Hospitality Operations Manager | Firehole Ranch Executive Search

Hospitality Operations Manager hiringnearme.org Firehole Ranch

(Columbia Hospitality Executive Search)

Firehole Ranch is a premier fly-fishing lodge located outside of West Yellowstone, Montana, offering guests incomparable access to world-class waters, gourmet western cuisine and a historic private lodge and cabins. The Ranch sits 640 acres on the shores of Hebgen Lake and is open for 16 weeks catering to 20 guests, offering personal detail-oriented service and consistency of excellence, which is a hallmark of the Ranch’s reputation and what results in our high guest satisfaction. Sustaining this standard of excellence and stewardship of the Ranch requires team members who are hardworking, have strong attention to detail, a positive can-do attitude, dynamic personality, enjoy people and are self-motivated.

Firehole Ranch prides itself on providing positive experiences for not only our guests, but also our staff and the communities that surround us. For the short season we are open, staff come together as a team to deliver an amazing experience for our guests. As Hospitality Operations Manager you are responsible for the care of our staff in addition to the guests. 

Perks & Benefits

• Base salary $60-75,000k annually, depending on experience
• Onsite private accommodations (and meals) for duration of the season (May-September)
• Eligible to participate in generous seasonal tip pool
• Retirement contribution of up to 4% annual salary, paid at end of year
• Health benefits stipend, reimbursed to $500/monthly
• Paid Time Off
• A year-round position with the ability to work from anywhere during the off season!

Job Description:

The Hospitality Operations Manager is a member of the senior management team at the Ranch. The team consists of the Owner, Hospitality Operations Manager and the Guest Services Manager. The Hospitality Operations Manager position involves a wide array of interpersonal and management skills. Key qualities for success include the ability to establish and maintain a good working relationship with the owner and staff, exhibiting keen attention to detail, a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences, and the ability to hire, train, motivate and successfully manage a team.

The Hospitality Operations Manager (HOM) is a year-round position. Throughout the open season the HOM is the 24/7 on-site manager. When off property during the season, the HOM will remain “On Call” for anything that may arise. They, with the owner, are responsible for the quality of the guest experience and are mentors to approximately 30 seasonal staff. 22 staff live at the ranch plus 7 guides live off property. In conjunction with the owner, they are also responsible for oversight of on-going maintenance and improvement of Ranch property.

For 5 months May to October the Hospitality Operations Manager is the hub of the wheel for everything Firehole. With 22 employees on site, 20 guests and lots of activities which are always changing, the Hospitality Operations Manager facilitates communication and coordination with department leaders, staff and guests. As staff live together and work together, HOM will model interpersonal skills of personal accountability, clear communication and helpful feedback. During the off season, November through April, the Hospitality Operations Manager is responsible for year-end review and reporting, hiring staff and planning for the upcoming season.

Job Duties:

• Work closely with, and at the direction of, the Firehole Ranch Owner. Keep them appraised of, and engaged in, all significant management decisions. Meet on a regular basis covering all aspects of the Ranch operations. The Owner will be updated daily as to the events of guests and staff.
• With the Owner, manage the professional “care and feeding” of the staff. Hire, train, supervise and oversee all aspects of the staff including scheduling, updating and communicating policies and procedures. The manager will assist in mentoring and monitoring staff well-being, conducting periodic reviews of productivity and effectiveness and continually promoting teamwork. The HOM will also lead by example in serving as a well-rounded role model for staff by modeling behaviors that lead to personal and professional growth.
• Active involvement in the guest experience. Being present at guest functions, checking in with guests’ morning and evening.
• Management of the FHR physical plant. Responsible for the smooth functioning, cleanliness and “sharp” appearance of FHR. Staying on top of how the Ranch looks and making sure that all department heads assist in the areas needing improvement.
• Managing the ongoing process of risk management throughout every aspect of the FHR operation. Organize first-aid training for staff, conduct on-going training for the various departments throughout the season, assess the ranch’s abilities and readiness for risk situations that may arise.
• Manage permits with private and public agencies. Report land use information to agencies and ensure timely, accurate payment of fees.
• Responsible for opening the ranch in May when weather permits. Opening buildings, prioritizing maintenance needs and training staff.
• Responsible for closing the ranch after operations are shut down. Ensure all buildings, grounds and systems are thoroughly cleaned, put away and winterized for the shut-down period.
• Develops and manages budgets, using financial documents to track performance, make recommendations, and take action to execute a successful business plan.
• Execute all other duties as directed by Firehole Ranch Owner.

Skills and Experience:

The successful candidate will have the following experience, qualifications and skills:

• A track record of having successfully managed a staff of permanent and seasonal employees at a high-end and demanding hospitality operation, ideally where staff live and work together for the season.
• A track record indicating their ability to hire great people and having developed and grown the staff they have managed.
• Experience in the hospitality industry where scheduling, priority setting, organizational skills, and personal touch were keys to success.
• A background that demonstrates superior problem-solving ability and the ability to forge strong, productive relationships. Managing expectations, setting goals, motivating and mentoring staff.
• Evidence that points to their having successfully sustained and extended the cultural “magic” of a high touch organization where the guest experience is key.
• A demonstrated background in maintaining a financially successful organization; ability to prepare and implement a budget, to read and understand financial documents, and make recommendations and take action to execute a solid business plan.
• The ability to foster and extend community relationships.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.

Disclaimer: The individual selected for the role of Hospitality Operations Manager will be employed by Firehole Ranch, and will have no affiliation with Columbia Hospitality, who is serving as a third-party agent leading the search through Columbia Executive Search. 

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