ABOUT ORIENT EXPRESS PALAZZO DONA’ GIOVANNELLI, VENICE

For the spectacular Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice, the architect and interior designer Aline Asmar d’Amman designed and decorated the spaces. Venice, once the gateway to Constantinople and a mythical stop on the legendary Orient Express train – that opened its doors in 1919 with the completion of the Simplon tunnel linking Switzerland to Italy – will be the home of the second Orient Express hotel, set to open in 2025. Located just ten minutes from Venice’s Santa Lucia train station, next to the Cannaregio shopping district, and rooted in the origins of the City of the Doges, Palazzo Donà Giovannelli is a treasured palace built in 1400 by architect Filippo Calendario, known for Venice’s famed Doge’s Palace. Former home of the Duke of Urbino, a patron of the arts, it has been renovated twice, notably in 1800 by architect Gian Battista Meduna. At one time a pinacotheque which housed the painting La Tempesta by Giorgione, it was successively owned by the Donà and Giovannelli families.
Job Description
The Night Manager of the 5-star Luxury Hotel “Palazzo Donà Giovannelli” in Venice plays a crucial role overseeing the smooth operations of the property during night-time hours. He/she will ensure exceptional guest centricity, maintain high standards of security and customer orientation and manage the hotel’s various departments effectively during the night shifts. The Night Manager plays a pivotal role in maintaining the hotel’s reputation for excellence and ensuring full guest satisfaction throughout the night.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience in luxury hospitality with a focus on night operations is preferred
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire a diverse team
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with guests and employees at all levels
• Sound judgment and decision-making abilities, especially in high-pressure situations
• Proficiency in using hotel management software and other computer systems
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays is mandatory
• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field is highly preferred
• Very good knowledge of Italian and English; French confidence is a plus.

Team Management:

• Providing leadership, guidance, mentoring and support to night staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment
• Leading regular training sessions to ensure that all team members are well-equipped and updated to perform their duties effectively
• Recognizing and rewarding outstanding performances and addressing any performance issues or concerns in a timely and constructive manner.

Guest Services:

• Providing a warm welcome and exceptional service to guests arriving late at night
• Handling and reporting guest inquiries, requests, and complaints promptly and professionally
• Ensuring that guests’ needs are met efficiently and effectively during their stay.

Operational Excellence:

• Supervising and coordinating the activities of night staff across all departments, including front desk, housekeeping, security and maintenance
• Monitoring and maintaining hotel facilities to ensure they are constantly clean, safe, and well-maintained according to hotel standards, procedures and standards at all times
• Conducting regular inspections of the property to identify and address any issues or concerns.

Security and Safety:

• Implementing and enforcing security protocols to safeguard guests, employees and hotel property
• Monitoring surveillance cameras and security systems to detect any suspicious activity
• Responding to emergencies, including medical incidents, fire alarms, and disturbances in a calm and efficient manner
• Collaborating with local law enforcement and emergency services.

Financial Management:

• Conducting nightly audits of guest accounts, cash transactions and other financial records to ensure accuracy and accountability
• Assisting in the preparation of nightly reports summarizing occupancy, revenue and other key metrics
• Identifying opportunities to maximize revenue and minimize the expenses during the night shifts.