Role Overview:
Seeking a dynamic, creative, and goal-oriented Chief Operating Officer to lead operations across a portfolio of family-owned boutique hotels and select restaurants. Unlike roles in large corporate hotel brands, this position focuses on hands-on leadership, vision, and guest experience—not spreadsheets or rigid structures. If you thrive in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments where every day brings new challenges and opportunities to grow the business while delighting guests, we want to meet you.
Position located in the Northeast. Please only apply if you live or are interested in a Northeast opportunity.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership:
- Oversee daily operations of all hotels and restaurants in the group, ensuring that each property delivers a memorable, personalized guest experience and achieves operational excellence.
Strategic Planning:
- Develop and execute business strategies and annual plans to drive growth, improve guest satisfaction, and enhance profitability—always with a “think outside the box” mindset.
Financial Stewardship:
- Build and manage annual budgets for each property; optimize resources for maximum impact while maintaining a hands-on approach to operational decision-making.
- Monitor financial performance (P&Ls, labor costs, RevPAR, GOP, food/beverage cost ratios).
- Identify and implement opportunities for revenue growth and cost optimization.
Team Development:
- Mentor and inspire General Managers, hospitality teams, and restaurant leaders to create a culture of service, pride, creativity, and accountability; develop future leaders from within. Lead recruitment, training, and succession planning for all key leadership positions.
Portfolio Growth:
- Identify and evaluate new opportunities for expanding the property and restaurant portfolio. Lead acquisition, onboarding, and integration processes with a focus on preserving company culture and delivering excellence.
Guest Experience Champion:
- Place guest experience above all else, using feedback and analytical insights to ensure all hotels and restaurants offer bespoke, delightful, and consistent stays and dining experiences. Use guest feedback, mystery shopping, and surveys to drive continuous improvement.
Non-Corporate Culture:
- Foster an entrepreneurial, collaborative, and adaptable environment. Emphasize creative thinking over adherence to rigid corporate models; avoid “cookie-cutter” Marriott or Hilton operational styles.
Brand Advancement:
- Maintain the unique, local character of each property and restaurant. Support compelling marketing efforts and partnerships that boost visibility and attract new guests.
Food & Beverage Strategy
- Guide the F&B program strategy—menu direction, pricing, promotions, concept development.
- Oversee inventory, vendor relationships, quality control, and profitability of F&B outlets.
- Align restaurant and bar operations with hotel branding and guest expectations.
Marketing & Revenue Collaboration
- Collaborate with marketing, revenue, and sales teams to optimize room bookings, restaurant covers, and event sales.
- Ensure programming (events, experiences) is operationally supported and brand-aligned.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, labor, and licensing regulations.
- Maintain strong internal controls and lead risk mitigation efforts.
Required Skills & Experience
- Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in hospitality management, ideally with smaller, family-or privately-owned properties and/or restaurants.
- Extensive experience in both Hotel & Restaurant, preferably resort-style portfolios.
- Demonstrated ability to manage operations, budgets, and strategic initiatives, with a proven record of growing businesses and creating exceptional guest experiences.
- Outstanding people skills: empowers teams, builds culture, and solves problems creatively.
- Innovative mindset—adept at finding new ways to exceed guest expectations and thrive in an ever-changing industry landscape.
- Hands-on operator who enjoys working closely with property teams and guests; not interested in “ivory tower” management.
- Bachelor's degree required (hospitality, business, or related field preferred).
What Makes This Role Different?
This is a rare opportunity for a proven operational leader who rejects a “one size fits all” corporate playbook. The successful candidate will be empowered to shape both operations and culture for a growing group that values originality, passion, and personalized service above all else.
How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and a cover letter describing how your experience, leadership style, and hospitality philosophy align with our unique approach. Email [email protected]
This role is an extraordinary fit for a hospitality professional driven by creativity, innovation, and a focus on genuine guest connections—not just spreadsheets and protocols.