Luxury Hotel Operations Director - Second-in-Command

Keller Executive Search; Newport (RI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary: $150,000-$165,000

Bonus eligibility

401(k) with employer match

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Job summary

Keller Executive Search seeks a Director of Operations for a celebrated boutique five-star luxury hotel in the southeastern United States. This role serves as the second‑in‑command, combining strategic leadership with hands‑on execution across Rooms, Food & Beverage, and Culinary, reporting to the Managing Director.

You will shape guest experience, mentor a senior team, oversee budgets, forecasting and performance, and partner with finance and revenue teams to drive profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in luxury hospitality.
• Experience as Director of Operations or equivalent in Forbes Five‑Star or AAA Five‑Diamond properties.
• Demonstrated success leading Rooms, Food & Beverage, and Culinary operations together.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership across hotel operations, ensuring five‑star luxury standards.
• Personally engage with VIP guests, owners, and strategic partners as needed.
• Champion a culture of hospitality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with culinary and restaurant leadership to elevate dining experiences.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing leadership team.
• Manage operational budgets, labor plans, and departmental financial performance.
• Partner with Finance and Revenue Management to drive profitability and forecasting accuracy.
• Oversee cleanliness, preventive maintenance, safety, and regulatory compliance standards.
• Evaluate capital improvement opportunities and long‑range strategic planning.
• Monitor guest feedback and ensure service recovery processes.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Financial acumen

Communication

Mentoring/people development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

Hotel systems

Job description

Keller Executive Search seeks a Director of Operations for a celebrated boutique five-star luxury hotel in the southeastern United States. This role serves as the second‑in‑command, combining strategic leadership with hands‑on execution across Rooms, Food & Beverage, and Culinary, reporting to the Managing Director.

You will shape guest experience, mentor a senior team, oversee budgets, forecasting and performance, and partner with finance and revenue teams to drive profitability.