Managing Director – The Watergate Hotel
Industrial luxury hotel located on the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C.
Base Pay Range
$240,000 – $330,000 per year, plus bonus plan commensurate with experience.
Location
Washington, D.C.
Strategic Intent
The ideal candidate is a decisive, visible, and hands‑on leader who builds elite executive teams, drives accountability without bureaucracy, and thrives in high‑profile, high‑expectation environments. They combine strong on‑property operational presence with rigorous analytical discipline, delivering clear, concise, and actionable reporting and forward‑looking insights that enable informed ownership decision‑making.
Organizational Structure
Reports directly to Ownership.
Position Summary
The Managing Director or General Manager is the senior executive leader of the hotel, accountable for strategy in close partnership with Ownership, full P&L performance, operational excellence, culture, and long‑term market positioning. The role drives sustainable top‑line growth, maximizes profitability, and strengthens the hotel’s competitive position as a flagship luxury asset.
General Duties and Responsibilities
- Ensure consistent delivery of Forbes‑level luxury standards, with a focus on continuous improvement in service scores and guest satisfaction.
- Conduct daily property walks to monitor condition, cleanliness, and operational discipline.
- Oversee a complex, multi‑outlet food and beverage operation.
- Champion innovation and excellence across all guest touchpoints.
- Maintain a consistent on‑property presence, including regular floor walks and direct engagement with guests and teams.
- Drive measurable improvements in Forbes ratings, loyalty program performance, and online reputation metrics.
- Translate guest experience performance metrics into clear action plans and structured ownership reporting.
- Drive top‑line revenue growth, effective labor management, and disciplined expense control in a large luxury hotel environment.
- Partner closely with Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Management to strengthen market share, rate integrity, and long‑term positioning.
- Ensure disciplined financial analysis and transparent departmental reporting, enabling data‑driven decision‑making.
- Recruit, develop, and retain a high‑performing leadership team.
- Coach and mentor department heads, holding leaders accountable for results, engagement, and service culture.
- Ensure all associate matters are handled professionally and in alignment with HR policies and best practices.
- Promote open communication, inclusion, and a positive work environment.
- Hold leaders accountable through clear goals, performance tracking, and regular review cadence.
- Actively represent the hotel within the Washington, D.C. hospitality, business, and social community.
- Maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, clients, and partners.
- Demonstrate a full understanding of the Washington, D.C. hotel market, competitive landscape, demand drivers, and seasonality.
- Work in close alignment with Ownership on strategic brand and concept initiatives to ensure shared vision and consistency.
Experience and Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or related field.
- Minimum 15 years’ experience in a senior management position within a luxury hotel environment of a Forbes‑ or AAA Four‑Diamond‑rated hotel or equivalent.
- Currently or previously serving as a General Manager or Managing Director in a luxury hotel environment.
- Strong experience in independent luxury hotels preferred; experience with more than one independent asset strongly preferred.
- Prior leadership experience in a Forbes‑rated luxury hotel.
- Experience in U.S. luxury city hotels such as New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, Chicago, or Los Angeles.
- Experience leading a large‑scale hotel with 300+ guest rooms.
- Demonstrated success managing hotels with multiple food & beverage outlets.
- Strong, documented record of improving Forbes standards, loyalty engagement, and online reputation scores.
- Proven ability to drive top‑line revenue growth while effectively managing labor and operational costs.
- Ability to drive innovative solutions that anticipate and exceed guest and client expectations.
- Efficiency‑forward mindset to enhance internal systems, productivity, and performance.
- Willingness and flexibility to work a demanding, non‑traditional executive schedule.
- Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Strong analytical and financial acumen with ability to interpret complex performance data, manage budgets, and monitor financial health.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, high‑expectation luxury environment.
- Availability to travel for ownership meetings, industry events, and business development as required.
Seniority Level
Executive
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Business Development and Sales
Industry
Hospitality
#J-18808-Ljbffr