Manager IT, New Builds-Franchise

POSITION PURPOSE

The primary function of the Manager is to facilitate the deployment of Starwood Brand compliant technologies in North America Franchise properties, to include Galaxy Lightspeed IPS. The Manager is available for remote project management or on-site when necessary or requested by property ownership.  This position will cover cross functional brands to include Sheraton, Westin, Four Points, Luxury Collection, Le Meredien, aloft and element New Builds and Transitions. Prototype projects typically require 8 to 10 days of a project manager’s time depending on property size and IT infrastructure complexity.

 

The position is responsible for developing and managing assigned property IT deployment critical paths and project plans as well as project review meetings with ownership, Director of Franchise Conversions, Franchise Operations and Architecture & Design.  Works closely with properties prior to installation to ensure pre-installation tasks get completed professionally and in a timely manner. In addition, the Manager will work closely with Galaxy Hotel systems implementation and training teams, and other 3rd party system vendors, to ensure a smooth opening and transition to ongoing operations.  The Manager will also perform low voltage plan reviews, making recommendations where needed in compliance with Brand and Technology standards.

 

The Manager IT, Franchise is part of a team comprising North American IT that works together to deploy new technology solutions into our Franchise hotels.  The Manager must possess a solid working knowledge of project management, hotel operations, low voltage infrastructure, as well as strong technical and communication skills.  The Manager will work in consort with the entire New Build Operations team to ensure a successful opening or transition.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

 

AVERAGE % OF TIME

 

25% Provide IT strategic direction and IT consulting for Franchise Operations Team and ownership groups as required. Act as the main contact for

Property IT and Starwood Corporate IT for all Pre-build NAD Franchise hotels.

 

50% Provide appropriate resources or be the appropriate resource for onsite management for implementation & installation of all hotel technology for

  an assigned project.  To include:  Conduct and/or participate in all installation meeting including Kick Off, Key Operator, and Wrap-up

  Meetings:Transition management of all installed technology Property IT Manager and/or Hotel Operations Management.

  Additionally, responsible for ordering data circuits, email accounts, StarwoodOne Accounts, etc

 

 15%  Provide strategic direction for Prototype New Build Developers/Owners.  Review all design diagrams to ensure all Riser and Horizontal Low

  Voltage cabling is being provided to all locations requiring IT applications, Guest Room Services.

 

10% Other Pre & Post Opening Project Responsibilities as assigned.

 

Other:

Regular attendance in conformance with the standards, which may be established from time to time, is essential to the successful performance of this position.  Employees with irregular attendance will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

 

Attendance at all scheduled training sessions and meetings is required.

 

SUPPORTIVE FUNCTIONS

In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the manager based upon the particular requirements of the hotel:Works closely with Starwood Technology Center staff, responsible for ordering circuits and ensuring connectivity to the Starwood Wide Area network to allow for connectivity to all Starwood Systems. Provides ongoing assistance during pre-build process (approximately 14 months before opening until opening day) to ensure adherence to Technology and Brand standards, to include the following systems: PMS-IPS Installation Point of Sale Installation Sales & Catering Installation Telephone PBX Installation Networking Components/Infrastructure PC and Printer Hardware Time and Attendance Installation Any Other Hardware or Application where applicable. Manages budgets/project schedules for all technology and Prepare/assist in preparation of project releases, if required When required, provide onsite management for implementation of all hotel technology for an assigned project Vendor Roles & Responsibilities during onsite deployment. Training rooms & Training schedules with Vendors, Hotel Management, and staff. Work closely with Executive Committee, Ownership, & Transition team to insure a successful project. When required, provide appropriate resources and/or participate in all installation meeting including Kick Off, Key Operator, and Wrap-up Meetings Transition Post Opening or Post Conversion, all installed technology to the Property IT Manager or Hotel Operations designee.  To include: Preparation and turnover of completed Project book. Prepare and review the Post Opening Plans & Actions Report. Document a final trip report and provide a Visio diagram of the computer room and network layout 

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities: Excellent Project Management skills, PMI certification desired Requires excellent communication skills, both verbal and written Thorough knowledge of Personal Computer technologies, including Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, and Microsoft Visio

Physical Demands  Must be available for travel between 75% - 85% of the given work week, possibly on short notice Most work tasks are performed indoors.  Temperature is moderate and controlled by building environmental systems Must be able to sit at a desk for up to 6 hours per day.  Walking and standing are required the rest of the working day.  This may include traveling to and from meetings and air travel. Length of time of these tasks may vary from day to day and task to task Must be comfortable walking and/or standing in construction sites and zones Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs. occasionally Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, pulling, pushing, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with Owners, Senior Leaders, guests, customers, supervisors and subordinates Must have finger dexterity to be able to operate office equipment such as computers, printers, 10-key adding machine, electric typewriter, multi-line touch tone phone, filing cabinets, FAX machines, photocopiers, dolly and other office equipment as needed

 

 QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

 

Education

Degree in Computer Science or Management/Business or equivalent required.

 

Experience A minimum of 5-7 years experience in the hospitality business.  To include operations, Food & Beverage and Technology, and the application of the technologies therein A minimum of 2 years Project Management experience is required.  Project management experience with an aptitude for budgeting.  PMI certification desired A minimum of 2-3 year in a hospitality management position; responsible for the implementation, planning, design, and operation of hotel technologies Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to communicate with all levels of management Proficiency in technical skills and mainstream PC desktop applications, and the effective use of Internet technology and services

Licenses or Certificates 

PMI certification desired

*To apply for this position, please log on to www.starwood.jobs (job # 60056741)