Job Description

Join the iconic Santa Monica Proper Hotel, where historic charm meets contemporary luxury in the heart of Santa Monica. A seamless merger of historic retrofit and new construction, our 267-room boutique hotel showcases stunning interior design by international style icon Kelly Wearstler, tantalizing dining options by local culinary stars, and a show-stopping rooftop lounge and swimming pool. With 16,000 square feet of sophisticated meeting and event space, we create unforgettable experiences for our guests. We're currently seeking a passionate hospitality leader to join our award-winning team as a Hotel Manager. If you have a passion for creating exceptional guest experiences, we'd love to meet you.

Job Overview

The Hotel Manager serves as the operational leader of Santa Monica Proper, reporting directly to the Managing Director. This executive-level position oversees daily operations across all departments while ensuring exceptional guest experiences and maintaining the property's distinctive luxury standards. The role requires a seasoned hospitality executive who can balance operational excellence with Santa Monica Proper's design-forward, lifestyle-driven atmosphere, while leading the property toward Forbes Travel Guide recognition.

Executive Leadership Oversight

Direct Reports:

• Executive Chef
• Director of Security
• Director of Rooms
• Additional department heads as assigned

Executive Committee Participation:

• Strategic planning and decision-making for property operations
• Financial performance oversight and budget management
• Brand standards implementation and quality assurance
• Leadership team collaboration on property initiatives

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Direct comprehensive daily hotel operations across all departments including rooms, F&B, security, and guest services
• Drive service excellence initiatives to achieve and maintain Forbes Travel Guide standards
• Lead property toward Forbes Four-Star designation through systematic improvement programs
• Support department heads in achieving operational and financial performance goals

Strategic Management

• Serve as key executive committee member in strategic planning and property positioning
• Monitor and enhance guest satisfaction scores, online reputation, and service delivery metrics
• Implement and oversee luxury hospitality standards consistent with Proper Hotels brand
• Lead property improvement initiatives, capital projects and guest experience enhancements

Financial Performance

• Manage labor costs, scheduling optimization, and departmental budget adherence
• Drive revenue management strategies across all hotel departments
• Analyze financial performance and implement corrective actions as needed
• Ensure profitability targets are met while maintaining service excellence

Guest Experience Excellence

• Act as Manager on Duty (MOD) for FOP guest relations and complex situations
• Ensure compliance with Forbes Travel Guide standards and Proper Hotels brand requirements
• Handle high-profile guest issues and maintain relationships with repeat luxury travelers
• Oversee guest feedback programs and service recovery initiatives

Regulatory & Compliance Management

• Ensure adherence to all local, state, and federal hospitality regulations
• Maintain health, safety, and security standards throughout the property
• Oversee compliance with union agreements and labor law requirements
• Implement and monitor brand standard compliance programs

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field required
• Advanced hospitality certifications or MBA preferred

Executive Experience Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years of senior management experience in luxury or ultra-luxury hotels (Four-Star, Five-Star, or equivalent luxury independent properties)
• Minimum 5 years serving as an executive committee member with P&L responsibility and strategic decision-making authority
• Proven track record in Forbes Travel Guide, AAA Diamond, or equivalent luxury rating systems
• Demonstrated success in managing properties with 150+ rooms and multiple F&B outlets

Leadership & Operational Excellence:

• Extensive experience in luxury hospitality operations, guest relations, and service delivery
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and retain high-performing management teams
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget development, cost control, and revenue optimization
• Excellence in crisis management, problem-solving, and guest recovery

Industry Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of luxury hospitality trends, competitive landscape, and guest expectations
• Experience with lifestyle and design-forward hotel brands preferred
• Knowledge of California hospitality regulations and Santa Monica market dynamics
• Familiarity with union operations and collective bargaining agreements

Essential Skills & Competencies

Technical Proficiency:

• Advanced experience with hotel management systems (HMS preferred)
• Proficiency in financial reporting, budgeting, and analysis software
• Strong technology aptitude for property management and guest service platforms

Leadership Excellence:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with executive presence
• Advanced interpersonal skills for managing diverse stakeholder relationships
• Strategic thinking with ability to translate vision into operational excellence
• Cultural competency for managing international guests and diverse teams

Operational Expertise:

• Expert-level problem-solving skills with ability to handle complex luxury guest situations
• High level of creativity, attention to detail, and design sensibility
• Exceptional multitasking ability in fast-paced, luxury environment
• Proven track record in staff development, succession planning, and retention

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Schedule Flexibility:

• Availability to work irregular hours including holidays, weekends, and evenings
• On-call availability for emergency situations and VIP guest needs
• Flexibility to adjust schedule based on property needs and special events

Physical Demands:

• Ability to move throughout the property during extended periods
• Capable of handling multiple complex tasks simultaneously in high-pressure situations
• May require lifting up to 25 pounds occasionally
• Professional stamina for long days and extended property coverage

What We Offer

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive executive-level salary commensurate with luxury hospitality experience
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Executive bonus program tied to property performance and guest satisfaction metrics
• Paid time off and 401(k) plan

Professional Development:

• Leadership development opportunities within Proper Hotels portfolio
• Industry conference attendance and continuing education support
• Networking opportunities with luxury hospitality executives
• Career advancement potential within expanding luxury hospitality group

Exclusive Perks:

• Employee hotel rates at Proper Hotels and partner properties
• Dining benefits at hotel restaurants and partner establishments
• Wellness program access including fitness center and spa services
• Employee recognition programs and performance-based rewards

Company Overview

Proper Hospitality is a diverse team of passionate individuals who share a common love for hotels and the art of hospitality. Our philosophy is simple: there is a right way to do things, and anything less just isn’t proper. We are seeking the best of the best—both within and outside the industry—to join us in building a new kind of lifestyle hospitality company, inspired by a centuries-old tradition. Our work is challenging and fast-paced, but above all, it is rewarding.

To achieve our vision—to inspire and transport people—we seek like-minded candidates who embody our ethos, The Pillars of Proper:

• Care Proper: We are natural and gracious hosts to all.
• Achieve Proper: We are committed to excellence.
• Imagine Proper: We are resourceful.
• Present Proper: We have an appreciation for style and culture.

Proper Hospitality is an equal-opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federally or state-protected category.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.

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