Director of Operations

About the Opportunity

At Crescent Hotels & Resorts, we believe exceptional hotels begin with exceptional people. We are passionate about creating memorable guest experiences, developing outstanding leaders, and delivering exceptional results for our owners while fostering a culture where associates can thrive.

We are proud to partner with Urban Villages on one of the most innovative hospitality projects in the country: Populus Denver .

Populus is not just a hotel; it is a new species of hospitality. As the nation's first carbon-positive hotel, it is built on a simple belief that hospitality can give back more than it takes and do so as a thriving business. Inspired by Colorado's iconic aspen groves, the hotel brings together design, culinary excellence, community, and sustainability into an experience that exists nowhere else. For the Associates who bring it to life each day, that means being part of a hotel with a clear reason for being.

Located in the heart of downtown Denver, Populus offers guests a distinctive lifestyle experience featuring architecturally inspired accommodations, acclaimed food and beverage experiences, immersive programming, and a mission-driven approach to hospitality. Every detail of the hotel reflects a commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, authentic local partnerships, and creating meaningful experiences for guests and associates alike.

Urban Villages' vision is to create places that restore balance between people, community, and the environment. At Populus, that vision comes to life through thoughtful design, regenerative hospitality practices, and a commitment to leaving a positive impact on the world around us. The property's mission is simple: To restore balance for life to thrive.

We are seeking an exceptional Director of Operations to help lead this landmark property. This individual will serve as both an operational leader for Rooms and F&B and a cultural steward-responsible for delivering outstanding financial performance, exceptional guest experiences, and associate engagement while bringing the Populus mission and values to life every day.

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the hospitality industry's most innovative hotels while partnering with Crescent Hotels & Resorts and Urban Villages to help shape the future of hospitality.

What We Offer

• Competitive executive compensation package
• Operational incentive plan eligibility
• Comprehensive benefits for eligible associates and family members
• 401(k) program with company match
• Travel discounts at Crescent-managed properties throughout North America
• Career growth opportunities with a leading hospitality management company
• The opportunity to help lead one of the most innovative and purpose-driven hotels in the United States

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for all aspects of hotel operations with a focus on guest satisfaction, associate engagement, financial performance, and operational excellence.
• Serve as the steward of the Populus ethos and guest experience, ensuring the property's mission, values, and sustainability commitments are reflected throughout the guest and associate journey.
• Drive revenue growth and profitability through strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, expense management, and revenue optimization.
• Analyze financial and operational performance metrics to identify opportunities to strengthen results and grow the property's standing in the market.
• Partner closely with Sales, Marketing, Revenue Management, and Food & Beverage leaders to strengthen commercial results and the guest experience.
• Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain a high-performing executive leadership team while creating opportunities for associate growth and advancement.
• Foster a culture that celebrates innovation, authenticity, inclusivity, accountability, and exceptional service.
• Maintain a visible presence throughout the property, upholding the standards of quality, cleanliness, safety, and service.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with ownership, community organizations, environmental partners, tourism leaders, business partners, and local stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, sustainability initiatives, brand standards, safety regulations, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Partner closely with People and Culture to support talent acquisition, associate relations, engagement, and leadership development.
• Represent Populus, Urban Villages, and Crescent Hotels & Resorts at industry events, community functions, and corporate meetings as needed.

How We Populus

The Director of Operations will champion and embody the values that define Populus and shape every guest and associate experience.

Rooted in Nature

We look to nature first for inspiration and wisdom. Leaders at Populus cultivate meaningful connections to place, celebrate local partnerships, and create experiences that honor the community and environment around us.

Generous

We give back more than we take, in every direction. The successful candidate will foster a culture of service, abundance, and stewardship where associates, guests, ownership, and the community all benefit from our presence.

Curious

We explore, question, and seek to understand. We are looking for a leader who embraces innovation, challenges convention, listens deeply, and continuously seeks opportunities to elevate the guest experience.

Brave

We do the right thing, especially when it is harder. This leader will be transparent, authentic, accountable, and willing to make courageous decisions that support long-term success.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success leading highly experiential, independent, lifestyle, or luxury hospitality concepts preferred.
• Proven ability to drive financial performance while maintaining exceptional guest satisfaction and associate engagement.
• Strong understanding of hotel financials, budgeting, forecasting, revenue management, and P&L accountability.
• Experience building and leading high-performing teams in dynamic, service-driven environments.
• Passion for sustainability, environmental stewardship, and purpose-driven hospitality.
• Experience working collaboratively with ownership groups, asset managers, and management companies.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

Why Populus?

At Populus, guests return not only for the design, the dining, and the service, but because being here means something. The person who leads it will shape a place where doing right by the planet and running a strong business are the same work, and where the community is genuinely better for Populus being in it.

If you lead with both heart and discipline, and you believe a hotel can be exceptional and meaningful at once, we would welcome the conversation.