Assistant Rooms Executive is one of the positions on the career path to General Manager.  Justin Vining, Assistant Rooms Executive at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, gives us a glimpse into the role.

I’m a graduate of Coastal Carolina University with a BSBA in Business Management with a focus in Resort Tourism Management. The ability to move and grow with the company is one of the reasons I love working for Hyatt.  I never imagined having the opportunities that I’ve been so fortunate to have during my career.

I started with Hyatt in 2005 as Assistant Front Office Manager at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City. During my two and half years at Crystal City, I was promoted to Assistant Executive Housekeeper and then Executive Housekeeper, my first position as a department head. In December 2007, I opened the new Grand Hyatt San Antonio as Front Office Manager and then later moved into the role of Executive Housekeeper. In August 2010, I moved to the Hyatt Regency Waikiki as Assistant Rooms Executive.

As Assistant Rooms Executive, I’m an assistant division head and help oversee the Rooms Division of our 1230 room resort. The departments that report to me are Front Office, Housekeeping, Guest Services, Valet, Spa, Regency Club, and Security. Every day is an exciting new challenge at a large resort with such high occupancies. I spend the majority of my day assisting my managers and associates in taking care of our guests. Working alongside them allows me an opportunity to give praise for great interactions and perform on the spot training.

When I’m not working, I enjoy visiting my favorite Hyatt destination, Grand Hyatt Kauai.  Spending time at this great property allows me to have total relaxation at the resort as well as have the opportunity to play Popui Bay Golf Course.

I believe the key to the success of any new manager is to work alongside and learn from their associates. This is the easiest way to understand the operation, the associates’ challenges, and to earn the associates’ respect.  A great starting position for someone who wants to follow my career path would be Assistant Front Office Manager. This position is critical to the success of all of our properties and allows new managers to make a direct impact with guests as well as their associates, focusing on not allowing anyone to leave unhappy.