Front Desk Manager

The Courtyard Newark - University of Delaware, managed by Shaner Hotels, is an established and highly respected full-service hotel located in Newark, Delaware. Nestled on a beautiful suburban campus near the University of Delaware, the property serves a diverse clientele, including university visitors, business travelers, and members of the local community. Recognized as one of Delaware's first "Green Lodging" establishments, the hotel combines impeccable service with state-of-the-art technology to offer a comfortable and modern experience. Its spacious, well-appointed guestrooms include well-lit workstations and complimentary Wi-Fi, making it ideal for business travelers and remote workers alike. The hotel's proximity to major local companies such as WL Gore, Bank of America, and Siemens, as well as adjacency to the Clayton Hall Conference Center—featuring over 40,000 square feet of meeting space—positions it as a prime destination for business and conference guests. For leisure guests, nearby attractions such as Delaware Park, Christiana Mall, and the cultural offerings of the Brandywine Valley add to the hotel's appeal.

The role of Front Office Manager at the Courtyard Newark – University of Delaware is a pivotal leadership position within the hotel’s dynamic hospitality environment. Reporting directly to the Hotel Manager and working closely with the Executive Leadership Team, the Front Office Manager acts as an operational partner to lead and inspire the guest services team. Far more than overseeing check-ins and check-outs, this role is responsible for ensuring a seamless and exceptional guest experience throughout the entire duration of their stay. This leadership position demands a proactive problem solver and forward thinker who anticipates challenges, maintains operational excellence, and drives financial performance. The Front Office Manager leads multiple departments, including Front Desk, Reservations, Night Audit, and other guest service functions, ensuring effective coordination and communication across the hotel.

Success in this role is measured by the ability to develop and coach a high-performing team, maintain strong guest satisfaction scores, manage labor and operational expenses, and uphold compliance with Shaner Hotels, Marriott, and brand standards. The Front Office Manager must be able to think quickly and decisively in a fast-paced setting, managing day-to-day hotel operations while serving as a dependable presence for both employees and guests. This position requires flexibility to work varied shifts, including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overnight hours, reflecting the 24-hour nature of the hospitality industry.

The ideal candidate is an experienced hospitality leader with excellent communication, conflict resolution, and organizational skills. They are comfortable holding associates accountable while fostering a positive and collaborative team culture. Their expertise spans guest services, employee leadership, financial oversight, and operational problem-solving. As part of the hotel’s leadership, the Front Office Manager collaborates closely with Housekeeping, Engineering, Sales, Food & Beverage, and Accounting departments to ensure operational efficiency and exceptional guest experiences. With opportunities to shape the guest experience, develop future hospitality professionals, and impact the hotel's success daily, this role offers significant career advancement within a renowned and award-winning hospitality company.