Operations Manager – Housekeeping & Food Service in Secaucus, New Jersey at Hyatt Place Secaucus Meadowlands

Position Summary

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Housekeeping and Kitchen departments to ensure exceptional guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and compliance with Hyatt brand standards. This leader will manage staffing, scheduling, inventory, department performance, and quality control while working closely with the General Manager, Assistant General Manager, Chief Engineer, and Front Office team to ensure seamless hotel operations.

This position requires a hands-on leader who enjoys coaching employees, maintaining high operational standards, solving problems, and fostering a positive, team-oriented work environment.

Essential Responsibilities

Department Leadership

• Oversee the daily operations of the Housekeeping and Kitchen departments.
• Lead, coach, train, and develop department associates.
• Ensure Hyatt brand standards and cleanliness standards are consistently maintained.
• Conduct routine inspections of guestrooms, public areas, and kitchen operations.
• Address operational challenges promptly while maintaining a positive guest experience.

Scheduling & Staffing

• Create and manage weekly schedules for Housekeeping and Kitchen associates.
• Monitor labor costs and staffing levels based on occupancy forecasts.
• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and training new team members.
• Manage attendance, coaching, and performance documentation when necessary.

Inventory & Cost Control

• Maintain inventory levels for housekeeping supplies, linens, guest amenities, and kitchen products.
• Place and receive orders from approved vendors.
• Monitor departmental expenses and minimize waste while maintaining service quality.
• Ensure proper storage and organization of all supplies.

Operations Coordination

• Collaborate daily with the General Manager, Assistant General Manager, Chief Engineer, and Front Office team regarding:
• VIP arrivals
• Early arrivals and late departures
• Special guest requests
• Out-of-order rooms
• Group arrivals
• Maintenance issues
• Communicate department updates during daily operations meetings.
• Assist in coordinating room readiness to maximize guest satisfaction.

Quality Assurance

• Maintain high standards for cleanliness, sanitation, safety, and organization.
• Ensure compliance with Hyatt brand standards and local health regulations.
• Perform regular room inspections and kitchen audits.
• Follow up on guest feedback and implement corrective actions as needed.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain department records, inventories, schedules, and operational reports.
• Assist with payroll review and timekeeping accuracy.
• Monitor productivity and departmental performance metrics.
• Support the General Manager with special projects and operational initiatives.

Qualifications

Preferred Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of hotel supervisory or management experience.
• Experience supervising housekeeping operations in a hotel environment strongly preferred.
• Experience managing kitchen or breakfast operations is a plus.
• Experience with inventory management, labor scheduling, and cost control required.
• Experience with recruiting, coaching, and developing team members.

Skills

• Strong leadership and coaching abilities.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, and Word).
• Experience with hotel property management systems is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk throughout the hotel for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and flexible shifts based on business needs.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is:

• A hands-on leader who leads by example.
• Organized and detail-oriented.
• Comfortable managing multiple departments simultaneously.
• Passionate about delivering outstanding guest experiences.
• Able to motivate, coach, and develop a diverse team.
• A proactive problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced hotel environment.
• Able to communicate professionally in both verbal and written English.
• Bilingual or multilingual candidates are preferred; Spanish proficiency is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Hyatt Employee Travel Discounts
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities