train staff in safety best practices and procedures, submit incident s when warranted.
• Establish an open, inclusive, and collaborative environment for both guests and staff.
• Address employee issues or concerns in conjunction with network management and Human Resources, reflecting HI USA values and following HI USA policies.
• Maintain accurate records including but not limited to daily postings, petty cash, deposits, etc.
• Provide coverage for front desk or housekeeping shifts or may provide facility oversight including all ongoing management duties at the assigned location.
• Support new hire onboarding and training of staff.
• Become Red Cross instructor-certified in CPR and provide training to hostel staff.
• Assist in developing purchasing guides in conjunction with the organization’s environmental roadmap commitments. Support hostel teams in inventory management and ordering of these supplies.
• Support the opening and closing of our seasonal Cape & Island hostels and share management responsibilities during the main summer season.

Other Assignments :

When not actively assigned to a hostel / management role, the Traveling Manager may work from home and will dedicate time to special projects.

Examples include but are not limited to :

• Coordinating with other support departments on projects such as scheduling photoshoots with the Marketing team, supporting IT upgrades with the Digital team, or facilitating upgrades with the maintenance teams.
• Supporting the roll-out of new network-wide initiatives, such as Grab n Go kiosks for sale items (including POS setup, purchasing and inventory management, and training of staff), early and late checkout programs, tourist ticket sales, and other projects related to environmental sustainability and inclusion elements.
• Collaborating on the creation of SOPs and tools / resources to support consistent operations across hostels.
• Establishing and elevating HI USA communication channels (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, etc.).
• Championing strong communication through various creative channels to reach team members at all levels and departments.
• Other duties as assigned to assist Hostel Network and Operations.

Required Core Competencies :

Flexibility / Adaptability comfortable with extensive travel and temporary hostel lodging (sometimes with a shared bathroom).

Quickly acclimates to new properties and teams, in situations varying from being the only manager on site to supporting other managers.

Self-Management takes initiative, walks the property, solicits and encourages feedback, inspects the physical plant, and acts appropriately on findings.

It is important to be able to multi-task, manage time, and respond quickly to changing demands / needs.

Leadership understands and practices servant leadership while being a visible leader to hostellers and employees.; fosters a culture of service and adapts leadership and training styles to diverse staff.

Quickly establishes a positive rapport with hostel teams.

Empathy and Problem Solving attentively listens, comprehends, and addresses concerns raised by team members and guests.

Proficient in conflict resolution and responding effectively in times of crisis.

Inquisitive Mindset & Sound Judgement quick to develop expertise, coupled with a proactive approach to seeking clarification when needed;

exercises sound judgment when taking ownership of the task at hand.

Skills / Qualifications :

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in operations, with progressive management experience up to and including General Manager in a hospitality / lodging setting.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, with coursework in management, administration, property management, and / or hospitality management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of employee management, training, recruiting, hiring, onboarding, payroll, timekeeping, budgets / P&L, purchasing, revenue management, housekeeping operations, guest services, property management systems, rooms control, quality standards, facility oversight, preventative maintenance programs, food service, and staff and guest safety.
• Previous experience supervising staff and high-volume operations management.
7 days ago