Area General Manager (New York)
Area General Manager – JFK Airport Portfolio | Pre-OpeningLEAD THE OPENING OF A LANDMARK JFK AIRPORT HOTEL PORTFOLIO We are seeking an exceptional Area General Manager / Portfolio General Manager to lead the development, pre-opening, opening, and ongoing operations of an exciting new three-hotel portfolio at JFK Airport . This is a rare opportunity to build and lead a significant hospitality operation from the ground up, overseeing more than 1000 hotel rooms across five internationally recognized brands , with openings scheduled throughout 2026 and 2027. The portfolio will include: Hyatt – 260 Rooms | Opening December 2026 Dual-Branded SpringHill Suites / TownePlace Suites – 377 Rooms | Opening February 2027 Dual-Branded Home2 Suites / Tru by Hilton | Opening April 2027 The successful candidate will be responsible for providing strategic leadership across the portfolio while ensuring each property successfully progresses through pre-opening, opening, stabilization, and long-term operations . COMPENSATION & BENEFITS $250,000 – $275,000 Base Salary 40% Annual Bonus Opportunity Excellent Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage Comprehensive benefits package Paid time off and holidays 401(k) and retirement benefits Hotel travel discounts Career advancement opportunities Professional development and training THE OPPORTUNITY This position is designed for an accomplished hotel executive who has the vision, operational expertise, and leadership presence to oversee a complex multi-property, multi-brand hotel portfolio in one of the country's most important gateway markets. The Area General Manager will work closely with ownership, corporate leadership, brand representatives, development teams, and property-level leadership to ensure the successful delivery and performance of all three hotels. This leader will have significant influence over pre-opening strategy, staffing, culture, financial performance, sales, operations, guest experience, brand standards, and overall asset performance . KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Portfolio Leadership Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire JFK hotel portfolio. Establish a consistent culture of service excellence, accountability, collaboration, and financial performance across all properties. Partner with ownership and senior leadership to establish short- and long-term operational and financial objectives. Ensure each hotel operates in accordance with brand standards, ownership expectations, company policies, and applicable regulations. Maintain a strong presence across all properties and ensure effective communication between hotel leadership teams. Pre-Opening & Opening Leadership Lead the portfolio through all phases of pre-opening and opening , from planning through stabilization. Partner with development, construction, design, procurement, brand, and corporate teams to ensure opening milestones are achieved. Develop comprehensive pre-opening timelines, critical paths, budgets, staffing plans, training plans, and operational strategies. Oversee recruitment, selection, onboarding, and development of executive leadership teams and key property-level positions. Establish service standards, operating procedures, departmental structures, and hotel culture prior to opening. Coordinate opening readiness initiatives, including inspections, systems implementation, vendor relationships, operational supplies, staffing, training, and brand compliance. Ensure each hotel is positioned for a successful opening and rapid stabilization. Financial & Operational Performance Develop and execute annual budgets, forecasts, business plans, and strategic initiatives for the portfolio. Drive profitability through effective management of GOP, labor, expenses, occupancy, ADR, RevPAR, and market share . Review property financial performance and identify opportunities for revenue growth and expense optimization. Hold property leadership accountable for achieving financial and operational objectives. Establish performance metrics and regularly communicate results to ownership and senior leadership. Sales & Revenue Strategy Partner with sales and revenue management leadership to develop strategies that maximize portfolio performance. Drive market penetration and revenue growth across corporate, group, government, airline, extended-stay, transient, and other relevant segments. Develop strong relationships with key JFK Airport demand generators, airlines, corporate accounts, local businesses, and community partners. Monitor competitive performance and market conditions to identify opportunities for increased market share. Team Leadership & Talent Development Recruit, develop, coach, and retain high-performing hotel leadership teams. Establish clear expectations and accountability throughout the organization. Develop a strong culture of employee engagement, recognition, and professional development. Identify and develop future hospitality leaders within the portfolio. Promote teamwork and collaboration across the three hotels. Guest Experience & Brand Standards Ensure exceptional guest service and consistent execution of brand standards. Monitor guest satisfaction scores, online reputation, service recovery, and overall guest experience. Establish a culture where guest satisfaction and operational excellence are shared responsibilities. Maintain strong relationships with brand leadership and ensure compliance with all franchise requirements. QUALIFICATIONS The ideal candidate will bring a proven record of success leading large, complex hotels or multi-property portfolios , preferably with significant pre-opening experience. Required / Preferred Experience Significant senior-level hotel leadership experience, preferably as a General Manager, Area General Manager, Regional General Manager, or Portfolio General Manager . Proven experience overseeing multiple hotels and/or a large full-service or select-service hotel operation . Demonstrated pre-opening and opening experience is strongly preferred. Experience managing multiple brands, particularly in a complex development or multi-property environment. Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasts, P&L performance, labor costs, and profitability. Proven ability to recruit and develop executive-level hotel leadership teams. Strong understanding of hotel sales, revenue management, operations, and guest experience. Experience working directly with hotel ownership, developers, brand representatives, and corporate leadership. Excellent communication, negotiation, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. THE IDEAL CANDIDATE We are looking for an entrepreneurial, strategic, and highly accomplished hotel executive who is energized by the opportunity to build something from the ground up. You are a leader who: Has successfully opened hotels and understands the intensity and complexity of pre-opening. Can manage multiple priorities, brands, stakeholders, and opening timelines simultaneously. Knows how to build exceptional hotel leadership teams. Has a strong understanding of hotel financial performance and profitability. Is equally comfortable discussing a development timeline with ownership and coaching a department head on the hotel floor. Understands the unique opportunities and challenges of the JFK Airport market . Creates a culture of accountability, engagement, and exceptional service. Is a visible, hands-on leader who inspires teams and builds strong relationships. Has the executive presence to represent the portfolio with ownership, brand partners, airlines, corporate accounts, and the local community. WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY?Build Three Hotels From the Ground Up This is more than a General Manager position. It is an opportunity to shape the culture, leadership teams, operating standards, and financial success of an entirely new JFK Airport hotel portfolio. With three openings scheduled over a five-month period, this executive will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the development and long-term success of the portfolio. A Major Gateway Market JFK Airport is one of the world's most important international gateways and a dynamic hospitality market with significant corporate, airline, leisure, group, and international demand. JOIN US If you are a proven hotel executive who thrives in pre-opening environments, multi-property operations, team building, and financial performance , we invite you to bring your leadership to this exciting new JFK Airport portfolio. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete required employment eligibility verification form (Form I-9) upon hire. Source: Hospitality Online J-18808-Ljbffr
