General Manager - element New Orleans (new-build hotel)

element New Orleans - New Build Hotel in the Central Business District

Opening in the Fall of 2025!

The General Manager will lead the successful hands-on operation and administration of all hotel departments, including Front Office, Sales and Marketing, Accounting, Human Resources, Housekeeping, Food and Beverage, and Engineering. This position is responsible for developing associates, ensuring an exceptional guest experience while maximizing profitability of the brand-new Hotel through revenue generation and cost control. The General Manager will establish priorities and lead key operational initiatives such as developing the sales and marketing plan, operational and capital budgets and execution of property capital improvement projects. They serve as the linchpin for communications with guests, associates, ownership, and key vendors. The General Manager must also be involved within the community and represent the hotel in a positive manner.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Overseeing and managing all departments and working closely with department heads on a daily basis.
• Responsible for Guest Satisfaction scores, reviews and responses. Responsible for reviewing the scores with the staff, siting areas for improvement, and creating incentives for hotel staff
• Be in the public areas during peak times greeting guests and offering assistance as needed.
• Ensure the cleanliness and maintenance of the physical property through inspections and preventative maintenance programs with department managers. Regular property and room inspections (weekly at a minimum) with both the Housekeeping Manager and Property Engineer.
• Closely monitor the hotels business reports on a daily basis and make decisions accordingly.
• Forecast monthly the hotel's financial position by estimating revenues and line-by-line expenses. Analyze previous and projected data to generate an accurate reforecast.
• Help in the procurement of operating supplies and equipment, and contracting with third-party vendors for essential equipment and services.
• Handle complaints and oversee the service recovery procedures.
• Direct involvement with the Sales department to optimize business acquisition and pricing.
• Participate in weekly revenue management and sales strategies calls
• Conduct bi-monthly credit meetings and have an active role in the hotel credit and collection policies.
• Meet all sales clients on the property including meeting contacts and potential clients touring the property to assist in the sales effort.
• Conduct weekly staff meeting sand the review of previous and future sales and operations efforts.
• Tour the operating departments daily, making adjustments as needed via department heads.
• Recruit, train, develop, and coach team members to excel in their career growth.
• Motivate, coach, counsel and discipline all management personnel according to S.O.P.’s and ensure that managers are in compliance with the standards in their administration of counseling and disciplinary steps.
• Perform all department manager performance appraisals and ensure that managers are in compliance with the standards in their administration of performance appraisals of their staff.
• Lead all key property issues including capital projects, customer service and refurbishment.
• Responsible for all Occupational Health & Safety Act, fire regulations and other legal requirements.
• Complete required corporate training and become certified to train those as required; including but not limited to food handler certification training, alcohol certification training, CPR/AED Certification training.
• Maintain procedures for handling of the hotel safe specifically with regard to security and initiate a monthly safe audit.
• Responsible for the preparation, presentation and subsequent achievement of the hotel's annual Operating Budget, Marketing & Sales Plan and Capital Budget.
• Ensure all decisions are made in the best interest of the hotels and management.
• Engage with the local community and leaders to enhance the hotel’s presence and reputation.
• Keep abreast of the competition, local events, and hospitality trends.
• Long hours may sometimes be required; Typically a 50 hour work week.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate is a seasoned and highly intelligent hotel professional with outstanding, management skills and extensive hands-on experience. Available to work when needed, including weekends, holidays, and nights.

• At least 10 years of progressive experience in the hospitality industry; or a university degree in hotel management / related field and at least 4 years of related experience; or at least 6 years of experience as a General Manager or Assistant General Manager.
• A strong understanding of P&L statements and the ability to react with impactful strategies.
• Complete understanding of NOI profitability and budget goals.
• Computer skills required – experience with hotel information systems preferred.
• Construction experience recommended; however, not required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Significant attention to detail.
• Must maintain composure and objectivity under pressure.