Hotel Manager jobs in Lincoln, NE

About Hotel Garber: Hotel Garber is a boutique hotel under construction in Red Cloud, Nebraska, childhood home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Willa Cather. An economic resurgence in the rural community has been underway for more than a decade. Hotel Garber will meet a growing demand for visitor accommodations. In addition to 27 guest rooms, it will house a loft apartment, a spacious lounge and dining area, kitchen facilities, and lower level meeting spaces. The new boutique hotel will be housed in the rehabilitated Potter-Wright building in historic Red Cloud, adjacent to the National Willa Cather Center and other local businesses and attractions. The hotel is owned by Red Cloud Hotel, LLC, of which the National Willa Cather Center is a supermajority owner alongside six private investors.

Summary/Objective: This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for an entrepreneurial hospitality professional to shape and launch a boutique hotel project. The General Manager (GM) will oversee all the details of planning and preparing for the estimated late fall 2024 opening. The GM will design and execute a strategic plan to maximize return on investment to the owners of the hotel by achieving the objectives of the annual budget. The GM will be responsible for marketing the hotel to achieve occupancy targets, creating a high-quality experience for guests, and ensuring a positive work environment for employees. The General Manager will also ensure the hotel complies with local health and safety codes and aligns with industry best practices for notable small hotels. This includes achieving the highest standards of guest service as well as the development and oversight of all policies and procedures as part of the Hotel Garber Policy Manual and Operating Criteria. The GM will ideally reside in Red Cloud or environs; relocation assistance is available as is possible housing.

Essential Functions Prior to Opening

• Develop a mission and vision for the property that distinguishes the project and will enhance Red Cloud as a tourist destination.
• Review all relevant planning documents, including a feasibility study, construction budget, operational budget, construction documents and renderings, staffing model, and heritage tourism survey.
• Inform possible revisions to multi-year budget projections, year one operational budget, and staffing model.
• Review the messaging and operational models for small boutique hotels that operate in other creative districts.
• Consult with leadership at boutique hotels in similar communities.
• Research and make recommendations concerning the purchase of property management software; furniture, fixtures, and equipment; artwork and décor; keying and security systems; and other essentials.
• Work to market the facility and secure bookings—for overnight lodging, meetings, and events—prior to opening.
• Develop policies and procedures necessary to guide all aspects of hotel operations.
• Work to develop appropriate food service amenities for the property, either by recruiting a tenant to lease the kitchen space or by partnering with another local business to provide food and beverage offerings available for on-site purchase.
• Develop job descriptions, recruit, interview, and hire staff.
• Draft rental policies, pricing, and procedures.
• Plan for an exclusive opening to bring together stakeholders and key supporters for an overnight event to soft launch the property prior to opening.

Essential Functions After Opening

• Directly recruit, supervise, and develop the performance of all hotel staff.
• Ensure all staff support Hotel Garber’s mission and vision.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and achieve the objectives of the multi-year operational budget, marketing plan, and annual operating budget.
• Ensure all policies and procedures are fully implemented and maintained.
• Protect and enhance the value of all hotel assets through appropriate repairs and maintenance, preventative maintenance, housekeeping, security and capital budgeting process.
• Develop and supervise programs that promote a positive work environment for all employees, ensuring that all employment related processes comply with local, state and federal regulations.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of all period-end financial statements and reports, and provide controls to ensure the proper handling and accounting for all hotel receipts.
• Comply with Hotel Garber brand standards.
• Provide timely forecasting and financial re-projections as required.
• Review and approve all operating expenses for the hotel.
• Conduct bi-weekly staff meetings (minimum) to report key operating results to staff in areas of financial performance, employee development and guest service. Develop exchange of ideas, suggestions and comments between staff, management, and board.
• Conduct monthly (minimum) Board of Managers meetings.
• Supervise recruitment process of all management level staff.
• Respond to owner requests and inquiries professionally and timely.
• Deepen hotel’s relationship to the Red Cloud community and beyond.
• Perform other duties as directed, developed or assigned.

Qualifications

• Appropriate credentials such as a Bachelor’s Degree in business or hospitality, or equivalent experience in an outstanding hotel environment.
• 3-5 years of prior experience in hospitality or as a hotel GM.
• A desire to be part of the Red Cloud community and help shape its future.
• Strong aptitude in hotel-related financial management, financial reports, and analysis.
• Strong hospitality industry networking expertise.
• Proven expertise at successfully driving performance in similar operations.
• A knowledge of current trends in hotel sales/marketing, food & beverage systems, and other industry-related issues.
• A commitment to community partnerships including local markets, business, and initiatives.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communications skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• An ability to build rapport with staff and the public.
• Ability to present clear, concise and meaningful information to owners, guests, executives, managers and employees.
• Ability to coach and mentor staff members.
• Ability to solve practical and complex problems.
• Ability to use systems and equipment including computer, copier, MS office, Gmail, property management system, and other software/machinery as required.
• Ability to work with little or no supervision and to effectively supervise others.

Schedule and Physical Demands

• Generally 40 hours a week, with some evenings and weekends as needed based on operational staffing plan.
• Occasional need to stand for extended periods of time.
• Lifting/carrying up to 10 lbs. frequently and 25 lbs. occasionally.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. The GM will be required to perform any other job-related duties prioritized by the Board of Managers as essential to the success of the hotel.

Compensation: $60-$70K annually, though special consideration will be given to candidates with a depth of experience. Benefits include health insurance, IRA, PTO, and paid holidays. Relocation assistance is also available. A furnished downtown loft apartment in a fully restored historic building is also available.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references by April 29 to humanresources@willacather.org. The position will remain open until filled.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Paid training
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Red Cloud, NE 68970: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person