Manager, Franchise Onboarding & Transitions (Remote)

Job Description Summary

The Manager, Onboarding & Transitions will work primarily with new hotel owners and franchisees, including change of ownerships, with the process to open and successfully transition hotels from other brands, independent or new build properties into the Sonesta and RLH Corporation portfolio of brands. This process includes ensuring standards are in place, the hotel is visible and bookable across all channels, any PIP items due at opening are addressed and complete, property has access to and is properly trained in the relevant hotel systems, loyalty, and other key brand programs. In addition, the position is responsible for these and many other activation points, documentation, and compliance status, encompassing the successful opening and activation of a hotel into the Sonesta + RLH network.

Job Description

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Primary responsibilities are to assist and help manage the onboarding process of converting existing branded, independent, or new built properties from their former brand to a Sonesta or RLH branded property.
• Position works directly with the Senior Manager, Onboarding and Transitions, VP Franchise Operations, Lodging & Development associates, and other internal departments to ensure new projects open on time and within the framework and terms of their Franchise License Agreement.
• Position will work extensively with internal teams to orchestrate, manage, and communicate the overall onboarding process and bring hotels onto Sonesta or RLH network of systems, processes, and standards successfully as strong representatives of the brands.
• Work with owners, on-site management, and third-party management companies of franchise properties, to ensure they properly represent the brand and are receiving the brand support committed by the company.  Open properties on time, on brand and with standards in place.
• You will help to continually develop and execute procedures for new builds transitions and openings as well as maintain tracking activities for purposes of ensuring all systems, documentation and training is complete and submitted in a timely manner.
• Ensure all processes are followed and FLA’s are adhered to, including documentation, tracking and activation within our active database.
• Cultivate relationships with franchise owners and managers of all franchise properties, so that they become brand ambassadors of our brands and reflect favorably on the onboarding processes and services of the franchise operations and onboarding teams.
• Oversee successful opening of new franchise hotels into the system to include integration of all operational, sales and marketing, distribution, and revenue management initiatives, as necessary for the new franchise hotels to operate as a Sonesta or Red Lion brand.
• Work with internal partners (Franchise Development, PIP, Plan Review, Brand, Franchise Performance Support, Technology, Sales, etc.) to ensure that the project plans are reflective of current business needs. 
• Conduct onsite orientations as new franchise hotels come into the system.
• Educate on-site hotel teams about brands and operating standards, culture, sales and marketing initiatives, and revenue management tools.
• Foster positive hotel relationships through consistent on and off-site communication.
• Engage all internal departments and services prior to transitioning hotel to respective brand.
• Monitor and maintain quantitative information regarding hotel service, product quality and revenue/financial performance through brand quality assurance programs.
• Transition hotel to Franchise Service Managers and team members upon conclusion-completion and opening of property.

Financial Management

• Understand, communicate, and facilitate the education of new franchise owners to our internal invoicing processes.
• Report and track onboarding costs and revenue with finance as required.

Organizational Management

• Support, comply and promote company initiative, policies, and guidelines.
• Handle employee issues in a professional and timely manner, as applicable.

Leading with Passion

• Responsible for ensuring success through the eyes of employees, guests, and owners
• Utilize and collaborate with resources across different departments and corporate office
• Capable of influencing others to perform to their highest standard and establishing a trusting environment to enrich the culture
• Focus on the mission and well-being of the department, hotel, and company as a whole
• Lead by example and operate with integrity and respect
• Inspire to embrace and dem