IT Manager

El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, has been meticulously restored to capture all the romance and glamour that endeared it to both the local Santa Barbara community and visitors alike. Ninety-two quintessential, California-styled suites and bungalows, terraced grounds featuring seven-acres of gloriously landscaped gardens with sweeping views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean. Original architectural features have been lovingly restored, including the historic, trellis-lined Arbor and Lily Pond. Modern additions to the expansive outdoor zero-edge pool and a new beautifully appointed boutique spa enhance the journey for today’s luxury-seeking guest. With our vast offerings, the opportunities to craft a unique career here are endless. Join us and achieve the truly exceptional. If you’re looking to develop your skills and be part of the future of luxury, this is your moment.

As the IT Manager at El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of our information technology infrastructure to ensure seamless operations and exceptional guest experiences. You will collaborate closely with various departments to implement and maintain innovative technological solutions that align with the hotel's standards of luxury and hospitality.

Specific duties and responsibilities include:

1. Infrastructure Management: Manage and maintain the hotel's IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, hardware, and software applications, to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and security.
2. System Implementation and Integration: Oversee the implementation, integration, and customization of new IT systems and technologies, such as property management systems (PMS), point-of-sale (POS) systems, guest room technologies, and other hospitality-specific applications.
3. Security and Compliance: Enforce company IT security policies, procedures, and protocols to assist in securing company data, systems, and networks from cyber threats and ensure compliance with relevant regulations, such as GDPR and PCI-DSS. Complete recurring & annual IT security audits, both internal and external.
4. User Support and Training: Provide exceptional IT support and assistance to hotel staff and guests, resolving IT-related issues promptly and efficiently. Develop and distribute training programs and materials to educate staff on the use of IT systems and tools, along with IT security best practices.
5. Vendor Management: Liaise with external vendors, suppliers, and service providers to procure IT equipment, software licenses, and support services. Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure value for money and timely resolution of issues.
6. Budgeting and Planning: Develop and manage the IT departmental budget, forecasting expenses, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and allocating resources effectively to support hotel & company IT strategic objectives.
7. Continuous Improvement & Innovation: Stay informed on emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices in hospitality IT. Identify opportunities for innovation and improvement, driving initiatives to enhance efficiency, productivity, and guest satisfaction.

• University degree in Information Technology related field, or 5-7 years comparable work experience.
• Proven experience (3+ years) in IT management, preferably in the hospitality industry.
• Ability to speak & write in English at a level of Full Professional Proficiency or higher.
• Strong technical knowledge and proficiency in networking, systems administration, and software application management.
• Experience with hospitality-specific technologies, such as PMS, POS, Spa, integrated payment platforms and guest service applications.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Solid understanding of IT security principles and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Ability to prioritize & delegate tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to support a 24x7 business operation with on-call availability on nights & weekends.
• Certification in relevant technologies is a plus.

Compensation is starting $95,000 - $101,000.