Chief Concierge (m/f)

An Icon Returns – Grand Hotel Locarno on Lake Maggiore

Located in the heart of Locarno, overlooking Lake Maggiore and just a few steps from the lakeshore, the Grand Hotel Locarno returns as a stylish oasis of elegance, well-being, and new discoveries. Since its opening in 1876, the hotel has been closely linked to the history of the town and of Europe-as the host of the 1925 European Peace Conference and the venue for the first Locarno Film Festival in 1946. In the spring of 2027, the legendary Grand Hotel will celebrate its reopening, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of its Belle Epoque heritage. Timeless grandeur blends with modern luxury; time slows down and becomes a way of life. Nestled in alpine landscapes, surrounded by sweeping views of the lake and the hotel’s expansive grounds, the hotel offers a rare balance of refined tranquility and restorative relaxation. The 110 elegantly designed rooms and suites combine historic character with contemporary comfort; many feature private terraces or balconies overlooking Lake Maggiore. Wellness is an integral part of the experience-with an indoor pool in historic vaulted ceilings, an outdoor pool, areas for yoga and fitness, and rooms for relaxation. Culinary offerings range from Mediterranean cuisine to refined Asian dishes, complemented by a lobby bar set beneath historic frescoes. With elegant event spaces and a spectacular event area that opens onto the 4,000-square-meter park, the Grand Hotel Locarno is both a retreat and a stage.

Your responsibilities

• Lead, inspire, coach, and develop the Concierge Team, fostering a culture of excellence, professionalism, collaboration, and genuine hospitality.
• Ensure the highest standards of luxury guest service are consistently delivered through personalized recommendations, bespoke arrangements, and proactive guest engagement.
• Oversee all concierge services, including transportation, dining reservations, cultural activities, excursions, entertainment, wellness experiences, shopping requests, and special occasions.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with local businesses, luxury service providers, cultural institutions, tourism partners, and exclusive vendors to create unique guest experiences.
• Anticipate guest expectations and preferences by maintaining detailed guest profiles and collaborating closely with Front Office, Guest Relations, Housekeeping, F&B, and other hotel departments.
• Personally handle VIP guests, high-profile visitors, special requests, and complex guest situations with discretion, professionalism, and exceptional attention to detail.
• Ensure smooth handling of guest concerns, complaints, and last-minute requests, demonstrating excellent judgment and solution-oriented thinking.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of local events, attractions, restaurants, seasonal activities, and emerging trends within the destination.
• Develop and continuously refine concierge standards, procedures, service concepts, and signature experiences aligned with the hotel’s luxury positioning.
• Participate actively in pre-opening activities, including recruitment, onboarding, training, supplier selection, service design, and operational setup.
• Manage departmental administration, scheduling, performance management, reporting, and operational planning to ensure efficient execution of all concierge services.
• Promote a culture of guest recognition, personalization, and emotional engagement that creates memorable experiences and strengthens guest loyalty.

We offer

• A unique opportunity to play a leading role in the reopening of one of Switzerland’s most iconic luxury hotels.
• An exciting leadership position with significant responsibility and visibility within a prestigious hospitality project.
• Participation in the Arabella Hospitality Commercial Bonus Scheme.
• Flat hierarchies, short decision-making processes, and a collaborative team culture.
• Permanent employment contract.
• Attractive employee benefits, including supplementary company health insurance, discounted hotel rates with our partner Marriott International, and contributions toward staff meals.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment that actively promotes professional growth, personal development, and long-term career opportunities.
• The chance to shape and establish the concierge culture and guest experience standards of the new Grand Hotel Locarno from the very beginning.

Your Profile

• Several years of experience in luxury hospitality, concierge services, guest relations, or a comparable high-end guest-facing environment, including proven leadership experience.
• Previous experience as Chief Concierge, Head Concierge, Concierge Supervisor, or a similar leadership role within a luxury hotel is highly desirable.
• Exceptional knowledge of luxury guest expectations and service excellence, with a strong focus on anticipation, personalization, discretion, and attention to detail.
• Passion for hospitality and creating extraordinary guest experiences that exceed expectations.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility with guests, colleagues, and external partners alike.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with the capacity to remain calm, composed, and solution-oriented in a fast-paced environment.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong local networking approach and the ability to develop meaningful partnerships that enhance the guest experience.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the confidence to make thoughtful decisions under pressure.
• Experience with Opera PMS and concierge management tools is considered an advantage.
• Fluent English is required; German and/or Italian are highly desirable. Additional languages are considered a strong asset.
• Membership in Les Clefs d’Or or eligibility for membership would be considered a significant advantage.

Grand Hotel Locarno
Via Sempione 17
6600 Locarno