Vice President of Operations

Job Description

The Vice President of Operations provides strategic and operational leadership across the company's portfolio of hotels. This role is accountable for driving consistent brand standards, guest satisfaction, financial performance, and operational excellence across all properties, while developing and mentoring a bench of General Managers and property leadership teams. The VP of Operations serves as the primary link between corporate strategy and property-level execution, balancing centralized standards with the flexibility each asset and market requires.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Leadership

• Provide direct oversight and support to General Managers across all 10 properties, ensuring alignment with company standards, brand requirements, and ownership/investor expectations
• Conduct regular property visits, operational audits, and performance reviews to identify risks and opportunities
• Serve as an escalation point for significant operational, guest service, or crisis-related issues

Financial Performance

• Own portfolio-wide P&L accountability in partnership with property GMs and the finance team; drive revenue growth, cost discipline, and EBITDA performance
• Review and approve annual operating budgets and capital expenditure plans for each property
• Partner with Revenue Management and Sales leadership to optimize RevPAR, occupancy, and rate strategy across markets

Brand & Guest Experience

• Ensure consistent execution of brand standards and service culture across all properties, including for multi-brand or independent hotels
• Monitor guest satisfaction metrics (e.g., brand surveys, online reputation, GSS/GSI scores) and lead corrective action planning where needed
• Champion quality assurance programs and brand inspection readiness

People Leadership & Talent Development

• Recruit, develop, and retain a strong bench of General Managers and property leadership teams
• Partner closely with HR on succession planning, leadership development, and performance management across the portfolio
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and operational excellence throughout the organization

Strategic Planning & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner with executive leadership (HR, Finance, Sales & Marketing, Development) on company-wide strategic initiatives
• Support due diligence, pre-opening, and integration efforts for new property acquisitions or management contracts
• Represent the company with ownership groups, brand representatives, and key stakeholders

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure properties maintain compliance with applicable safety, labor, health, and brand regulatory requirements
• Partner with HR and Legal on employment practices, risk mitigation, and incident response across the portfolio

Qualifications

Required

• 10+ years of progressive hotel operations experience, including multi-property or regional leadership
• Proven track record managing P&L across multiple assets simultaneously
• Strong working knowledge of major hotel brand standards (e.g., Marriott, Hilton, IHG) and/or independent hotel operations
• Demonstrated success developing and leading General Managers and property leadership teams
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly across the portfolio

Preferred

• Experience across multiple states/markets with varying labor and regulatory environments
• Background supporting or partnering closely with HR, Revenue Management, and Sales teams
• Experience with hotel acquisitions, openings, or management transitions

Core Competencies

• Strategic and financial acumen
• Executive presence and stakeholder management (owners, brands, investors)
• Decisive, hands-on leadership style balanced with the ability to delegate
• Strong coaching and talent development orientation
• Operational problem-solving under pressure
• Clear, confident communication across all levels of the organization

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not exhaustive. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Source: Northwood Hospitality