Job Description

We’re Sonesta International Hotels.
The 8th largest hotel company in the U.S.—and growing fast.

An epic blend of full-service and focused hotels in major cities, Sonesta’s uniquely diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties makes us everywhere you want to be. Driven by the human side of hospitality, we deliver service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and experiences that truly connect.

Together We Thrive—bringing quality, value, and amazing hospitality to every guest, every stay, across 1000+ properties in eight countries and counting.

At The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco, we don’t just offer a stay—we create an experience. Known for its bold design, rich history, and vibrant energy in the heart of Union Square, The Clift is a place where creativity, service excellence, and individuality come together.

We are seeking a Director of Rooms who brings both strategic leadership and hands-on operational excellence to elevate the guest journey and lead our Rooms Division into its next chapter. The Director of Rooms is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and strategic direction of the Rooms Division, including Front Office, Housekeeping, Guest Services, and Security. This role ensures exceptional guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and compliance with brand standards, labor agreements, and applicable regulations.

This is a highly visible executive role, partnering closely with the General Manager and Executive Committee to drive results, foster a culture of accountability, and deliver an elevated guest experience.

Operational Leadership

• Direct and oversee all Rooms Division operations to ensure seamless guest experiences
• Establish and maintain service standards aligned with brand expectations and luxury positioning
• Drive continuous improvement in guest satisfaction scores and service delivery metrics

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop department heads and frontline leaders
• Foster a culture of engagement, accountability, and inclusion
• Partner with HR on performance management, training, and succession planning

Financial & Strategic Management

• Develop and manage departmental budgets, forecasts, and labor costs
• Optimize staffing models in alignment with occupancy and business demand
• Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and revenue enhancement

Labor Relations & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with applicable labor laws, union agreements, and company policies
• Partner with HR on investigations, disciplinary actions, and grievance management
• Maintain accurate documentation and support a legally compliant work environment

Guest Experience & Quality Assurance

• Champion a guest-first culture, responding to escalations with urgency and professionalism
• Oversee quality assurance programs, inspections, and brand audits
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure a cohesive guest journey

Additional Job Information/Anticipated

Pay Range

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive Rooms Division leadership experience, preferably in a luxury or lifestyle hotel environment
• Strong knowledge of Front Office and Housekeeping operations, with multi-department oversight experience
• Proven ability to lead in a unionized environment strongly preferred
• Demonstrated success in improving guest satisfaction, team engagement, and financial performance
• Solid understanding of labor compliance, wage & hour regulations, and operational risk management
• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management or related field preferred
• Salary range for this role is $120 - $140K annually.
• Why Join The Clift
• Be part of a landmark luxury lifestyle hotel with a bold identity
• Join a collaborative Executive Committee committed to innovation and excellence
• Opportunity to shape the Rooms Division strategy and guest experience
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package

Benefits

Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. We offer a variety of benefits to our employees including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account with Company Match
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Sonesta Hotel Discounts
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Various Employee Perks and Discounts
• Hospital Indemnity
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Accident Insurance

Sonesta is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Upon submitting your application, please ensure you complete a full application in addition to attaching a resume. Incomplete applications received will not be considered.