General Manager | The Steward, Santa Barbara, CA
A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
The Steward is seeking a dynamic General Manager, or a strong Assistant General Manager ready for the next step, to lead a distinctive Santa Barbara experience. You will be a visible, people-first operator with a strong food and beverage background, commercial instincts, and a genuine passion for creating memorable moments.
This is equal parts operator, storyteller, culture builder, and brand ambassador.
What makes this opportunity different?
- Lead a boutique, estate-style hotel where design, local connection, and experience matter.
- Make F&B a true centerpiece of the guest journey, driving energy, programming, and profitability.
- Build a team that is warm, intuitive, empowered, and proud of the experience they create.
- Partner closely with ownership and First Hospitality leadership while growing your own career with a respected hospitality company.
What you will do
- Lead the daily operation with equal focus on guest experience, team culture, and financial performance.
- Be present and engaged on the floor, setting the tone for service that feels personal, polished, and never transactional.
- Elevate food and beverage through thoughtful execution, local partnerships, events, and programming.
- Drive commercial results through collaboration with sales, revenue, and marketing partners.
- Develop, coach, and inspire a high-performing team.
- Ensure The Steward consistently shows up as a vibrant, welcoming, and distinctly Santa Barbara destination.
What you bring
- Progressive hotel operations leadership experience, including strong F&B experience.
- General Manager experience preferred; exceptional Assistant General Managers ready to grow are encouraged to apply.
- Lifestyle, boutique, resort, or full-service hotel experience strongly preferred.
- A proven ability to lead teams, manage financial performance, and create an exceptional guest experience.
- Strong communication skills, business acumen, and a hands-on leadership style.
- Valid driver's license.
What's in it for you?
- Medical insurance available from day one
- Paid time off and holiday pay available from day one
- 401(k) enrollment after 30 days
- Hotel and travel discounts worldwide
- Professional development and meaningful promotion opportunities
About First Hospitality
Founded in 1985 and based in Chicago, First Hospitality is a hotel development, investment, and management company built on creating value through excellence and a willingness to do things differently. We are proud to foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace where people can grow, contribute, and thrive.
First Hospitality is an Equal Opportunity Employer.