Valet Supervisor At The Cooper Hotel
The Valet Supervisor at The Cooper Hotel is responsible for overseeing the daily valet operations and leading a team of valet runners to provide exceptional arrival and departure experiences. This role ensures that all guests receive courteous, prompt, and Forbes-compliant valet service, while maintaining the highest standards of safety, luxury vehicle handling, and team performance. As a key member of the guest services leadership team, the Valet Supervisor fosters a welcoming environment reflective of Charleston's charm and the prestige of a world-class hotel.
Duties & Responsibilities :
- Oversee all valet operations including guest vehicle arrivals, departures, parking, and retrieval in a timely, safe, and professional manner.
- Schedule, train, and supervise valet attendants to ensure adequate coverage and adherence to Forbes 5-Star service standards.
- Manage peak arrival and departure periods with a focus on efficiency, elegance, and calm professionalism.
- Monitor the flow of traffic at the hotel entrance to maintain a clean, organized, and inviting guest arrival experience.
- Greet guests by name whenever possible and ensure a warm, professional, and polished first and last impression.
- Ensure valet runners handle each vehicle with care, respect, and according to brand expectations.
- Personally assist VIP guests, guests with special needs, or high-value vehicle owners with an elevated level of attention.
- Resolve service issues quickly and graciously, ensuring guest satisfaction and recovery when needed.
- Conduct daily briefings and reinforce expectations around grooming, etiquette, and safety.
- Train staff on Forbes 5-Star protocols, including posture, phrasing, guest name usage, and discretion.
- Monitor employee performance and provide coaching, support, and disciplinary action when necessary.
- Foster a positive and respectful team culture that promotes accountability and guest focus.
- Ensure valet runners follow all traffic laws, speed limits, and safety procedures when operating guest and hotel vehicles.
- Perform routine spot checks of key handling, parking procedures, and vehicle inspection processes.
- Report any incidents, damages, or irregularities immediately and complete all required documentation.
- Maintain accurate logs of vehicle tags, claim checks, guest transactions, and any incidents.
- Coordinate closely with the bell staff, concierge, front desk, and security to streamline guest transitions.
- Manage valet supplies, uniforms, radios, and equipment inventory to ensure daily readiness.
Required Skills & Experience :
Minimum 23 years of experience in valet or guest services at a luxury hotel, including at least 1 year in a supervisory or team lead role.Experience in a Forbes 5-Star or AAA Five Diamond environment strongly preferred.Valid South Carolina driver's license and clean driving record; ability to drive manual and automatic transmission vehicles.Strong leadership, time management, and interpersonal communication skills.Professional appearance, calm demeanor under pressure, and ability to multitask during high-volume times.Deep knowledge of Charleston's layout, local traffic conditions, and points of interest is a plus.Physical Requirements :
Must be able to stand, walk, run short distances, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.Ability to lift luggage up to 75 lbs and repeatedly enter and exit guest vehicles.Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts as required by business needs.Must be able to resolve problems, handle conflict, and make effective decisions under pressure.Good hearing is necessary for effective communication with colleagues, guests, and stakeholders.