Manager In Training - Rooms Division

PRIMARY FUNCTION: Manager In Training

• Rooms Division (MIT) DEPARTMENT: Rooms REPORTS TO: Director of Rooms SUMMARY: The Rooms Division Manager in Training (MIT) Program is an 18-month leadership development program designed for individuals passionate about luxury hospitality who aspire to pursue a management career within hotel operations. Through structured, hands-on experience across Reservations, Front Office, Concierge, and Housekeeping, the management trainee will develop the operational knowledge, business acumen, and leadership skills necessary to prepare for future supervisory and management opportunities within The Dewberry. Each rotation will begin with hands-on operational training, followed by exposure to departmental administration, financial responsibilities, and leadership development. The trainee will work closely with departmental leaders to gain a comprehensive understanding of luxury service standards, daily operations, team management, and the overall Rooms Division. The duration and sequence of rotations may be adjusted based on hotel business needs and individual development.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Reservations (3 Months) The management trainee will work alongside the Reservations leadership team to develop an understanding of reservation operations, inventory management, guest communication, and revenue management fundamentals.

Responsibilities include

Answering reservation inquiries and assisting guests with bookings, modifications, and special requests. Developing proficiency in HMS, The Dewberry's property management system. Learning room types, rate structures, packages, availability, and reservation procedures. Maintaining reservation accuracy and ensuring guest preferences and special requests are documented appropriately.

Understanding room inventory management, room allocation strategies, and occupancy forecasting. Gaining exposure to group reservations, travel agent bookings, and transient sales procedures. Learning revenue management fundamentals, forecasting, and reporting. Collaborating with the Front Office and other departments to ensure seamless guest arrivals and experiences.

Assisting Reservations leadership with administrative responsibilities and departmental projects. Front Desk (6 Months) The management trainee will work alongside Front Office leadership to develop proficiency in daily operations, luxury guest service, and departmental management. As operational knowledge develops, the trainee will gain exposure to shift leadership, staffing, financial controls, and team development.

Responsibilities include

Participating in daily Front Desk operations, including guest arrivals, departures, registration, billing, and room assignments. Developing proficiency in HMS and established Front Office operating procedures. Reviewing daily arrivals, departures, VIP reservations, and special requests to ensure exceptional guest experiences.

Recognizing and responding to guest concerns, service opportunities, and recovery situations in accordance with The Dewberry's standards. Coordinating with Concierge, Valet, Housekeeping, Reservations, and other departments to ensure seamless daily operations. Monitoring room availability, room status, and guest requests throughout each shift.

Assisting with shift leadership responsibilities under the guidance of Front Office management. Supporting the training, coaching, and development of Front Desk team members. Gaining exposure to scheduling, labor management, payroll, recruitment, and departmental administration. Learning Front Office financial procedures, billing accuracy, reporting, and operational controls.

Assisting Front Office leadership with projects focused on service improvements and operational efficiency. Concierge (3 Months) The management trainee will work alongside the Concierge team to develop an understanding of personalized luxury service, guest experience management, and the importance of anticipating guest needs.

Responsibilities include

Developing comprehensive knowledge of Charleston's restaurants, attractions, cultural experiences, and local destinations. Assisting guests with personalized recommendations, reservations, transportation, and itinerary planning. Learning The Dewberry's luxury service expectations and Forbes service standards. Recognizing guest preferences and identifying opportunities to create memorable experiences.

Developing proficiency in ALICE, the hotel's internal communication and service coordination platform. Coordinating guest requests and communicating effectively with internal departments and external partners. Building relationships with local vendors and hospitality partners to support personalized guest experiences.

Assisting with guest recovery and addressing service opportunities in a timely and professional manner. Gaining exposure to Concierge scheduling, administrative responsibilities, and departmental leadership. Housekeeping (6 Months) The management trainee will work alongside Housekeeping leadership to develop an understanding of guestroom presentation, operational efficiency, departmental administration, and team leadership.

