General Manager - Fairmont Grand Del Mar (Del Mar)

Company Description

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a renowned luxury hotel brand with a global presence and a commitment to creating lasting memories for our guests. With over 30,000 employees worldwide, we are dedicated to providing exceptional service, embracing innovation, and fostering a culture of excellence. Fairmont Grand Del Mar, located on 400 acres alongside Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve near Torrey Pines and Carmel Valley, offers weekly outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback trail rides, yoga, meditation, spa, archery, and a 18‑hole private Tom Fazio‑designed golf course. The property also hosts San Diego’s only three‑Michelin‑starred restaurant, Addison by William Bradley.

Job Description

You will embody the essence of luxury hospitality through a dynamic, hands‑on approach and a passion for developing people and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit. As a brand and guest ambassador, you will challenge conventions, consistently seek solutions, and infuse innovation into every aspect of the hotel experience. Your seasoned leadership style will blend diplomacy with relationship‑building prowess, cultivating strong connections with internal stakeholders, owners, and the community. You will engage with ownership to strategize revenue enhancements, envision long‑term trajectories, and integrate local heritage to create authentic experiences that drive excellence across all operations.

Key Behaviours And Responsibilities

• Act with an open mindset
  • Embrace innovative ideas, adapt to change, and encourage a culture of continuous learning.
  • Demonstrate explicit knowledge and awareness of company standards as a role model.
  • Build quality relationships with the management team.
  • Create an environment that encourages innovation and a speak‑up culture.
• Create positive impact working with others
  • Foster an inclusive and collaborative work environment, empowering colleagues.
  • Actively listen to team members' ideas, concerns, and feedback.
  • Recognize and appreciate contributions and well‑being of colleagues.
• Strive for guest/client satisfaction
  • Maintain deep understanding of luxury hospitality and guest expectations.
  • Conduct ongoing service quality evaluations.
  • Handle VIP guests and international protocols for officials and royalty.
  • Monitor feedback, address concerns promptly, and implement improvements.
• Consistently deliver excellence
  • Understand ownership investment objectives and formulate strategic business plans.
  • Set high performance standards and drive continuous improvement.
  • Show expertise in sales, marketing, and revenue management.
  • Maximize financial performance, control costs, and execute effective marketing and operational plans.
  • Recognize and reward outstanding performance.
• Enable team success
  • Support professional growth through coaching, mentoring, and learning opportunities.
  • Encourage challenging assignments and stretch capabilities.
  • Provide regular feedback and constructive suggestions for improvement.
  • Create a safe, empowering environment for risk‑taking and learning from failures.
  • Maintain constructive relationships with labor unions when applicable.
• Create clarity
  • Articulate a clear vision for the hotel aligned with ownership strategy.
  • Communicate organizational vision, goals, and expectations.
  • Oversee renovation projects with transparency and open communication.
  • Navigate complex situations with clear direction and problem‑solving.
• Inspire for top performance
  • Lead with passion, integrity, and motivation.
  • Translate complex ideas into clear, memorable statements.
  • Encourage entrepreneurial thinking, calculated risk‑taking, and innovative solutions.
  • Recognize and reward outstanding performance, fostering achievement.
  • Promote continuous development and professional growth.
  • Champion a diverse, inclusive speak‑up culture.
  • Negotiate, debate, and find win‑win solutions.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in a luxury hotel General Manager position.
• Experience in resort properties required; a golf component preferred.
• Strong educational background with professional qualifications and continuous learning mindset.
• Fluent in English.
• Proven track record of building strong service and quality culture.
• Strong people skills and fostering positive, inclusive, high‑performing cultures.
• Experience managing owner relations.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinker with excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Displays a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
• Bottom‑line oriented with focus on quality guest service and team‑building; strong business acumen.
• Creative and innovative mindset.
• Ability to collaborate and work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent sense of prioritization and time management.
• Professional demeanor and strategic orientation.
• Engaging, friendly, and charismatic with natural ability to connect with guests.

Additional Information

For qualified candidates, this position offers an opportunity to shape the future of a world‑class luxury destination while collaborating closely with senior leadership and owners.