Reservations Manager

Reservations Manager (Pre-Opening) - Crowne Plaza Geelong

Be part of a landmark hotel opening in one of Victoria's most exciting waterfront destinations

In partnership with Plenary Group, IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) is bringing its world-class Crowne Plaza brand to the Victorian regional city of Geelong. Scheduled to open in 2026, Crowne Plaza Geelong will redefine premium accommodation, offering a sophisticated stay for both leisure and corporate travellers. It will form part of the highly anticipated Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre precinct, a transformative development featuring a 1,000-seat convention centre, exhibition spaces, and a vibrant retail and hospitality hub. Located in the heart of the emerging precinct, this 200-room hotel will feature spacious suites, an extensive restaurant and bar offering, pool, gym, and meeting facilities.

The Reservations Manager's primary role is to optimise revenue and occupancy by managing room inventory and rates, while ensuring ensuring reservations are handled accurately, efficiently, and with a focus on guest satisfaction from the very first point of contact.

A little taste of your day to day

• Manage daily operations of the reservations department to ensure accuracy and efficiency
• Maximise room revenue through effective inventory control and rate management
• Monitor and adjust room availability across all distribution channels (e.g., website, OTAs, GDS)
• Ensure all reservations are accurately entered, modified, and followed up in a timely manner
• Prepare and maintain detailed market segment and pickup reports
• Enter and manage group room blocks, contracts, and rooming lists in the reservation system
• Liaise with Sales, Front Office, and Revenue Management to coordinate group bookings and special requests
• Train, mentor, and supervise reservations staff, ensuring high levels of customer service and productivity
• Respond promptly to guest and client inquiries, providing accurate information and professional service
• Implement and maintain standard operating procedures and best practices within the department
• Monitor booking pace and provide forecast data to support revenue decisions
• Ensure data integrity and accuracy across all reservations and systems
• Maintain strong knowledge of the property, promotions, packages, and competitor offerings
• Prepare and manage staff rosters to ensure optimal departmental coverage and operational efficiency

What we need from you

• Bachelor's degree / higher education qualification / equivalent in Hotel Management or Business Administration; OR
• At least two years of experience in Reservations/Front Office.
• Extensive experience using HotelKey / Opera PMS is essential.
• Comprehensive understanding of hotel systems and revenue management principles.
• The ability to manage time efficiently with competing deadlines.
• The ability to liaise professionally in all aspects of the role, including excellent telephone and email etiquette in accordance with the Crowne Plaza Brand Service Style.
• Strategic and tactical thinking, the ability to develop strategic plans, establish goals and objectives, set performance targets, and deliver projects on time.
• Experience using the Microsoft Office suite.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• A client-focused approach with a passion for delivering exceptional service.

What you can expect from us

Not only will you benefit from a truly unique and career-defining opportunity as part of this exciting hotel opening, but you'll receive a competitive salary that rewards all your hard work and a wide range of benefits designed to help you live your best work life – including, impressive room discounts and some of the best training in the business.

Most importantly, your career journey will be supported through our lifelong development programs, IHG career milestone celebrations, and transfer of leave entitlements as you move and grow with IHG.

Our mission is to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams where we celebrate differences and encourage colleagues to bring their whole selves to work. IHG Hotels & Resorts provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. We promote a culture of trust, support, and acceptance. Always welcoming different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

So, join us and you'll become part of our ever-growing global family.

Don't quite meet every single requirement, but still believe you'd be a great fit for the job? We'll never know unless you hit the 'Apply' button. Start your journey with us today.