Director of Operations, The Claremont Hotel

CLAREMONT HOTEL

Director of Operations (Resort) – Pre-Opening & Year-Round

We are a 52-key, waterfront resort offering an intimate and thoughtfully curated guest experience across hotel rooms, cottages, and houses. The property also features full-service restaurants, spa, gardens, and waterfront programming designed to connect guests with the setting in a meaningful way.

We are seeking a highly engaged, hands-on Director of Operations to lead final pre-season opening efforts and shape the day-to-day guest experience once the resort is live. This role is central to how guests feel when they arrive, stay, and return.

This is not a desk-based role. We’re looking for someone who leads from the floor, is present, observant, and actively involved in ensuring every detail contributes to a seamless and memorable stay.


Key Responsibilities

Pre-Opening (Immediate Start)

  • Lead final setup across all guest-facing areas, ensuring each space is ready to deliver a polished and welcoming experience
  • Onboard a team aligned around hospitality, warmth, and attention to detail
  • Enhance daily operating systems that support consistency, communication, and responsiveness
  • Coordinate across departments to ensure a cohesive and guest-ready opening
  • Identify gaps through a guest lens and implement thoughtful, practical solutions

Ongoing Operations

  • Oversee all aspects of daily resort operations with a focus on the full guest journey from arrival through departure
  • Set and maintain a high standard for service, presentation, and atmosphere across rooms, F&B, spa, and outdoor experiences
  • Lead and develop department heads and team members to deliver intuitive, personalized service
  • Actively engage with guests, using feedback and observation to continuously refine the experience
  • Anticipate and resolve issues before they impact the guest experience

What We’re Looking For

  • Proven leadership experience in resort or multi-outlet hospitality environments
  • Strong operational background across rooms (food & beverage, spa/outdoor experience a plus)
  • Pre-opening or turnaround experience strongly preferred
  • A hands-on, visible leadership style with a genuine passion for hospitality
  • Ability to adapt quickly and lead confidently in a dynamic environment
  • Strong communication skills and an instinct for creating alignment across teams

What Success Looks Like

  • A smooth, well-executed opening that reflects care and attention to detail
  • A team that feels supported, engaged, and committed to delivering exceptional service
  • Guests who feel welcomed, cared for, and eager to return
  • An operation that runs with consistency, clarity, and pride

Details

  • Full-time, year-round position
  • Competitive salary based on experience
  • Comprehensive health insurance and 401(k) benefits
  • Performance based bonus structure
  • Single unit housing available

Necessary Skills and Attributes:

  • Customer service
  • Work experience as a Hotel Rooms Division Manager or similar role
  • Effective ability to supervise and motivate staff to maintain optimal department operations and staff development
  • Must have a desire to grow into a General Manager/Managing Director role.
  • Possess strong computer/technical skills
  • Possess skills in time management, conflict resolution and cost controls
  • Promotes a safe, secure and healthy work environment.
  • Demonstrated energetic, self-motivating and a “can do” positive attitude.
  • Take accountability and ownership for work performance
  • Meticulous attention to detail, motivational skills, verbal communication skills, written communication skills and manageability.
  • Is a team player
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Manages time well, correctly prioritizes tasks and able to balance the needs of multiple guests or co-workers at a time without compromising service standards.

Success Factors:

  • Ambassador of Joy: Embody and promote a culture of positivity and enthusiasm, ensuring that both guests and staff feel welcomed, valued, and inspired.
  • Customer-Centric Focus: Understand and anticipate the needs of both internal and external guests, consistently exceeding expectations.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: Deliver work that is precise, thorough, and up to the highest standards of luxury hospitality.
  • Effective Communication: Provide clear, concise, and actionable information to ensure colleagues, guests, and stakeholders are well-informed.
  • Ownership & Accountability: Take full responsibility for tasks, ensuring they are followed through to achieve the desired results.
  • Foster Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively within teams, motivating others to sustain exceptional levels of performance.
  • Build Strong Relationships: Establish trust and foster cooperation with colleagues, guests, and partners to promote mutual success.

Safety and Security

  • Recognizes and reports potential safety hazards in the hotel, such as broken doors or railings, fire hazards, etc.
  • Recognizes and reports potential security problems in the hotel, such as locking doors after hours, etc.
  • Understands and follows policies and procedures for the hotel’s key control system and ensures others follow them.

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Any other duties assigned by Supervisor.
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