Local Operations Manager

First Chair Destinations; Portland (ME); Hybrid; USD 58,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Job summary

First Chair Destinations is seeking an Operations Leader to guide a guest-focused team across a portfolio of properties. You will coach and develop staff, oversee daily property operations, and ensure service standards are met while driving efficiency and cost control.

You will work in a hybrid environment with an office presence required locally, travel between worksites, and collaboration with the onboarding team for new units joining the portfolio.

Qualifications

• Experience in hotel/hospitality or vacation industry preferred.
• 1–2 years in operational support; housekeeping/maintenance preferred.
• Supervisory/management experience in a similar industry preferred.
• Technical computer skills with laptops, tablets and mobile devices.
• Frequent travel between worksites; reliable transportation essential.
• Dependable, self-motivated and able to work independently in a team.
• Strong communication skills, both online and in person.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team via coaching, mentoring and evaluations.
• Oversee daily operations of properties to maximize productivity and quality.
• Provide cross-coverage for team and management when needed.
• Conduct guest/owner arrivals inspections prior to check-in.
• Address escalated guest/homeowner concerns via email, calls and tickets.
• Build relationships with property owners and manage standards.
• Meet company standards and metrics (NPS, unit appearance, efficiency).
• Assist budgeting for portfolio and perform cost-benefit analyses.
• Support onboarding for new units joining the portfolio.
• Perform light maintenance tasks as required.

Skills

Team leadership

Operations management

Budgeting

Vendor/owner relations

Quality assurance

Recruiting

Cross-functional collaboration

Light maintenance

Communication

IT familiarity

Tools

IT proficiency

Job description

We offer exceptional vacation homes across the country’s most celebrated ski towns and coastal retreats. Each property is carefully selected, locally managed, and held to an uncompromising standard of care. We live and work in the communities we serve, which means every stay comes with generous local knowledge, genuine hospitality, and the confidence that what you booked is exactly what you’ll find.

We’re proud to offer a competitive benefits package designed to support our employees both at work and beyond. Benefits and eligibility may vary by position and are subject to change. Full plan details and terms will be provided during onboarding.

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off (PTO)& Holidays (non-exempt employees)
• Paid Flexible Time Off & Holidays (exempt employees only)
• Paid Sick Leave

Benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plan documents, which govern in the event of any discrepancy. The Company reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate benefit plans and programs at any time.

About This Job

This role requires strong communication and handy-person skills. You will be called upon to do anything from changing a light bulb, to helping a guest figure out how to light a gas fireplace over the phone, to walking an owner through their monthly statement. Additionally, you will support in leading and developing a team of employees.

Compensation + Schedule

• $58,000 - $62,000 annually less payroll deductions and all required withholdings
• Up to $350 monthly car allowance for eligible employees
• Schedule: 5 days a week, including weekends
• Weekends and holidays may be required

Essential Job Functions

• Lead and develop a team of employees through effective coaching, mentoring, and performance management. Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and annual evaluations to support professional growth and ensure alignment with company goals.
• Oversee daily operations and workflow management of assigned portfolio of properties to optimize team productivity and meet departmental objectives. Identify areas for improvement, and implement process enhancements to drive efficiency and quality outcomes.
• Provide cross-coverage for your team and management when necessary.
• Conduct regular inspections prior to guest and owner arrivals.
• Support your team with escalated guest and homeowner concerns by responding to emails, calls and tickets.
• Develop and grow a relationship with the owners of the properties by proactively communicating and becoming the subject matter expert of those properties ensuring they are clean, maintained and well cared for.
• Meet and maintain company standards and metrics such as NPS, standard unit appearance, and efficiency.
• Support the budget for your portfolio adhering to set annual costs, with the ability to perform a cost-benefit analysis.
• Partner and assist your Onboarding team when new units join the portfolio.
• Ability to perform light home maintenance (light bulbs, fix door hinges, unclog a toilet, etc).
• Foster a collaborative work environment that promotes open communication, innovation, and employee engagement. Address team conflicts constructively and in a timely manner as they arise.
• Assist the recruiting process with interviewing, selection and onboarding new team members while ensuring compliance with company policies and employment regulations.
• Establish and maintain open, collaborative relationships with fellow regional team members and upper management team
• Other duties as assigned because every day is different in hospitality!

Skills + Qualifications

• Experience working in hotel, hospitality, vacation or similar industry is highly preferred.
• 1 - 2 years experience working in operational support roles; housekeeping and maintenance highly preferred.
• Prior experience in supervisory or management level positions in a similar industry is highly preferred.
• Technical computer skills required on all forms of hardware - laptops, tablets and mobile devices
• This role involves frequent travel between worksites, so reliable personal transportation is essential.
• Dependable and prepared. Showing up on time and ready to go is key to creating great stays for our guests and peace of mind for our homeowners.
• Must be dependable, self-motivated, and able to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
• Comfortable talking to people—online or in person—and being able to share information in a way that’s clear, thoughtful, and represents the company in a positive way always.

Workplace Environment + Physical Requirements

• Work may take place indoors or outdoors, in a variety of settings including private homes, resorts, offices, and laundry facilities — often in varying weather conditions.
• We’re in hospitality and our schedules can change based on guest and homeowner needs. Shifts may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. We require flexibility to support this.
• Hybrid work environment with in-person local office work time required.
• Reliable transportation required.
• Regular travel within the locally assigned market and / or region.
• Ability to move freely (balancing, climbing, crawling, driving, squatting, standing, stooping, walking, bending, pushing, pulling, reaching, and repetitive hand/finger motions) and lift up to a maximum of fifty (50) pounds without assistance.

This job description does not identify every requirement of the position. First Chair may change position requirements, responsibilities, and work environment at any time with or without notice.

Some positions may require that you drive a personal vehicle and/or company vehicle for work purposes. Employees who are required to drive a personal vehicle must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and be at least 18 years of age. Employees who are required to drive a company vehicle must have a valid driver’s license, be at least 21 years of age, and have been a licensed driver for no less than 3 years.

An offer of employment for this role will be contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.