With the holiday season and New Year approaching, labour shortages will bring challenges. The solution? Finding the right talent at the right time!

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As the holiday season approaches, hotels and restaurants are gearing up for the busiest time of the year. Consumer demand for experiences, including dining out and travelling, is increasing dramatically. With that, the need for a focus on delivering great guest experiences – and the hospitality professionals who make that happen – can’t be overstated.

The demand for hospitality operators extends beyond the holiday season. Restaurants Canada’s recent submission for the 2024/25 federal budget reported 100,000+ job vacancies in the restaurant industry. The Hotel Association of Canada’s website shows that 2 of every 3 accommodation businesses see labour shortages as a significant business impediment.

That demand will continue, driven by consistent industry growth. STR reported YoY growth in the hotel industry’s three key indicators every month in 2023. July ADR & RevPAR were the highest they had on record, and August occupancy the highest since August 2019. Statistics Canada has reported YoY sales growth in Food Services and Drinking Places in every month in 2023, averaging 18.1% from January to August, and comparing very favourably to the 2019 monthly average of 3.18%.

In contrast to the need for an increased workforce to meet industry growth, the shrinking hospitality labour force remains a challenge. Tourism Canada reported relatively stable numbers overall, but wide variation by industry sector. They reported the overall labour force in 2023 was only 2.5% lower than in pre-pandemic 2019, but sector numbers varied from transportation +16.2%, to food & beverage -7.2%, accommodation -19.9%, and travel -39%.

With increased demand meeting shrinking supply, the key to success in the Canadian hospitality industry will be maximizing business during the upcoming holidays, setting the stage for the New Year, and then moving quickly to adjust when the New Year arrives. We can help you with all three.

The hospitality leaders needed to maximize business now are still open to chatting pre-holiday. That has the potential to set up quick success in filling key roles, whether with pre-holiday hires or setting the stage for successful hires within the first few weeks of the New Year. For more challenging or senior level searches, collecting the background now can help align resources with New Year's plans after January fine-tuning, allowing for swift execution when the time comes.

You can reach out any time to see which approach makes the most sense for you and see how we can help – we’d be happy to chat.

To see how we can help you find the great hospitality leaders you need, just look below for a few examples!

These are just a few of the high performing hospitality professionals we’ve worked with – imagine what they could do for you :

Regional Director – Sales and Marketing (Montreal)

This executive sales leader is committed to elevating your hospitality brand to new heights, increasing revenue, and establishing a reputation for excellence. With a customer-centric mindset, a focus on data driven decision making, and a passion for innovation, they’re ready to drive growth and enhance your market presence. With a strong track record for consistently boosting revenue through market knowledge and innovative marketing, they excel at identifying trends and untapped opportunities. To that they add expertise in digital marketing, including social media, SEO, and data analytics, and a focus on delivering maximum ROI. They’re known for building high-performing teams that foster collaboration and creativity, resulting in motivated staff who exceed targets.

Vice President of Human Resources (Toronto)

Having worked with iconic Canadian brands both in retail and food service operations, this accomplished HR business leader has led and directed the entire HR function nationally for organizations with more than 1000 corporate employees. Experienced in global and Canadian-run corporate and entrepreneurial organizations that excel in customer service, they have successfully developed and implemented strategies to ensure the successful implementation of HR client services, policies, practices and programs within store, restaurants, home office and distribution centre environments. Optimistic by nature, but also realistic and pragmatic, they have consistently demonstrated success in building talented teams and systems during periods of accelerated organizational growth and transformation. Let us know if your organization is seeking a Human Resources and communications executive who thrives on challenge and change.

Executive Chef (Vancouver)

This candidate is a powerhouse chef, poised to dominate the culinary scene in years to come. Not only do they have tremendous culinary skills, they also possess solid financial acumen and a penchant for systems, and they’re organized, methodical, and levelheaded. Their culinary skills are strong, as they apprenticed at one of Toronto’s most prestigious properties before working in a number of hot spots as Chef de Cuisine and Head Chef. They’re trained in classical French technique, but they have a palate and skills that are truly international. With an impeccable food sense and great plating technique, they have a proven ability to successfully train and develop apprentices, helping build the organization from within. Creating entertaining food experiences is their passion, along with preparation, workplace culture, and sustainability.

Director of Operations – Food Service (Toronto)

This multi-talented operations leader has made an impact and comes with a proven track record for successfully leading dynamic food service teams in free-standing restaurants, resorts, and hotels. Their expertise lies in elevating guest experiences and driving industry-leading ROI, all while fostering a positive brand culture. They have a hands-on approach to team leadership, resulting in improved team member satisfaction and continuous improvement while achieving significant growth in guest satisfaction and revenue. They've spearheaded the development of food and beverage strategic plans, championing the mantra of People - Product - Profit, and forming industry-leading councils to shape long-term divisional focus. If you’re looking to expand or recalibrate, they have the expertise and experience to deliver, as they’ve successfully managed concept development and project execution for numerous restaurant and venue renovations, focusing on profit-driving initiatives and a non-traditional hotel approach.

These are just a few of the searches we’ve worked on for other top performing hospitality organizations. Imagine how we could help yours :

Area Manager, QSR (Ottawa – successfully filled)

Our client is a national QSR brand that is the stand-out leader in their category. They tasked us with finding them an experienced manager with a proven track record, and a demonstrated history of success in building brand identity at the local market level. Their focus on finding an operator with the necessary multi-unit operational oversight combined with a strong marketing background added to the challenge. We were able to secure a superb restaurant leader who not only met their expectations but exceeded them, resulting in a placement where both client and candidate are truly excited.

Restaurant Manager, Casual Dining (Toronto – successfully filled)

Our client is a growing new brand that appeals to young and old alike while being driven by the quest for delivering high-quality, ethically produced food at a reasonable price. When the mandate is to produce and deliver top-quality food at a great price, you need great leadership. We found them a smart, business-savvy manager who understands that delivering value doesn’t mean reducing quality, it means working differently and asking different questions. Their new Restaurant Manager is an energetic business professional who is interested in people, food, sustainability and profit. This is truly a situation where the people, the profits and the planet all win!

General Manager, Resorts (Banff/Lake Louise – currently open)

This premier hospitality organization is dedicated to providing exceptional guest experiences in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Banff and Lake Louise, their resorts offer unparalleled opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. They’re committed to delivering world-class service, and ensuring that every guest leaves with unforgettable memories of their time in this stunning mountain paradise. They turned to us to find them a dynamic and experienced General Manager to lead their team in Banff/Lake Louise. Their new leader will be responsible for the overall operation and success of the resort, ensuring that guests receive the highest level of service and the business consistently exceeds expectations. We’re on it!

Gestionnaire de la Division des Chambres / Rooms Division Manager (Montreal – currently open)

This prestigious and internationally recognized luxury hotel is nestled in the heart of Montreal. With a commitment to delivering unparalleled guest experiences, they have established themselves as a premier destination for travellers seeking the epitome of hospitality and comfort. They need a dynamic and experienced Rooms Division Manager to lead their Front Office and Housekeeping team while ensuring they deliver the highest standards of service and guest satisfaction. We’re focused on locating a highly accomplished Rooms Division Manager able to play a pivotal role in shaping the guest experience and maintaining the hotel's reputation for excellence.

SEE HOW WE CAN HELP 

Please contact Ian Milford at 604.268.6202 x1 or send an email to ian.milford@jrossrecruiters.com

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