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Guest Services Manager

The Chanler at Cliff Walk | Newport, Rhode Island

Position Overview

The Guest Services Manager plays a central leadership role in shaping the guest experience at

The Chanler at Cliff Walk. This position oversees daily front-of-house operations and ensures

that every stage of the guest journey—from arrival through departure—is delivered with

precision, professionalism, and thoughtful attention to detail.

Working as part of the Guest Services leadership team, the Guest Services Manager serves as

Manager on Duty, maintains operational oversight of guest-facing service functions, and ensures

seamless coordination across departments. The role requires strong situational awareness, sound

judgment, and a visible leadership presence throughout the property.

Core Leadership Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

Serve scheduled Manager-on-Duty shifts with visible leadership presence.

Maintain flexibility in scheduling to support business demands, including early morning,

evening, and closing shifts.

Anticipate operational pressure points and ensure appropriate staffing and managerial coverage.

Step into operational roles when necessary to maintain service continuity and protect the guest

experience.

Guest Experience Oversight

Maintain consistent visibility within guest areas to anticipate needs and resolve concerns

proactively.

Take ownership of guest issue resolution from first contact through follow-up.

Uphold the personalized service standards expected of a Forbes-level luxury property.

Ensure arrival, in-stay, and departure experiences are seamless and thoughtfully executed.

Team Leadership

Support hiring, onboarding, and development of Guest Services team members.

Maintain accountability for staff presentation, preparedness, and service performance.

Provide coaching and performance feedback to reinforce service standards and operational

excellence.

Document employee development and progressive discipline when necessary.

Operational Coordination

Ensure strong communication and coordination across Front Desk, Housekeeping, Engineering,

Culinary, and Events teams.

Monitor daily operations to ensure service consistency across all guest-facing areas.

Continuously refine procedures and service standards to improve operational efficiency and

guest satisfaction.

Systems & Administrative Management

Maintain proficiency in the Property Management System and related operational platforms.

Support night audit training, standards, and operational accountability.

Monitor labor levels and departmental expenses in alignment with budget expectations.

Participate in annual budget planning and ongoing operational oversight.

Guest Arrival & Support Operations

Oversee guest arrival experience, valet operations, bell services, and other guest support

functions.

Maintain a calm, organized, and welcoming entrance environment during all periods of

operation.

Ensure guest requests, amenities, and deliveries are executed promptly and accurately.

Coordinate transportation services and house car operations to ensure safe and professional

guest service.

After-Hours Operational Support

When Engineering is off property, the Guest Services team provides first-response support for

essential in-room systems.

The Guest Services Manager ensures:

Team members are trained to assist with basic troubleshooting of guest-facing systems.

Clear escalation procedures are in place when engineering assistance is required.

Recurring operational issues are communicated to engineering leadership.

The Chanler at Cliff Walk

The Chanler, reimagined as a magnificent, stately manor residence, extends a warm welcome to guests as a peaceful enclave from bustling Newport, Rhode Island, inviting guests to relish in the building's storied architecture, chic-European dining options, and gracious hospitality.

Built-in 1873 as a summer home for John Winthrop Chanler, the property exudes history while maintaining the current charm of a regal residence. As a double Forbes five-star property, the mansion draws admirers worldwide by authentically curating the guest experience with elegance and natural refinement.