In the highly competitive hospitality industry, success is driven by one main factor: exceptional leadership. At Specialty Search International (SSI), we understand that an organization’s people are its greatest asset. With over 35 years of experience in hospitality recruitment, SSI specializes in connecting top-tier talent with premier global hospitality organizations, helping to shape the future of the industry. Our focus spans across hotels, resorts, casinos, restaurants, and destination marketing organizations, and we have a proven track record of placing dynamic, results-oriented leaders who make a lasting impact.
What Makes SSI Stand Out?
Our approach to recruitment goes beyond simply filling positions. We build partnerships with our clients, take time to understand their unique leadership needs, and then implement a tailored recruitment strategy to find the perfect fit. Here’s a closer look at the pillars of our success:
1. Experience: Over 35 Years of Industry Expertise
With a deep-rooted understanding of the hospitality sector, SSI has spent over three decades refining our recruitment process. We leverage our experience to identify talent that matches the distinct culture, goals, and values of our clients. This background enables us to work effectively with a broad range of hospitality companies, from boutique hotels to major resorts and multinational brands. Our expertise ensures that each client receives an elite selection of candidates suited to their unique organizational needs.
2. Retention: A 98% Success Rate
SSI prides itself on an exceptional retention rate—98% of the executives we place remain with their new employers beyond their first year. This high retention rate is a testament to our rigorous vetting process and our dedication to finding the ideal candidate, one who is not only skilled but also a true cultural fit for the organization. Our team strives to build long-term solutions for our clients, enhancing organizational stability and growth.
3. Relationships: Long-Term Partnerships
The relationships we build with our clients are the cornerstone of our success. On average, our client partnerships last around 10 years, a rare achievement in the recruitment industry. These long-standing relationships demonstrate the trust and reliability that clients place in SSI as a recruitment partner. Our clients value our commitment to their success, knowing they have a partner who understands their unique hiring needs and supports them at every step of the recruitment process.
4. Recognition: A Proven Track Record of Excellence
Our commitment to high recruitment standards has earned us a spot in the NAPS President’s Circle, a recognition that underscores our dedication to excellence. SSI is proud to uphold the highest standards of integrity, efficiency, and service quality. This commitment to excellence is a significant reason why our clients trust us to recruit executives who can make an impact on their organizations.
The SSI Difference: Strategic Search Solutions for the Hospitality Industry
The hospitality industry requires professionals who are not only skilled in their roles but also passionate about service, adept at navigating complex environments, and committed to excellence. At SSI, we excel at identifying these qualities in candidates, whether they’re seasoned executives or emerging leaders. Our strategic approach involves understanding each client’s specific goals, selecting candidates who are well-suited to meet those needs, and ensuring the recruitment process is seamless from start to finish.
Looking for a Job? Connect with Top Hospitality Opportunities
For hospitality professionals seeking new career opportunities, SSI provides a direct path to the industry’s top leadership positions. Through our Leadership Opportunities section, candidates can explore exciting roles at leading hospitality organizations, apply online, and submit their CVs easily. Our commitment to confidentiality and personalized career guidance ensures that each candidate’s unique skills and career goals are respected and prioritized.
How SSI Connects Clients with Top Talent
SSI’s client list speaks volumes about our reputation in the industry. Our clients range from renowned hotel chains to exclusive resorts and prominent casinos, and we are proud to have placed leaders with some of the most prestigious names in hospitality, including:
- Hotels: Hilton, Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental
- Resorts: Sea Island, Pebble Beach, Montage Hotels & Resorts
- Casinos: Ameristar Casinos, Turning Stone Resort
- Restaurants: Leading restaurant groups across the U.S.
Our extensive network and industry knowledge allow us to present our clients with candidates who meet their precise needs—whether that means finding a general manager for a luxury resort, a marketing director for a casino, or an executive chef for a top-tier restaurant.
Why Choose Specialty Search International?
At SSI, we view our role as not just recruiting but also contributing to the growth and success of our clients and candidates. We operate with a commitment to transparency, dedication, and an unwavering focus on quality. Here’s a summary of the benefits you’ll gain by partnering with us:
- Customized Recruitment: Every organization is unique, and so is our approach. We tailor our recruitment strategy to fit each client’s specific needs.
- Extensive Industry Knowledge: Our deep-rooted understanding of the hospitality industry allows us to offer guidance and insights beyond recruitment.
- Commitment to Excellence: With a 98% retention rate and longstanding client relationships, SSI has set the standard in executive recruitment for the hospitality industry.
Contact Us to Find or Post Jobs
If you’re an organization looking for the best in hospitality leadership or a professional seeking an opportunity to advance your career, Specialty Search International is here to support you. Explore our Leadership Opportunities section, view Client Testimonials, and reach out to us for a personalized consultation.
For more information, contact us at:
- Tampa, Florida Office – Ron Folkman, Managing Partner | (813) 464 – 2939 | Email Ron
- North Florida Office – Greg Birkmeier, Managing Partner | (813) 464 – 2933 | Email Greg
- Washington, DC Office – Jim Coffey, Senior Vice President | (813) 463 – 8943 | Email Jim
Let Specialty Search International be your partner in success, connecting the right leaders to the right organizations and driving the hospitality industry forward.