General Manager

First Hospitality; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Paid time off

Hotel and travel discounts

Professional development

Job summary

The Steward in Santa Barbara, CA is seeking a dynamic General Manager, or a strong Assistant General Manager ready for the next step, to lead a distinctive Santa Barbara experience. You will be a visible, people-first operator with a strong food and beverage background, commercial instincts, and a genuine passion for creating memorable moments.

This is equal parts operator, storyteller, culture builder, and brand ambassador.

Qualifications

• General Manager experience preferred; exceptional Assistant General Managers ready to grow are encouraged to apply.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage financial performance, and create an exceptional guest experience.
• Strong communication skills, business acumen, and a hands-on leadership style.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily operation with equal focus on guest experience, team culture, and financial performance.
• Be present and engaged on the floor, setting the tone for service that feels personal, polished, and never transactional.
• Elevate food and beverage through thoughtful execution, local partnerships, events, and programming.
• Drive commercial results through collaboration with sales, revenue, and marketing partners.
• Develop, coach, and inspire a high-performing team.
• Ensure The Steward consistently shows up as a vibrant, welcoming, and distinctly Santa Barbara destination.

Job description

General Manager | The Steward, Santa Barbara, CA

The Steward is seeking a dynamic General Manager, or a strong Assistant General Manager ready for the next step, to lead a distinctive Santa Barbara experience. You will be a visible, people-first operator with a strong food and beverage background, commercial instincts, and a genuine passion for creating memorable moments.

This is equal parts operator, storyteller, culture builder, and brand ambassador.

What makes this opportunity different?

• Lead a boutique, estate-style hotel where design, local connection, and experience matter.
• Make F&B a true centerpiece of the guest journey, driving energy, programming, and profitability.
• Build a team that is warm, intuitive, empowered, and proud of the experience they create.
• Partner closely with ownership and First Hospitality leadership while growing your own career with a respected hospitality company.

What you will do

• Lead the daily operation with equal focus on guest experience, team culture, and financial performance.
• Be present and engaged on the floor, setting the tone for service that feels personal, polished, and never transactional.
• Elevate food and beverage through thoughtful execution, local partnerships, events, and programming.
• Drive commercial results through collaboration with sales, revenue, and marketing partners.
• Develop, coach, and inspire a high-performing team.
• Ensure The Steward consistently shows up as a vibrant, welcoming, and distinctly Santa Barbara destination.

What you bring

• General Manager experience preferred; exceptional Assistant General Managers ready to grow are encouraged to apply.
• A proven ability to lead teams, manage financial performance, and create an exceptional guest experience.
• Strong communication skills, business acumen, and a hands-on leadership style.
• Valid driver’s license.

What’s in it for you?

• Medical insurance available from day one
• Paid time off and holiday pay available from day one
• Hotel and travel discounts worldwide
• Professional development and meaningful promotion opportunities

About First Hospitality

Founded in 1985 and based in Chicago, First Hospitality is a hotel development, investment, and management company built on creating value through excellence and a willingness to do things differently. We are proud to foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace where people can grow, contribute, and thrive.

First Hospitality is an Equal Opportunity Employer.