Hotel Operations & Events Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Hotel Operations & Events Manager

On the River Inn | Woodstock, VT

Lead the team. Love the experience. Grow the inn.

We're looking for an energetic, hands-on leader who loves hosting guests, engaging with people and makes sure every stay, event and celebration is an incredible experience for staff and guests alike.

The Opportunity

On the River Inn is a newly renovated 45-room hotel and home to 506 Bistro and Bar, set on the edge of Woodstock, VT. We host leisure travelers, weddings, retreats, meetings and celebrations year-round. Under new ownership and management, we're ready for a strong operations leader to raise the bar and help grow a $4M operation to $5M+ over the next three years.

• Bring energy and warmth to the floor every day, making sure every guest leaves with an incredible experience
• Oversee a lively, high-energy 506 Bistro and Bar, from daily service to private dining, banquets and events
• Own weddings, retreats, meetings and celebrations from signed contract to final bill
• Partner with the Hotel General Manager to drive growth and create a vibrant culture for staff and an unforgettable experience for guests

What You'll Do Deliver Groups & Events

• Take ownership once business is booked: planning, coordination, onsite delivery, final billing and follow-up
• Turn BEOs, timelines, menus and room blocks into clear plans for every department
• Lead pre-event briefings and direct setup, service and breakdown
• Serve as the client's onsite point of contact for weddings, meetings, group stays and private dining
• Make real-time calls when plans change, whether that's weather, timing or a last-minute request
• Coordinate vendors and outside partners, and debrief after each event
• Oversee banquet and catering service, including staffing, room setups, food and beverage timing and bar service
• Run multiple events and group stays at once while keeping the hotel and bistro running smoothly
• Build a reputation for flawless weddings and events that drives referrals, reviews and repeat business

Partner with Sales

• Be Sales' go-to operational partner, making the handoff from contract to execution seamless
• Join site visits and planning meetings, and find creative solutions that fit what the property can do
• Share feedback on execution and new opportunities to grow group business

Drive Results

• Manage labor, supplies and expenses within budget
• Report on guest satisfaction, group performance and operational outcomes
• Support seasonal events, activations and guest programming that strengthen the brand

Hotel Operations

• Collaborate with hotel daily operations across Front Desk, Housekeeping and F&B, with consistent service standards on every shift
• Hire, schedule, train and coach the team; recognize great work and address gaps with clear expectations
• Be a senior onsite leader for guest issues and service recovery
• Manage staffing and labor to match occupancy, group volume and demand
• Walk the property daily and lead pre-shift meetings on occupancy, groups, VIPs and priorities
• Monitor guest reviews and engage the team in service improvements

Oversee a Lively Food & Beverage Operation

• Lead 506 Bistro and Bar as a vibrant gathering place for hotel guests, locals and event groups
• Set the tone in the dining room and bar during peak service: greet guests, run the floor and support the team when it's busy
• Partner with the kitchen on menus, specials, seasonal offerings and event menus
• Set and uphold F&B service standards, steps of service and responsible alcohol service
• Drive F&B revenue through bar programming, special dinners, happy hours, live music and local partnerships
• Manage F&B costs: food and beverage cost, inventory, ordering, labor and waste
• Maintain health, safety and sanitation standards and stay inspection-ready

You Are

• Happiest on the floor and at the party: greeting guests, jumping in where needed and setting the tone for the team
• A coach who builds trust and holds the team to high standards
• A clear communicator who keeps every department aligned
• Relentless about follow-through, from event order to final bill
• Steady under pressure during busy shifts and live events
• Energized by a full dining room, a busy bar and a packed event calendar

You Have

• 5+ years of hospitality operations experience, including supervising or managing guest-facing teams
• Strong knowledge of front office, housekeeping, F&B and group/event execution
• A track record of developing hourly teams and raising service expectations
• Experience managing a busy restaurant, bar or F&B outlet, including cost control and inventory
• Experience leading weddings, banquets or catered events from planning through execution, including serving as the onsite contact for groups, meetings or events
• ServSafe and responsible alcohol service certification, or the ability to obtain them
• Strong organization and problem-solving skills, and a guest-first mindset
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays
• Microsoft Office, PMS and event management software experience preferred

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, bend, kneel and reach, and respond quickly in emergencies.

Ready to make your mark on one of Woodstock's most exciting hospitality stories? Let's Talk.