Resort Manager

Resort Manager

The Dunlin, Auberge Collection, is a coastal escape in South Carolina's Sea Islands set within the exclusive waterfront community of Kiawah River. Named after a beautiful local shorebird, this charming getaway is an experience-driven, design-led boutique luxury retreat embodying the eternal Southern summer home. Inviting guests to experience the outdoor bliss of coastal living on 2,000 picturesque acres, the nature-embraced Johns Island resort is just 20 miles from Charleston. Designed by Amanda Lindroth, the property offers 72 cottage-style guest rooms and suites.

The Resort Manager will serve as a key operational leader and culture carrier during an exciting stage of growth. Reporting directly to the General Manager and serving as a member of the Executive Committee, the Resort Manager plays a critical role in ensuring exceptional daily operations and delivering extraordinary guest experiences across the property.

The Resort Manager will oversee the day-to-day operations of Rooms, Food & Beverage, Security, Spa, Wellbeing, and Engineering, ensuring seamless coordination between departments while championing the service philosophy that defines The Dunlin experience. This leader will help shape our service culture and elevate operational standards.

Financial Oversight & Operational Performance

• Partner with the General Manager and Executive Committee to oversee the resort's financial performance, ensuring alignment with annual budgets, forecasts, and strategic goals.
• Monitor departmental financial results across Rooms, Food & Beverage, Spa, Wellbeing, Security, Engineering, and Valet operations, identifying opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Support the development and execution of annual operating budgets, capital planning, and periodic forecasting.
• Review daily, weekly, and monthly financial reports, including revenue performance, labor costs, and operating expenses, ensuring departments remain within budgetary guidelines.
• Work closely with department leaders to drive revenue optimization, expense management, and labor productivity while maintaining exceptional guest service standards.
• Ensure adherence to financial controls, purchasing procedures, and inventory management practices across operational departments.
• Collaborate with Finance and Purchasing teams to ensure accurate reporting, cost controls, and compliance with company financial policies.
• Utilize key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to guide decision-making and continuously improve resort performance.

Operational Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for Rooms, Food & Beverage, Security, Valet, Wellbeing, and Engineering departments.
• Partner closely with department leaders to ensure the successful execution of day-to-day resort operations and guest services.
• Lead and inspire teams to deliver service excellence as a core competency while driving profitability and operational performance.
• Ensure property standards remain at an extraordinary and refined level through consistent operational oversight, inspections, and service monitoring.
• Support revenue management initiatives through operational data to maximize revenue opportunities.
• Analyze operational performance metrics and implement strategies to enhance guest satisfaction and financial performance.
• Prepare and execute budgets and financial analysis related to Rooms and associated operational areas.

Guest Experience & Service Culture

• Champion The Dunlin's service excellence philosophy by continuous re-enforcing of service standards across departments. Create a positive culture of the highest adherence to standard compliance
• Sustain "The Soul of the Place" by fostering authentic and memorable experiences for guests and team members alike.
• Foster enriching and immersive guest programming within Rooms, Spa, and resort experiences that reflect the property's natural setting and wellness focus.
• Take an active leadership role in guest relations by initiating guest interactions, maintaining relationships with repeat guests, and resolving service concerns promptly and thoughtfully.
• Continuously evaluate and elevate resort operations, programming, and products to maintain luxury hospitality standards.

Team Leadership & Development

• Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing and engaged leadership team across operational departments.
• Foster a collaborative culture that encourages accountability, innovation, inclusion, and professional growth.
• Champion an exceptional team member experience in partnership with the Talent & Culture team, supporting a thoughtful onboarding journey and a positive workplace environment.
• Participate in the recruitment, hiring, scheduling, training, and development of team members across the resort.
• Provide mentorship and development opportunities for managers and team members to strengthen leadership capabilities and operational expertise.
• Support performance management through regular coaching, feedback, documentation, and when necessary, disciplinary processes.
• Assess training needs and implement ongoing learning programs aligned with Auberge Resorts Collection service standards.
• Cultivate future leaders through coaching, professional development, and thoughtful succession planning.
• Partner with Executive Committee members, department leaders, and corporate teams to ensure alignment, collaboration, and strong cross-functional leadership.
• Promote a culture rooted in respect, accountability, and genuine hospitality that reflects the values and service philosophy of The Dunlin.

Qualifications

• 3 years' experience in a similar position, in a luxury environment with progressive leadership responsibilities.
• Proven experience overseeing multi-department resort operations including Rooms and guest experience functions.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasting, and operational performance metrics.
• Demonstrated leadership ability to inspire teams and drive service excellence.
• Exceptional guest engagement and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic luxury hospitality environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred.