A celebrated, boutique five-star luxury hotel in the southeastern United States is seeking a Director of Operations to serve as its second-in-command. This is a rare opportunity to join a boutique, entrepreneurial environment where you'll have real influence over strategy, culture, and guest experience, without the layers of bureaucracy found at big-box or large corporate-backed hotels.Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the Director of Operations will oversee all day-to-day operations across Rooms, Food & Beverage, and Culinary, with dotted-line alignment across every other operational function. This is a hands-on leadership role: you'll need to be both a strategist and a doer.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide strategic and day-to-day leadership across all hotel operations, ensuring every guest touchpoint reflects five-star, luxury standardsPersonally engage with VIP guests, owners, and strategic partners as neededChampion a culture of exceptional hospitality, accountability, and continuous improvementPartner with culinary and restaurant leadership to elevate dining experiencesRecruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing leadership team, building succession pipelinesManage operational budgets, labor plans, and departmental financial performancePartner with Finance and Revenue Management to drive profitability and forecasting accuracyOversee cleanliness, preventive maintenance, safety, and regulatory compliance standardsEvaluate capital improvement opportunities and support long-range strategic planningMonitor guest feedback and ensure service recovery processes resolve challenges effectivelyRequirementsBachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field10+ years of progressive leadership experience in luxury hospitality, including executive-level operational responsibilityPrior experience as a Director of Operations, Hotel Manager, Executive Assistant Manager, or equivalent role within a Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond, or comparable luxury propertyDemonstrated success leading Rooms, Food & Beverage, and Culinary operations togetherStrong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, labor planning, and operational analyticsProven ability to lead in a boutique, independent, or entrepreneurial environment Exceptional communication, coaching, and relationship-building skillsPreferred QualificationsBackground at a luxury independent or boutique propertiesExperience with hotel-specific systems A track record of building and mentoring succession-ready leadership teamsBenefitsBase salary: $150,000–$165,000, commensurate with experiencePerformance based bonus401(k) with employer matchMedical, dental, and vision coverage, plus voluntary health plansKeller is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non profits to multinational corporations. Keller emphasizes ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes.To learn more about the firm and about our candidate services - please visitExecutive Recruiters United States: Leading Executive Search and Headhunting Firm in the USAEqual Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination PolicyEqual Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.Privacy and Pay Equity:California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at www.kellerexecutivesearch.com.Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.State-Specific Information:Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.Use of Artificial Intelligence in RecruitmentKeller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.
A celebrated, boutique five-star luxury hotel in the southeastern United States is seeking a Director of Operations to serve as its second-in-command. This is a rare opportunity to join a boutique, entrepreneurial environment where you'll have real influence over strategy, culture, and guest experience, without the layers of bureaucracy found at big-box or large corporate-backed hotels.
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the Director of Operations will oversee all day-to-day operations across Rooms, Food & Beverage, and Culinary, with dotted-line alignment across every other operational function. This is a hands-on leadership role: you'll need to be both a strategist and a doer.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership across all hotel operations, ensuring every guest touchpoint reflects five-star, luxury standards
- Personally engage with VIP guests, owners, and strategic partners as needed
- Champion a culture of exceptional hospitality, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Partner with culinary and restaurant leadership to elevate dining experiences
- Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing leadership team, building succession pipelines
- 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 support long-range strategic planning
- Monitor guest feedback and ensure service recovery processes resolve challenges effectively
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in luxury hospitality, including executive-level operational responsibility
- Prior experience as a Director of Operations, Hotel Manager, Executive Assistant Manager, or equivalent role within a Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond, or comparable luxury property
- Demonstrated success leading Rooms, Food & Beverage, and Culinary operations together
- Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, labor planning, and operational analytics
- Proven ability to lead in a boutique, independent, or entrepreneurial environment
- Exceptional communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Background at a luxury independent or boutique properties
- Experience with hotel-specific systems
- A track record of building and mentoring succession-ready leadership teams
Benefits
- Base salary: $150,000–$165,000, commensurate with experience
- Performance based bonus
- 401(k) with employer match
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus voluntary health plans
Keller is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non profits to multinational corporations. Keller emphasizes ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes.
To learn more about the firm and about our candidate services - please visit
Executive Recruiters United States: Leading Executive Search and Headhunting Firm in the USA
Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.
Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.
Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.
Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.
E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.
Privacy and Pay Equity:
California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at www.kellerexecutivesearch.com.
Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.
State-Specific Information:
Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.
Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.
Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.
Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment
Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.
Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.
Keller Executive Search International is a global executive search that recruits senior leaders for prominent brands and organizations. We offer full-spectrum services, such as Executive Search, Board Services, CEO Succession Planning, Executive Assessment, Business Culture Review, and Corporate Handover.
Keller Executive Search International is a global executive search that recruits senior leaders for prominent brands and organizations. We offer full-spectrum services, such as Executive Search, Board Services, CEO Succession Planning, Executive Assessment, Business Culture Review, and Corporate Handover.
