Job Description

We look for people who are passionate about service and have a hunger for learning new skills. We believe in the power of teamwork and the professional development of our team members. With our employees being our greatest assets, we are committed to providing competitive wages and benefits, the best training, a safe and enjoyable work environment along with many opportunities for advancement to ensure a very rewarding career. We take great pride in our dedicated and diverse team of employees.

All professionals at Salamander Collection live by our Vision, Brand Promise, and Core Values.

We specialize in the management of Four and Five Star luxury hotels, resorts and fine food establishments. If your outside interests include golf, tennis, spa, beach, water sports, equestrian, shopping or just relaxation, we have the employee discounts to match.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Managing Director of Salamander Washington DC will lead all aspects of the hotels strategic and operational performance, deliver world-class guest experiences while achieving financial goals. This executive role requires exceptional leadership in a luxury, unionized environment, balancing operational excellence, labor relations, brand integrity, and employee engagement.

The Managing Director will serve as the property's figurehead, cultivating relationships with the Washington DC community, key stakeholders, luxury clientele, and Salamanders corporate leadership team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Define and drive the strategic vision of Salamander DC, in alignment with the Salamander brand values and long-term objectives.
• Foster a culture of hospitality excellence, innovation, and emotional connection with guests and the local community.
• Serve as a brand ambassador, maintaining the hotels stature among D.C.s luxury market.

Operational Excellence

• Direct all hotel operations including Rooms, Food & Beverage, Spa, Events, Engineering, and Security.
• Lead the Executive Committee in executing daily operations while prioritizing excellence, safety, and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with all city and federal regulations, luxury service standards, and Salamander policies.

Labor & Union Relations

• Maintain a collaborative and professional relationship with union leadership and bargaining units.
• Ensure all union contract obligations are fulfilled while managing grievances, arbitration, and labor negotiations diplomatically and effectively.
• Proactively foster positive employee relations and morale across union and non-union teams.

Financial & Business Performance

• Drive top-line revenue growth through strategic sales, marketing, and revenue management collaboration.
• Deliver on budgeted GOP, EBITDA, and long-term financial health.
• Analyze P&L and performance metrics to optimize operations, forecast accurately, and control costs without compromising guest experience.

People & Culture

• Champion Salamanders values of respect, service, and inclusivity in all team member interactions.
• Attract, mentor, and develop top talent within the hotel and cultivate succession planning.
• Lead efforts and create a workplace where all team members thrive.

Community & Guest Relations

• Engage with city officials, tourism partners, and key community stakeholders to position the hotel as a civic and cultural leader.
• Personally ensure VIP guest experiences and oversee service recovery at the highest level.
• Represent the property at local and industry events to build awareness and reputation.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must have 10+ years of progressive senior leadership in luxury hotels, including unionized operations.
• Proven experience as a General Manager, Hotel Manager, or Managing Director at a Forbes Four- or Five-Star property.
• Deep understanding of collective bargaining agreements and labor relations in a metropolitan market.
• Strong business acumen with a record of driving revenue, profit, and brand loyalty.
• Bachelors Degree in Hospitality, Business, or related field; MBA or advanced credentials a plus.
• Passion for diversity, community engagement, and luxury service innovation.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Vision & Execution
• Employee Relations
• Financial Stewardship
• Emotional Intelligence & Team Building
• Luxury Service Delivery
• Community Engagement

BENEFITS

• Paid Time off / Vacation
• Holiday Pay
• Sick Pay
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Paid Maternity, Paternity and Adoptive Parent Leave
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance (Accident, Cancer, Life, AD&D)
• Direct Deposit
• Company Paid Uniforms
• Recognition Programs & Rewards
• Property Discounts for Rooms, Retail, Dining, Water Parks, Golf, Spa and more
• Complimentary Parking
• Tuition Reimbursement

Salamander Collection is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

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