A young, integrated resort destination in Macau’s Cotai area, Galaxy Macau opened its doors just 18 months ago and is still expanding both its operations and workforce.
The luxury development, part of the K Wah Group, has three world-class hotel brands: Galaxy Hotel, Okura and Banyan Tree. These comprise more than 2,200 rooms, suites and villas situated in a 52,000 square metre garden complete with a wave pool, white sand beach, 50 restaurants, cinemas and shopping boulevards.
Candidates can apply for jobs across all sectors, from food and beverage and entertainment to human resources, finance, engineering, design and retail. New hires will join a workforce that consists of nearly 9,000 employees.
“We are a growing company, so in addition to maintaining a stable workforce, we are gradually adding talent as a foundation for our expansion. We offer careers in all these areas and recruit across all these sectors regularly as we grow,” says Trevor Martin, senior vice-president of human resources and administration.
Previous hospitality experience is an advantage, but not vital. It is more important candidates have the right attitude and can “truly live and breathe the ‘world-class Asian heart’ philosophy,” Martin says.
Candidates should be thoughtful, have strong attention to detail, and a sense of professionalism. Creativity is a real asset that will set the right applicants apart.
“We need people who can deliver authentic, heartfelt, respectful customer service and anticipate our customers’ needs. Our staff should take ‘creative initiatives’ and constantly be looking for ways to make that extra bit of difference to our guests,” Martin says.
To fit into the team, applicants should have a real passion and interest in joining Galaxy Macau, a warm approach, and be attentive not only to guests but also to team members, as well as having a sincere and respectful attitude. Martin says that “the most difficult part of the recruitment is interviewing for these soft skills”.
While Cantonese, Putonghua and English are the most commonly spoken languages, multilingual applicants speaking Japanese, Korean or Southeast Asian languages are also welcome.
A comprehensive staff-orientation programme provides a sense of the team’s culture and welcomes staff into a variety of social-club and company-initiated activities, to nurture a real sense of belonging.
Galaxy Macau’s defined training pathway supports both experienced staff members and fresh starters. There is also a broad range of personal and professional development-training programmes covering languages, IT, staff coaching, train-the-trainer, supervision, management skills, and others delivered by dedicated departmental trainers.
“Since opening, over 1,000 team members have been promoted already,” Martin says.
Last December Galaxy Macau launched a nine-month leadership programme for 90 members of their middle management, including senior managers and assistant vice-presidents. The training, which they attended during working hours, helps to train up their leadership skills and gives them a better understanding of the company’s values and direction.
At the same time, it also formed a strong network among the company’s newly employed leaders and helped them understand the work of other departments in the integrated resort. Participants will further hone their leadership competencies in a second round of training starting this year.
Since its opening, Galaxy Macau has also financially supported staff members who enrolled in certain post-secondary-level education programmes.
Apart from supporting professional growth and career development, the company also provides shuttle-bus services to and from work, as well as high-quality staff restaurant meals, monthly recognition of star performers and regular feedback on performance. Salaries are also kept under constant review and benchmarked to the market in Macau.
“A very real benefit we offer, which our team members see as important, is being part of a successful, growing company that provides real opportunity and tangible support for team members to grow with us,” Martin says.
A very active social club, frequent teambuilding and corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities contribute to a strong team and happy members.
“Most days you will find a new story about team-member involvement in meaningful CSR and team-building activities that we strongly support and encourage,” Martin says.