Responsibilities include

Observing and participating in the daily responsibilities of Room Attendants, Housepersons, and Public Space Attendants. Learning The Dewberry's guestroom cleanliness, presentation, and public area standards. Conducting guestroom inspections and assisting with quality assurance procedures. Understanding daily room assignments, productivity expectations, and staffing requirements.

Monitoring room readiness and maintaining effective communication with the Front Office. Learning inventory management, purchasing, linen controls, and departmental supply procedures. Assisting with scheduling, payroll, labor management, and departmental reporting. Gaining exposure to departmental budgeting, operating expenses, and cost control measures.

Participating in departmental meetings, team lineups, and training initiatives. Assisting with team coaching, performance feedback, and operational accountability under management supervision. Understanding safety procedures, preventative maintenance coordination, and guest recovery protocols. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Throughout the program, the management trainee will participate in additional development opportunities designed to strengthen leadership capabilities and understanding of hotel operations.

Responsibilities include

Participating in monthly development meetings with Rooms Division Leadership and People & Culture to review progress, performance, and professional goals. Completing departmental training requirements and participating in structured evaluations at the conclusion of each rotation. Developing an understanding of scheduling, payroll, labor management, departmental budgets, and financial performance.

Participating in recruitment, onboarding, and training initiatives. Observing and assisting with coaching, performance management, and employee development. Supporting departmental projects focused on guest satisfaction, service improvements, and operational efficiency. Attending department meetings and leadership training opportunities as assigned.

Demonstrating initiative, sound judgment, accountability, and a commitment to The Dewberry's service standards. Successful completion of the 18-month program is intended to prepare the trainee for consideration for future supervisory or management opportunities. Participation does not guarantee promotion or placement into a management position.

QUALIFICATIONS

College degree or international equivalent required; hospitality management or a related field preferred. Previous experience in luxury hospitality, Front Office operations, or guest services preferred. Previous customer service experience and general computer proficiency required. Property Management System experience preferred.

Strong interest in hotel operations and long-term leadership development. Active learner with curiosity, adaptability, and strong problem-solving skills. Ability to prioritize responsibilities, multitask, and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment. Self-motivated, proactive, and willing to take initiative. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Warm, professional, and welcoming personality with a genuine passion for hospitality. Ability to work collaboratively with multiple departments and leadership teams. Flexibility to work varying schedules, including weekends and holidays, based on departmental training and operational needs.

BENEFITS

401K with Company Match (4%)* Education Reimbursement* Paid Maternity Leave* Complimentary Downtown Parking Complimentary Dry Cleaning Complimentary Daily Lunch Buffet Best-in-class health & supplemental insurance* Optional Supplemental Coverages* Financial Advising with Roadside Capital Competitive Pay Advancement & Growth Opportunities Full-Time and Part-Time Positions Flexible Paid Time Off *Indicates eligibility requirement WHO WE ARE: We are a tight-knit group of passionate individuals who are unrelenting when it comes to offering a flawless experience at The Dewberry while maintaining our unique brand standards.

Every Teammate plays a key role in contributing to the success of the whole hotel. ABOUT THE DEWBERRY: As the 2025 Virtuoso Best Independent Hotel in the World and a 2022 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List award recipient for Best Hotel in the World, The Dewberry is located in the heart of downtown Charleston, bordering Marion Square, just steps from the shopping and dining on King Street, Museum Mile and The Gaillard Center.

Offering 153 thoughtfully appointed rooms, world-class service and unparalleled views, The Dewberry occupies the former L. Mendel Rivers (circa 1964) federal building and pays homage to Charleston’s century architectural splendor. The hotel is the result of owner John Dewberry’s vision of “Southern ReimaginedTM,” which he developed over the course of an eight-year renovation and preservation of the building.

The Dewberry features several event spaces along with the nationally celebrated cocktail program at the brass bar in The Living Room, the whimsical cocktail lounge Citrus Club, treatments at our urban oasis, The Spa, as well as the curated boutique The Shop. Recognized globally for its excellence, The Dewberry is known among teammates, guests, and the community as a leader in the field of hospitality.

As a brand, The Dewberry teammates, experience, and brand are authentic, humble, and innovative operators driven to anticipate needs and exceed expectations.