Director of Technology Innovation

About Four Seasons:

Four Seasons is powered by our people. We are a collective of individuals who crave to become better, to push ourselves to new heights and to treat each other as we wish to be treated in return. Our team members around the world create amazing experiences for our guests, residents, and partners through a commitment to luxury with genuine heart. We know that the best way to enable our people to deliver these exceptional guest experiences is through a world-class employee experience and company culture.

At Four Seasons, we believe in recognizing a familiar face, welcoming a new one and treating everyone we meet the way we would want to be treated ourselves. Whether you work with us, stay with us, live with us or discover with us, we believe our purpose is to create impressions that will stay with you for a lifetime. It comes from our belief that life is richer when we truly connect to the people and the world around us.

About the location:

In the heart of Worli - the business hub of India's largest city and close to the entertainment and commercial district of Lower Parel, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai is a chic urban oasis with an intimate, boutique atmosphere. The brand's first hotel in India, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai echoes 'Powerhouse Luxury' in the city that never sleeps. Known for unparalleled food & beverage options such as those at AER Mumbai, an award-winning rooftop bar, as well as San:Qi, a city-favourite pan-Asian restaurant with wine bar, private dining rooms, four open-style kitchens overseen by master craftsmen and an extensive menu offering Indian, Chinese, Thai and Japanese delicacies.

Basic Function:

• Responsible for the efficient operation and maintenance of all computer systems, data and voice communications activities at property.
• Forecast technology requirements and upgrades to existing technology to improve effectiveness of installed systems.
• Execute hotel and corporate systems strategies.

Role and Responsibilities:

People Functions

• Maintain harmonious and professional relationship with all departments and Home Office.

• Comply with and enforce Four Seasons' Category One and Category Two Work Rules and Standards of Conduct as set forth in EmPact.

• Must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to relate to all levels of management.
• Must be able to assist hotel guests with technical requirements and issues.
• Actively participate in quarterly Regional Systems meetings and shared ideas and best practices.
• Experience in Project Management, hospitality applications, PMS, HSIA, POS, is preferred.
• Must be able to provide high levels of service and support to admin users as per contracted Service Level Agreement.

Product Functions

• Ensure critical systems, specifically Front Office Property Management System, Call Accounting, HSIA, PABX and Food & Beverage Point of Sales computer systems are available twenty-four (24) hours per day.
• Establish and maintain user procedures and hardware familiarization for all systems.
• Establish and maintain system security procedures consistent with control requirements and corporate policy.
• Maintain accurate records of system files; software and hardware issues and service requirements.
• Maintain effective support for end user support process, other systems,including back office, sales & catering and human resources applications or any other property application.
• Knowledge of specific hospitality industry applications and interfaces (i.e. Opera, Delphi, Back Office, Spa, HR systems, etc) is desirable.
• Responsible for network support & security of Hotel network, Active Directory maintenance, Server Infrastructure maintenance, Network Infrastructure maintenance – wired & wireless, Network protection & failover tools implementation (Firewall, web security, multi-homing devices, etc).
• Administer Lotus Notes, connection to global VPN and other communication tools
• Establish and maintain, test and monitor backup plan for all systems to ensure protection from loss of data and ensure backups are carried out in accordance with corporate and local policies.
• Maintain and promote Four Seasons core technology standards as outlined in the Four Seasons IT Core Standards notes database.
• As required, participate in and lead the co-ordination of new systems acquisitions, corporate initiated major projects and technology implementations.

• Good knowledge and support for Desktop OS and applications.

• Provide direct guest support and quality support to function rooms and conference services.

• Assist the Director of Finance in administering all IT related maintenance and services contracts and take a leadership role in establishing scope of the maintenance and services contracts, contract negotiations and bidding process.

Profit Functions

• Be a business manager. Recommend new applications as requested by hotels to streamline business processes and improve workflow.
• Negotiate and execute computer and data communications contracts to ensure compliance with their requirements.
• Implement technology "best practices" from other Four Seasons properties that are workable.
• Establish product lifecycle management for hardware/software and 10-year capital planning for technology.

Prepare IT operating budgets, IT capital budgets, and able to discuss and present a business case for all IT expenses.

Skills and Abilities:

• Five years of experience in hotel IT
• Minimum two years of experience as Hotel Director of IT

• Project Management and knowledge of hospitality applications, PMS, HSIA, POS are assets.

• A working technical knowledge of hotel systems and operations.

• DesirableMicrosoft or Cisco Certifications, strong network-building andtrouble-shooting skills, including Microsoft Operating Systems, MAC Operating Systems and applications
• Strong business, resources and project planning experience
• Four Seasons IT Core Standards and key internal controls
• Good knowledge of the Four Seasons policies and procedures
• Knowledge of basic accounting principles

Education:

University or College degree – major in IT