Hotel General Manager

Published Job Title

General Manager

Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced General Manager to lead the operations of L7 Chicago by LOTTE. The General Manager is responsible for providing strategic leadership across all aspects of hotel operations, ensuring exceptional guest experience, strong financial performance, operational excellence, and a positive workplace culture.

As the senior leader of the property, the General Manager serves as the primary liaison between L7 Chicago and LOTTE Hotels & Resorts Global Headquarters in South Korea, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, brand standards, reporting requirements, and strategic initiatives. This role requires balancing the operational needs of the U.S. market with the expectations and business objectives of a global hospitality organization.

Reports to: Regional Director / LOTTE Hotels & Resorts Headquarters, South Korea

Key Responsibilities:

• Communication with Headquarters: Maintain clear and consistent communication with the headquarters in Korea, reporting on operational performance, challenges, and achievements.
• Maintain regular communication with LOTTE Hotels & Resorts Global Headquarters in South Korea regarding operational performance, financial results, strategic initiatives, market conditions, and key business priorities.
• Serve as the primary representative of the property to Headquarters by providing timely reporting, operational updates, business insights, and recommendations that support informed decision-making.
• Partner closely with Headquarters to ensure hotel operations remain aligned with company goals, brand standards, service expectations, and long-term business strategies.
• Monitor and communicate relevant legal, regulatory, labor, and market developments affecting hotel operations in the United States, particularly in Chicago, to support Headquarters' understanding of the local operating environment.
• Support the implementation of corporate initiatives, programs, policies, and operational directives developed by LOTTE Hotels & Resorts.
• Maintain a collaborative relationship with the third-party restaurant operator and work together to promote the success of the entire LOTTE property.
• Provide overall leadership and direction for the hotel, ensuring effective management and coordination of all operating departments.
• Oversee daily hotel operations, ensuring high standards of service, cleanliness, guest satisfaction, and operational efficiency while implementing operational policies and procedures consistent with company standards.
• Establish and maintain the hotel's reputation for quality by regularly inspecting guest rooms, public areas, hotel facilities, and exterior grounds to ensure cleanliness, upkeep, and brand presentation standards.
• Recruit, develop, coach, and support department leaders and team members while fostering a positive work environment that encourages teamwork, accountability, professional growth, and employee retention.
• Guide workforce planning, succession planning, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness initiatives that support business objectives.
• Lead, support, and develop all operating departments including, but not limited to: Reservations, Front Office, Guest Services, Housekeeping, Security, Engineering and Maintenance, Sales and Marketing, Accounting, and Human Resources.
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget, monitor financial performance, and implement strategies to maximize revenue, improve profitability, and control expenses.
• Prepare regular financial, operational, and business reports for Headquarters and ownership.
• Analyze business performance and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, profitability, and return on investment.
• Protect and enhance the value of all hotel assets through appropriate programs in maintenance, security, housekeeping, and capital planning.
• Review and approve operating expenditures in accordance with company policies and delegated authority.
• Enhance guest satisfaction by addressing inquiries, resolving issues, implementing feedback, and promoting a culture of exceptional service throughout the hotel.
• Collaborate with the Sales and Marketing team to optimize occupancy, Average Daily Rate (ADR), Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR), total revenue, and overall market performance.
• Coordinate weekly forecasting, labor planning, staffing strategies, and operating expenditures to correspond with forecasted sales and business levels.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with Headquarters leadership, regional stakeholders, ownership representatives, and local business partners.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, health and safety regulations, licensing requirements, and company policies.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections to maintain a safe environment for guests, employees, and visitors.

Qualifications:

• Three (3) years of progressive hotel leadership experience, including responsibility for multiple operating departments, preferred.
  • Previous General Manager, Hotel Manager, or equivalent senior leadership experience preferred.
• Experience working with international hospitality organizations, global reporting structures, or multinational business environments preferred.
• Experience with third-party restaurant operations preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Hotel Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred, but not required.

Skills and Core Competencies:

• Strong understanding of hotel operations, financial management, budgeting, forecasting, revenue management, and guest services.
• Demonstrated ability to drive business performance while maintaining service excellence and employee engagement.
• Experience collaborating with international corporate stakeholders and managing expectations across multiple business cultures preferred.
• Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and make sound business decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to inspire, lead, and develop teams through a collaborative and service-focused leadership style.
• High level of professionalism, initiative, adaptability, and business acumen.
• Proficient in hotel management software and Microsoft Office Suite.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentive opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement savings plans.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within LOTTE Hotels & Resorts.

L7 Chicago by LOTTE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship status, order of protection status, arrest or conviction record as permitted by law, credit history as permitted by law, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.