General Manager (Pre-Opening), Hampton Inn & Suites, Baton Rouge, LA

Candlewood Suites - Gonzales, LA; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Athena Hospitality Group seeks a General Manager to open and lead a brand-new Hampton Inn & Suites in Baton Rouge, LA. You will hire and train the founding team, set up systems, and shape culture from day one.

The role requires 5+ years in hotel operations with pre-opening experience, plus strong financial oversight and leadership. Expect to manage vendor relationships, drive cost controls, and build corporate/government/university accounts.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hotel operations experience with 3+ years in management
• Pre-opening or new-build experience is a strong plus
• Strong financial management, budgeting, and labor planning skills
• Leadership style that is accountable yet human; excellent written and verbal communication

Responsibilities

• Lead the pre-opening plan with construction, operations, and corporate teams to hit milestones
• Recruit, hire, and train the opening team
• Complete Hilton brand opening requirements and prepare the hotel for first guest
• Set up vendor relationships, operating systems, and property procedures
• Lead all departments post-opening and uphold Hilton/Athena standards
• Own the numbers: review financials, manage labor budgets, control costs, and pursue revenue opportunities
• Partner with sales to build relationships with local corporate/government/university accounts
• Oversee accounting functions including payables, receivables, payroll, banking, and period end
• Maintain safety and OSHA compliance and strong key control

Skills

Leadership

Financial literacy

Communication

Pre-opening experience

Hospitality operations

Staff development

Education

High school diploma or GED

Degree in hospitality or business (plus)

Job description

Description

Open a Brand New Hampton in Baton Rouge. Build the Team. Set the Standard.

Hampton built its name on a simple idea: guests should leave happy, every time. We’re looking for a General Manager to open our new Hampton Inn & Suites in Baton Rouge and make that promise real from the very first check in. Between state government, LSU, and the industrial corridor along the river, this market brings steady business travel and game weekends that fill every room in town.

This is a pre-opening role.

The hotel is scheduled to open in March 2027, and you’ll be the leader who gets it there. You’ll hire and train the founding team, set up systems and processes, and shape the culture from day one. If you’ve opened a hotel before, or you’ve always wanted to, this is your chance to build something from the ground up.

Athena Hospitality Group manages hotels across Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana, and New Jersey, and we’re growing.

What you’ll do

• Lead the pre-opening plan, working closely with our construction, operations, and corporate teams to hit every milestone
• Recruit, hire, and train the full opening team
• Complete Hilton brand opening requirements and get the hotel ready for its first guest
• Set up vendor relationships, operating systems, and property procedures
• Once open, lead every department and hold the property to Hilton and Athena standards
• Own the numbers: review financials, manage the labor budget, control costs, and capture every revenue opportunity
• Partner with sales to build relationships with local corporate, government, and university accounts before opening day
• Oversee accounting functions including payables, receivables, payroll, banking, and period end
• Keep the property safe and clean, with a strong key control program and OSHA compliance

What you bring

• At least 5 years of hotel operations experience, with 3 or more years in management
• Pre-opening or new build experience is a strong plus
• Hilton brand experience is a plus
• Confidence with financial statements, budgets, and labor planning
• A leadership style that’s accountable but human
• Strong communication skills, in person and in writing
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays when the business needs it
• High school diploma or GED required; a degree in hospitality or business is a plus

Why Athena

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Room to grow with a company that’s adding hotels and promoting from within
• A corporate team that shows up, supports you, and knows your name

Expected start date:

March 2027

Requirements

This position requires the ability to lift up to 40 lbs and to use a computer and standard office equipment. Athena Hospitality Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.