General Manager, HQ Hotels
2 days ago
New Orleans
Job Description Founded in 2002 by Sam Nazarian, sbe is a globally recognized lifestyle hospitality company known for creating iconic hotels, restaurants, and nightlife destinations that blend elevated design, energy, and service. With celebrated brands such as SLS, Delano, and Mondrian, sbe has helped define modern luxury hospitality through experiences that feel exclusive, cultural, and unforgettable. Now, sbe is launching its next chapter with HQ Hotels - a bold, design-forward lifestyle brand built for travelers who want more than just a place to stay. HQ stands for high energy, high style, and high service, combining vibrant social spaces, curated food & beverage, and nightlife-driven programming that turns every property into a destination. Backed by sbe’s best-in-class creative and operational expertise and powered by a strategic partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, HQ Hotels offers team members the opportunity to help shape a rapidly growing brand with global reach, strong momentum, and a culture rooted in excellence, creativity, and unforgettable guest experiences. sbe recently announced an exclusive partnership with global icon Marc Anthony - singer, songwriter, actor, entrepreneur and his company Magnus, who have joined as equity partners in sbe. This partnership further expands the brand’s cultural relevance, reach, and momentum as it enters new markets around the world. Job Title: General Manager, Hotel Reports To: Director of Operations Location: New Orleans, Louisiana Employment Type: Full-Time Job Title: General Manager, Hotel Job Summary The Hotel General Manager will lead the opening and ongoing hotel operations for a new lifestyle hospitality destination under HQ Hotels and sbe in New Orleans. This role is a highly visible leadership position responsible for driving performance across all facets of the property, including hotel operations, food & beverage, experiential programming, and brand activation. The General Manager will serve as both an operational leader and brand ambassador, ensuring the property delivers a culturally relevant, high-energy guest experience aligned with HQ Hotels’ standards while remaining deeply connected to the New Orleans market. The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking hospitality executive with proven experience opening or repositioning lifestyle hotels, building high-performing teams, and delivering strong financial results. This role requires close collaboration with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts as the booking and distribution partner, ensuring seamless alignment across systems and revenue strategies. Key Responsibilities Hotel & Lifestyle Operations Leadership • Lead all hotel operations including Front Office, Housekeeping, Engineering and Security, • Oversee the Food & Beverage operation including S bar, Grab and Go outlet and in-hotel programming, • Drive experiential programming that reflects the culture, music, food, and energy of New Orleans while aligning with HQ Hotels and sbe brand DNA, • Ensure a consistent, elevated guest experience across every touchpoint, from arrival through departure Brand, Guest Experience & Standards • Champion HQ Hotels and sbe brand standards while tailoring the experience to the local market, • Act as the on-property brand ambassador, representing the HQ brand within the community and hospitality industry, • Monitor guest feedback, online reviews, and satisfaction metrics, implementing continuous improvements, • Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and regulatory requirements Financial Performance & Revenue Strategy • Own the overall financial performance of the hotel, including budgeting, forecasting, and profitability, • Partner closely with Wyndham Revenue Management, Sales, and Marketing teams to optimize pricing, distribution, and demand, • Analyze KPIs, financial reports, and market trends to drive performance and efficiency, • Implement cost controls while maintaining brand and service integrity Wyndham Partnership Management • Serve as the primary on-property liaison with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, • Ensure strong alignment with Wyndham systems, booking platforms, loyalty programs, and brand requirements, • Collaborate with Wyndham regional and corporate teams to maximize visibility, bookings, and revenue, • Maintain a proactive, collaborative relationship that supports long-term growth and success Leadership, Culture & Talent Development • Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing leadership team and hourly staff, • Foster a culture rooted in accountability, creativity, inclusivity, and service excellence, • Lead performance management and training, • Serve as a mentor and coach, empowering teams to deliver standout guest experiences Community Engagement, Sales & Marketing Collaboration • Actively build and maintain strong relationships with local businesses, cultural partners, influencers, and community leaders to position the HQ brand hotel, • as a destination within New Orleans, • Represent the hotel at local events, industry gatherings, and community initiatives to increase brand awareness and goodwill, • Partner closely with Sales and Marketing teams to identify and activate new revenue opportunities, including group business, events, partnerships, and experiential programming, • Collaborate on marketing campaigns, promotions, and storytelling that highlight the hotel’s lifestyle positioning, F&B offerings, and cultural relevance, • Support sales strategy development by providing market insights, operational alignment, and on-property execution to maximize revenue performance Qualifications & Experience • Bachelor's degree in hospitality management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred, • 8–12+ years of progressive hotel leadership experience, including General Manager or Assistant General Manager roles, • Proven experience with lifestyle, boutique, or design-driven hotel concepts, • Strong financial acumen with experience managing P&Ls and revenue strategies, • Experience working with major hotel brands or distribution partners preferred, • Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills Work Schedule • Full-time, on-site position, • Requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, • The position operates in a fast-paced, dynamic hospitality environment focused on delivering high-impact guest experiences. Physical & Mental Requirements • Must be able to stand or walk a minimum eight (8)-hour shift and work inside assigned bar area in the venue., • Must be able to twist, tow (push or pull), reach, bend climb and carry objects as necessary., • Must be able to lift and carry 25-50 pounds., • Must be able to work inside and outside at all times of the year as needed, based upon business volumes. Affirmative Action / EEO Statement We are an equal-opportunity employer who is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We believe in, embrace, and abide by the spirit, as well as, to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. Our policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, internships, and apprenticeship. Our hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.