What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Recreation position at Lakewood Regional Support Bldg?
At Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando, our team members get to make a difference and have fun every day. Our world-class team brings to life the incredible, award-winning hotels located at Universal Orlando Resort.
Named one of Central Florida's Top Workplaces and one of America's Best-in-State Employers by Forbes, we are committed to our "power of we" culture.
Are you looking for a place where you can bring your authentic self to work every day and be able to connect, engage and delight?
We offer excellent benefits and perks including one free meal per shift and free theme park access.
We have a dynamic culture that makes every day interesting, challenging, fulfilling and fun.
We embrace diversity at our core and offer the opportunity for all team members to reach their potential.
We invest in training and development opportunities for all team members.
We promote social responsibility by being a good neighbor in the community.
We care for you, just as we care for others.
About Lakewood Regional Support
Our regional support center provides resources to our hotels for multiple areas including Human Resources, Engineering, Purchasing, Accounting, Security, Group Reservations, Guest Contact Center, Information Technology, Laundry and Communications.
Who We Are: Founded in 1960, Loews Hotels & Co-operates iconic hotels and resorts across the U.S. Together, our diverse and welcoming teams craft exceptional experiences in iconic destinations.
Growth and belonging start here; you'll be valued for who you are and the goals you have. Whether your next career chapter involves making memories for guests or supporting our properties in our Corporate Office, every role-from Guest Services to Finance, Culinary to IT-offers opportunities to grow and make a meaningful impact.
Creating a Team Member experience where you belong no matter what race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status that makes you, you is a daily focus for us.
What We Offer:
- Competitive health & wellness benefits, 401(k) & company match
- Paid Sick Days, Vacation, and Holidays, Paid Bereavement
- Pet Insurance and Paid Pet Bereavement
- Training & Development opportunities, career growth
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Team Member Hotel Rates, other discounts, perks and more
- Many of our Leadership positions are bonus eligible
What We're Looking For:
The ideal candidate will have extensive recreation experience in hospitality, a passion for guest engagement, and strong leadership skills to oversee multiple locations and teams effectively.
Who You Are:
- A results-oriented leader with a proven track record of managing large-scale operations
- A skilled communicator who fosters strong relationships across departments and inspires collaboration.
- Detail-oriented and highly organized, capable of managing multiple priorities while maintaining a focus on quality and efficiency.
- Analytical and resourceful, with the ability to identify opportunities for improvement and implement impactful solutions.
- Passionate about developing teams, with a commitment to fostering growth and professional development.
- Adaptable to evolving business needs, with a proactive approach to overcoming challenges.
- Veterans and military spouses encouraged to apply
What You'll Do:
- Lead and support Assistant Director(s), who in turn manage the department head managers at each hotel location.
- Foster a collaborative and high-performance team environment across all hotels.
- Provide guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for direct reports to ensure team growth and retention.
- Develop and execute the overarching recreational strategy for all hotel properties, ensuring consistency and alignment with brand values and guest expectations.
- Collaborate with hotel management to integrate recreation programs into the broader guest experience strategy.
- Ensure efficient and effective operations for recreation programs at all campus hotel properties, overseeing staffing, scheduling, budgeting, and resource management.
- Monitor and report on the performance of recreation programs and make data-driven decisions to optimize offerings and operations.
- Manage the recreation budget across all properties, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource allocation to maximize guest experiences and operational effectiveness.
- Work with Assistant Director(s) to ensure that resources (staffing, equipment, supplies) are allocated effectively across the hotels.
- Ensure that recreation programs and activities are diverse, inclusive, and cater to the varied interests of guests.
- Address and resolve guest concerns or feedback related to recreation services in a timely and professional manner.
- Continuously assess guest satisfaction through feedback, surveys, and reviews to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Ensure regular safety training and drills for recreation staff are conducted to maintain certifications and ensure readiness for any emergency situations.
- Oversee compliance with all safety regulations, including the proper use of equipment, facilities, and materials in recreational areas.
- Collaborate with 3rd party safety specialists to continuously assess and update safety procedures, ensuring the highest level of safety for both guests and staff.
- Act as a liaison between the recreation department and other hotel departments, including sales, marketing, food & beverage, and guest services, to ensure cohesive guest experiences.
- Prepare and present regular reports to senior management on the performance, challenges, and achievements of the recreation department.
- Oversee recruitment, hiring, and training of staff for recreation roles across all properties.
- Ensure training programs are in place to uphold high standards of guest service, safety, and operational excellence.
- This position involves a combination of office work, travel to hotel properties, and on-site presence at the hotels to oversee operations and support team development.
- Occasional evening, weekend, or holiday work may be required, especially during peak seasons or for special events.
Your Experience Includes:
- Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field (Master's degree preferred).
- Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in recreation management or related roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership position.
- Proven experience managing multi-property operations and large teams, ideally within the hospitality or resort industry.
- Strong knowledge of recreation programming, guest services, and hotel operations.
- Budget management experience and proficiency in financial oversight.
- Ability to develop strategic plans and drive operational excellence across multiple locations.
- Demonstrated ability to foster a positive and high-performing work culture.
- High level of problem-solving skills.
- Ability to adapt quickly to changing guest needs and business objectives.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and recreation management software.
- Flexibility to travel and visit various hotel locations as needed.
Who You'll Supervise:
- Assistant Directors and Recreation team
Loews Hotels & Co is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.
