Director of Operations
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla
Salary Range: $110,000 - $130,000 annually (Exempt)
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and results-driven Director of Operations to join our leadership team. This key executive role is responsible for driving hotel profitability, operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and employee development, while ensuring the highest standards of service and maintaining the property's integrity.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on hospitality leader with a strong background in hotel operations, financial management, team development, and guest experience. This position works closely with department heads and the executive leadership team to ensure exceptional performance across all operational areas of the hotel.
What You'll Do
As Director of Operations, you will:
Operational Leadership
- Oversee day-to-day hotel operations to ensure exceptional guest experiences and operational efficiency.
- Conduct regular inspections of guest rooms, public spaces, and back-of-house areas to maintain quality standards.
- Partner with department leaders to identify opportunities for improvement and implement effective solutions.
- Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) as required.
- Maintain a visible presence throughout the hotel, engaging with guests and team members during peak business periods.
- Drive hotel profitability through revenue growth, cost control, productivity management, and expense oversight.
- Participate in forecasting, budgeting, and financial planning processes.
- Conduct monthly financial reviews with department managers and key supervisors.
- Ensure compliance with accounting procedures, invoice processing, and corporate reporting deadlines.
- Monitor departmental productivity and financial performance against budget goals.
- Partner with the Director of Sales to support revenue-generating initiatives and business development efforts.
- Meet with key clients, prospects, and group contacts to strengthen business relationships.
- Actively participate in property tours, client meetings, special events, receptions, and sales activities.
- Support strategic sales efforts to maximize occupancy and revenue performance.
- Lead, mentor, coach, and develop department managers and future leaders.
- Facilitate regular leadership meetings, training sessions, and performance reviews.
- Create a positive, guest-focused culture through employee engagement, recognition, and accountability.
- Ensure hiring, performance management, coaching, and disciplinary processes align with company standards.
- Support management trainee development and succession planning initiatives.
- Champion a culture of exceptional customer service throughout the hotel.
- Ensure service standards are consistently delivered across all departments.
- Address guest concerns promptly and effectively while driving continuous improvement in guest satisfaction metrics.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 6 years of progressive hotel leadership experience, or
- Bachelor's degree and 4-5 years of related hotel management experience
- Full-service hotel experience strongly preferred.
- Proven experience leading multiple operational departments and managing financial performance.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership, coaching, and team development abilities.
- Demonstrated success in driving operational excellence and financial results.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to analyze complex information and make effective business decisions.
- Strong organizational, multitasking, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
- Commitment to providing exceptional guest service.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as business demands require.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Light physical work including lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying up to 20 pounds occasionally.
What We Offer
- Competitive base salary within the posted range
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off, paid sick leave, and company-observed holidays
- Hilton Team Member Travel Program
- Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
- Pet wellness benefits.
- Career development and advancement opportunities
- Dynamic and collaborative work environment
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
If you are a passionate hospitality professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to developing teams while delivering outstanding financial and operational results, we encourage you to apply.