Clerk-Front Desk – Protea Hotel Durban Umhlanga
Vacancy Overview
Job Title: Clerk-Front Desk
Company: Protea Hotels by Marriott® / Marriott International
Hotel: Protea Hotel Durban Umhlanga
Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Employment Type: Full-Time
Job ID: 26113706
Career Area: Rooms & Guest Services Operations
Education: High School Diploma / G.E.D. equivalent
Experience: 1 year of related work experience
Licence/Certification: None specified
About the Company
Protea Hotels by Marriott® is one of Africa’s leading hospitality brands and one of the most widely recognised hotel brands on the continent. The brand operates more than 60 hotels across countries including South Africa, Zambia, Nigeria, Namibia, Tanzania and Uganda.
Protea Hotels forms part of the wider Marriott International portfolio and is focused on creating welcoming, personalised and memorable experiences for guests. Employees are encouraged to deliver high-quality service while developing their skills and building meaningful careers within the hospitality industry.
This Front Desk Clerk opportunity is suited to someone who enjoys working with people, providing excellent customer service and operating in a professional hotel environment.
Job Purpose
The Clerk-Front Desk is responsible for providing efficient and professional front-office support throughout the guest journey. This includes welcoming guests, processing check-ins and check-outs, handling payments, responding to guest requests and ensuring that accurate information is recorded and communicated.
The successful candidate will serve as an important point of contact between guests and the hotel while working closely with departments such as Housekeeping, Accounting and Bell/Valet services.
The position requires someone who is organised, customer-focused, professional and comfortable working in a busy hospitality environment.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Guest Check-In and Check-Out
- Process guest check-ins by confirming reservations and assigning appropriate rooms.
- Issue and activate room keys for arriving guests.
- Process guest check-outs efficiently.
- Resolve late or disputed charges where necessary.
- Ensure guest accounts and transactions are accurately processed.
Payments and Cashier Responsibilities
- Process different payment methods, including room charges, cash, cheques, debit cards and credit cards.
- Complete designated cashier and closing reports using the computer system.
- Cash guests’ personal and traveller’s cheques where applicable.
- Count the cash bank at the beginning and end of each shift.
- Balance and drop receipts according to Accounting specifications.
- Maintain accuracy and accountability when handling financial transactions.
Guest Communication and Service
- Answer, record and process guest calls, messages, questions and requests.
- Respond professionally to guest concerns and service needs.
- Welcome and acknowledge guests according to company standards.
- Anticipate guest needs and provide appropriate assistance.
- Thank guests and demonstrate genuine appreciation for their business.
- Provide directions and information about the hotel and local areas of interest.
- Communicate parking procedures to guests and visitors.
- Dispatch Bell or Valet staff when required.
Coordination With Other Departments
- Coordinate with Housekeeping to monitor and confirm room readiness for arriving guests.
- Communicate relevant guest requests and requirements to the appropriate departments.
- Work effectively with colleagues to ensure a smooth guest experience.
- Maintain positive working relationships with team members and other hotel departments.
Reports and Administration
- Run daily reports covering guest arrivals and departures.
- Identify and review special guest requests.
- Check reports for accuracy.
- Maintain accurate records and complete required front-desk administration.
- Protect confidential and proprietary information.
Safety, Security and Company Standards
The Front Desk Clerk must follow all company safety and security policies and procedures. Any accidents, injuries or unsafe working conditions must be reported to management.
The successful candidate is expected to:
- Follow Marriott and hotel policies and procedures.
- Maintain a clean, professional uniform and personal appearance.
- Protect company assets.
- Maintain guest and company confidentiality.
- Follow quality assurance expectations and service standards.
- Assist guests with disabilities where required.
- Use clear and professional communication.
- Answer telephones using appropriate etiquette.
- Follow appropriate workplace safety procedures.
Minimum Requirements
Education
- High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
Experience
- 1 year of related work experience is preferred.
Licence or Certification
- No licence or certification is required.
Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Clear and professional verbal communication.
- Good telephone etiquette.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Basic computer and administrative abilities.
- Professional appearance and conduct.
- Ability to handle guest queries and concerns calmly.
- Ability to work effectively with others.
- Reliability and accountability.
- Ability to follow company policies and procedures.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to work in a busy hotel environment.
Working Conditions
This is a full-time hospitality position based at Protea Hotel Durban Umhlanga. The role requires the successful candidate to remain active throughout the working day and may involve standing, sitting or walking for extended periods.
The position also requires the ability to move, lift, carry, push, pull and place objects weighing up to 10 pounds (approximately 4.5 kg) without assistance.
Because the role is within hotel operations, applicants should be prepared to work according to operational requirements and maintain a consistently professional and guest-focused approach.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys interacting with people and takes pride in providing excellent service. You should be comfortable speaking with guests, answering questions, resolving concerns and working with colleagues across different hotel departments.
Previous related work experience is preferred, but the position does not specify a particular professional licence or certification. A high school qualification or equivalent is required.
Candidates should also be organised, dependable, professional and able to maintain accuracy when dealing with guest information, payments and administrative reports.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Marriott International is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. The company promotes an inclusive working environment where employees from different backgrounds, cultures and experiences are valued.
Marriott is committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status or other applicable protected characteristics.
Important Recruitment Notice
Applicants should be aware that Marriott maintains a “no fees” recruitment policy. The company does not ask applicants for money or charge recruitment fees as part of the application process. Be cautious of anyone requesting payment in exchange for employment or an application.
Application Information
Interested candidates should apply through the official Marriott International careers platform and search for Clerk-Front Desk – Job ID 26113706 at Protea Hotel Durban Umhlanga.
Closing Date: Not specified in the information provided.
Quick Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Clerk-Front Desk |
| Company | Protea Hotels by Marriott® / Marriott International |
| Location | Durban, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Hotel | Protea Hotel Durban Umhlanga |
| Employment Type | Full-Time |
| Job ID | 26113706 |
| Department | Rooms & Guest Services Operations |
| Education | High School Diploma / G.E.D. equivalent |
| Experience | 1 year related experience |
| Licence/Certification | None |
| Salary | Not specified |
| Closing Date | Not specified |