Chief Operating Officer

Gilder Search Group; Gilroy (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Hoxton Circle is seeking a Director of Operations/COO to oversee day-to-day operations across multiple business lines, driving professional standards and growth while protecting what makes the company distinctive.

You will lead a large, cross-functional team, developing training programs and working with the executive team on budgets, KPIs, and strategic initiatives to improve profitability and guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or related field (MBA a plus).
• 8+ years in multi-departmental operations management with 5+ years in senior leadership within hospitality, retail, or property management.
• Strong financial acumen including budget ownership, P&L, forecasting, and margin analysis.
• Proven track record leading large, diverse teams across multiple business functions and locations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a hands-on leadership style.
• Familiarity with compliance requirements across hospitality, food service, and retail.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations across multiple business units (retail, food & beverage, lodging); ensure consistency in standards and guest experience.
• Build and implement SOPs and process improvements for efficiency.
• Own safety, cleanliness, and maintenance standards across high-traffic guest areas.
• Partner with CEO and executive team to set goals and growth roadmap and operational improvements.
• Translate long-term strategic priorities into targets and KPIs for each unit.
• Oversee capital projects and renovations tied to growth plans.
• Own operating budgets with cost control and ROI focus; collaborate with finance on budgeting/forecasting.
• Set pricing strategy and financial policy by segment, focusing on margins.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Financial acumen

Communication

People management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or related field

MBA or advanced degree (a plus)

Job description

Hoxton Circle has partnered with a local client looking for a Director of Operations/COO to oversee day-to-day operations across several business lines. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can run diverse business units under one roof, tighten up operational standards, and work closely with the executive team on growth and profitability. The company has a loyal, long-standing customer base and a strong regional reputation, and is looking for an operator who can professionalize the business while protecting what makes it distinctive.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead day-to-day operations across multiple business units (retail, food and beverage, and guest lodging), ensuring consistency in standards and guest experience across all of them.
• Build and implement operational policies, SOPs, and process improvements that support efficiency without disrupting what already works well.
• Own safety, cleanliness, and maintenance standards across high-traffic guest-facing areas.
• Partner with the CEO and executive team to set goals and build a roadmap for growth, exansion, and operational improvement.
• Translate long-term strategic priorities into operational targets and KPIs for each business unit.
• Oversee capital projects and renovations tied to the company's ongoing growth plans.
• Own operational budgets across departments, with a focus on cost control, resource allocation, and ROI.
• Partner with finance on annual budgeting and forecasting, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Set pricing strategy and financial policy by business segment, with attention to margin and cost of goods sold.
• Lead and develop a large, cross-functional team, building training programs that raise the bar on skills and service culture.
• Drive accountability and a performance-based culture across departments.
• Partner with HR on training, retention, and succession planning.
• Set and enforce quality standards across the property.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations relevant to hospitality, retail, and food service.
• Regularly review security protocols across guest-facing and lodging areas.
• Own guest service operations end to end, from retail to lodging.
• Build feedback mechanisms to track guest satisfaction and drive improvements.
• Partner with marketing on initiatives that build guest loyalty and repeat visitation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field. Advanced degree or MBA a plus.
• 8+ years in multi-departmental operations management, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within hospitality, retail, or property management.
• Strong financial acumen, including budget ownership, P&L, forecasting, and margin analysis.
• Proven track record leading large, diverse teams across multiple business functions and locations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves leadership style.
• Familiarity with compliance requirements across hospitality, food service, and retail

Hoxton Circle is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.