Proven experience in leading independent or luxury hospitality concepts.
Strong financial acumen with expertise in revenue management and P&L accountability.
Ability to enhance guest satisfaction while driving financial performance.
Experience in building and mentoring high-performing service teams.
Commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship in hospitality practices.
Collaboration with ownership groups and asset managers on operational goals.
Exceptional communication and leadership skills.
Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
Responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership for all hotel operations with a focus on guest satisfaction and associate engagement.
Serve as a steward of the Populus ethos, ensuring mission and values are integrated into operations.
Drive profitability through strategic planning and financial management practices.
Analyze performance metrics to identify and capitalize on improvement opportunities.
Collaborate with key departments to enhance guest and commercial outcomes.
Recruit and mentor an executive leadership team, promoting talent development.
Promote a culture of innovation, accountability, and exceptional service for associates.
Benefits
Competitive executive compensation package
Eligibility for operational incentive plan
Comprehensive benefits for associates and their families
401(k) retirement plan with company matching
Discounted travel at Crescent-managed properties
Career growth opportunities within a leading hospitality management company
Opportunity to shape a progressive and purpose-driven hotel in the U.S.
Full Job Description
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.
