Director of Operations
Cottonwood Hotel
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
The Cottonwood Hotel is seeking a hands-on Director of Operations to lead day-to-day hotel operations and partners with department leaders to deliver exceptional guest experiences. You will guide teams to drive performance, elevate service quality, and ensure compliance with brand standards and safety regulations.
Ideal candidates bring proven leadership of multi-department teams, strong financial acumen, and the ability to translate data into actionable strategies that improve profitability and
Qualifications
- Leadership experience in a full-service hotel.
- Ability to lead multiple departments and develop managers.
- Strong financial and business acumen, including budgets, forecasting, labor, and expenses.
- Translate financial and operational data into actionable strategies/mm.
- Excellent communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and time management.
- Leadership style that balances accountability with support and coaching.
- Ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
- Knowledge of employment laws, hotel operations, food safety, and alcohol service regulations.
- Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business, or related field preferred; equivalent leadership experience considered.
Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day hotel operations and provide direction to department leaders.
- Build a strong leadership team and develop talent.
- Foster a culture of exceptional guest service and engagement.
- Monitor budgets, labor, expenses, productivity, and profitability.
- Collaborate with department leaders to improve efficiency and guest satisfaction.
- Maintain daily presence through walkthroughs and team interactions.
- Identify opportunities for improvement and make informed decisions.
- Ensure compliance with standards, brand expectations, safety, and employment laws.
- Collaborate with GM and ownership on business objectives and long-term goals.
- Create an environment where employees take pride in their work and guests return.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
At The Cottonwood, we’re more than just a boutique hotel — we’re a proud team of passionate people who care deeply about what we do, how we do it, and the impact we make in our community. Located in Omaha's vibrant Blackstone District, where history continues to come to life, our hotel stands as a modern icon with a deep-rooted legacy. Once the historic Blackstone Hotel, The Cottonwood has become a local gem, blending timeless elegance with contemporary style. Known for its stylish charm, state-of-the‑art amenities, and a level of service that continually raises the bar in the hospitality industry, our hotel stands as a tribute to the past, refreshed for a new era.
Joining our team means stepping into an environment where creativity is celebrated, ideas are welcomed, and every role plays a key part in creating unforgettable guest experiences. Whether you’re welcoming guests at the front desk, crafting cocktails in our bar, or supporting behind the scenes, your work matters — and it’s appreciated. We’re proud of who we are: a team that works hard, supports one another, and genuinely loves what we do. We believe hospitality should feel personal, and that starts with how we treat each other. Here, you’ll find a collaborative, uplifting culture where you’re encouraged to grow, shine, and make a difference.
If you’re looking for more than just a job — if you want to be part of a place that feels like home, where your talents are valued, and your passion has a purpose — then we’d love to meet you.
Lead with purpose. Create memorable experiences. Make history.
The Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel is more than a place to stay. It's a modern reimagining of Omaha's iconic Blackstone Hotel, a property rich in history, character, and hospitality. Originally built in 1916, the Blackstone welcomed presidents, made headlines, and is even rumored to be the birthplace of the Reuben sandwich. Today, that legacy lives on through a hotel that brings together exceptional hospitality, vibrant dining, and unforgettable experiences.
We're looking for a Director of Operations who is ready to bring that story to life every day.
This is an opportunity for a hands‑on, strategic leader who knows how to bring people together, develop strong teams, and create an operation where both guests and team members feel the difference. Overseeing the day‑to‑day hotel operation under the leadership of the General Manager, this role works closely with department leaders to drive performance, strengthen accountability, elevate service, and deliver results across the property.
From our guest rooms and front desk to our restaurants, banquets, and everything in between, you'll have the opportunity to make an impact across one of Omaha's most recognized hospitality destinations.
What You’ll Do
- Lead the day-to-day operations of the hotel, providing direction, support, and accountability to department leaders.
- Build a strong leadership team that takes ownership, develops talent, and consistently delivers results.
- Create a culture where exceptional guest service, genuine hospitality, and team member engagement go hand in hand.
- Drive financial performance by monitoring budgets, labor, expenses, productivity, and departmental profitability.
- Partner with department leaders to develop and execute strategies that improve operational efficiency, revenue performance, and guest satisfaction.
- Stay connected to the operation through regular department walkthroughs, team member interactions, and active involvement in daily business.
- Identify opportunities for improvement, solve problems, and make informed decisions that support the overall success of the hotel.
- Ensure operational standards, brand expectations, safety requirements, and applicable employment regulations are consistently followed.
- Collaborate with the General Manager and ownership on business objectives, strategic initiatives, and long‑term property goals.
- Help create an environment where people are proud of where they work and guests are excited to return.
What We’re Looking For
- Previous leadership experience in a full-service hotel, with a strong understanding of both Rooms and Food & Beverage operations.
- A proven ability to lead multiple departments, develop managers, and build high-performing teams.
- Strong financial and business acumen, including experience with budgets, forecasting, labor management, and expense controls.
- The ability to turn financial and operational information into actionable strategies and measurable results.
- Excellent communication, decision‑making, problem‑solving, and time‑management skills.
- A leadership style that balances accountability with approachability, coaching, and genuine support.
- The ability to adapt, prioritize, and thrive in a fast‑paced environment where no two days look exactly alike.
- A working knowledge of applicable employment laws, hotel operations, food safety, and alcohol service regulations.
- A bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business, or a related field is preferred; equivalent leadership experience will be considered.
- Proficiency in hotel operating systems and standard business technology.
Why The Cottonwood?
Because this isn't just another hotel leadership position.
You'll be part of a property with a story worth telling, a team with a passion for hospitality, and an operation that offers something different every day. With two restaurants, a coffee shop, a pool bar, a food truck, and a robust banquet operation, there's never a shortage of opportunities to make an impact.
We believe great hotels are built by great people. We're looking for someone who believes the same, leads by example, isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves, and knows that the best results come from bringing people together.
Davidson Hospitality Group is an award‑winning, full‑service hospitality management company overseeing hotels, restaurants, dining and entertainment venues across the US. A trusted partner and preferred operator for Hilton, Hyatt, Kimpton, Marriott, and Margaritaville, Davidson offers a unique entrepreneurial management style and owners’ mentality that provides the individualized personal service of a small company, enhanced by the breadth and depth of skill and experience of a larger company. In keeping with the company’s heritage of delivering value, Davidson is comprised of four highly specialized operating verticals: Davidson Hotels, Pivot, Davidson Resorts and Davidson Restaurant Group.
In keeping with the company’s heritage of delivering value to its owners and team members, Davidson offers a rich benefit program with a variety of benefits designed to enrich the lives and well‑being of our team members and their families.
- Three Tiers of Medical Coverage
- Dental & Vision Coverage
- 24/7 Teledoc service
- Free Maintenance Medications
- Pet Insurance
- Hotel Discounts
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, bereavement, and Holidays).
- 401K Match
Working at Davidson is like nowhere else. It’s less of a job, more of a calling. It’s part career, part revolution. Because whatever you do here, you play a part in helping redefine the way quality hospitality is delivered to our guests, our clients, our partners, and each other.
EOE AA- Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation
Davidson Hospitality is a drug free workplace. Pre-employment drug test and background check required. We participate in E-Verify.
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