Director of Operations

Ithaka Hospitality Partners, LLC; Montgomery (AL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ithaka Hospitality Partners, LLC is seeking a Director of Operations in Montgomery, Alabama to lead all hotel operations at Elevation Convening Center & Hotel. Responsibilities include ensuring operational excellence, optimizing guest satisfaction, and managing financial performance. The ideal candidate will have over 3 years of senior leadership experience in hospitality, a strong understanding of service standards, and proficiency in relevant operational software. Join us in creating extraordinary guest experiences with a focus on quality and innovation.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in senior leadership roles within the hospitality industry.
• Proven expertise in upscale hotel and restaurant operations.
• Strong understanding of Forbes and AAA service standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of hotel operations.
• Monitor and improve guest experiences.
• Analyze daily revenue and labor reports.

Skills

Leadership

Operational Excellence

Guest Satisfaction

Financial Management

Team Development

Education

Bachelor's degree in hospitality or related field

Tools

Agilysys Point of Sale

ADP

Opera Cloud

KYC Hotel Optimization

Job description

Join Ithaka Hospitality Partners on an Exciting Journey!

Are you ready to be part of something extraordinary? Join Ithaka Hospitality Partners in shaping the future of our industry through innovative leadership and excellence in service. We are seeking a visionary Director of Operations to lead and oversee total hotel operations for Elevation Convening Center & Hotel, a 99‑room hotel, a full‑service restaurant, a Grab & Go Café, and a 10,000‑square‑foot conference center. This executive role is central to driving employee engagement, elevating guest satisfaction, and optimizing profitability.

Position Summary

The Director of Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for guiding the Rooms and Food & Beverage (F&B) department leaders while ensuring operational excellence, financial performance, and exceptional guest experiences. Reporting directly to senior management, this individual will play a key role in executing the strategic vision of the organization while upholding Ithaka Hospitality Partners’ standards of excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Operational Excellence

• Provide executive oversight for all aspects of hotel operations, including Rooms and F&B departments.
• Lead day‑to‑day operations with a hands‑on approach, ensuring team performance meets and exceeds operational standards.
• Serve as a role model for operational excellence, capable of stepping into key team roles as needed.
• Champion the Ithaka culture, delivering exceptional guest interactions and ensuring the highest service standards.

Guest Experience Optimization

• Monitor and improve the guest journey across all touchpoints, from arrival to departure.
• Address guest concerns promptly, providing thoughtful solutions and training teams on handling issues effectively.
• Collaborate with Food & Beverage, Rooms and Housekeeping leadership to enhance service delivery, preventative maintenance, and quality improvements.
• Actively respond to guest reviews on social media and satisfaction platforms to strengthen brand loyalty.

Talent Development & Engagement

• Foster a culture of continuous learning through structured training programs and development opportunities.
• Conduct regular departmental meetings and daily "huddles" to ensure alignment on goals and priorities.
• Hire, mentor, and support department leaders and team members, promoting a collaborative and high‑performing work environment.
• Implement company training systems alongside IHP's Director of Training & Development, leveraging tools such as Schoox to ensure comprehensive onboarding and skill enhancement.

Financial and Operational Accountability

• Analyze daily revenue and labor reports to ensure operational efficiency without compromising service quality.
• Partner with revenue management, Department Heads, and the General Manager to forecast, budget, and achieve financial targets.
• Oversee cost controls, including food, labor, and operating expenses, to maximize profitability.
• Leverage data analytics to identify growth opportunities and refine operational strategies.

Innovation in F&B and Menu Development

• Collaborate with culinary and F&B leadership to develop seasonal menus and enhance guest offerings.
• Lead pre‑service briefings to communicate menu updates, special requests, and service expectations effectively.
• Uphold stringent health and safety standards, achieving exemplary inspection scores.

Quality Assurance and Maintenance

• Maintain a pristine operational environment by enforcing cleanliness and compliance with health codes.
• Proactively manage preventative maintenance schedules for equipment and facilities.
• Set and achieve performance goals using structured frameworks such as the 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX).

Flexibility and Operational Support

• Adapt to evolving operational demands, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to meet business needs.
• Provide guidance on specialized services such as coffee programs, banquets, and in‑room dining enhancements.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 3+ years in senior leadership roles within the hospitality industry.
• Proven expertise in upscale hotel and restaurant operations with a focus on guest satisfaction and revenue optimization.
• Bachelor's degree in hospitality or a related field is preferred.
• Strong understanding of Forbes and AAA service standards.
• Exceptional knowledge of operational software such as Agilysys Point of Sale, ADP, Opera Cloud, and KYC Hotel Optimization.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job‑related factors.