Vacation Rental General Manager

Position Overview

A Vacation Different is seeking an experienced General Manager to oversee the full scope of day-to-day operations while driving the strategic growth of our vacation rental portfolio and delivering exceptional, personalized experiences for both guests and homeowners. This is a hands-on leadership role with broad responsibility across team management, property operations, financial performance, guest experience, and owner relationships.

About Us

Co-founded in 2020, A Vacation Different is a vacation rental management company with a strong focus on top-notch customer service, excellent guest experiences, and detailed care for the homes we manage. Our customers learn first hand what A Vacation Different is all about: experiences. From insider information on restaurants, best options for the kiddos, and the region’s best outdoor adventures, A Vacation Different has done the legwork and fine details allowing groups to focus on creating long-lasting memories while soaking up the Santa Fe culture.

About You

We are looking for a leader who shares our passion for Santa Fe and is excited to grow with our expanding company. You thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and are ready to wear many hats to ensure both guests and homeowners have the best experience possible. You bring enthusiasm, integrity, and innovative thinking to the table, and you’re eager to make a significant impact as our company scales. Most importantly, you have a guest-first mindset and a genuine love for creating memorable experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Work closely with the company owners to align on vision, priorities, and strategic initiatives, ensuring consistent execution across all areas of the business.
• Establish personal credibility with property owners, team members, and vendors through trust, transparency, strong work ethic, and frequent communication.

People & Culture

• Manage and inspire a high-performance team by fostering professional development, supporting career growth, and maintaining high levels of job satisfaction.
• Oversee hiring, orientation, and onboarding processes for new employees to ensure smooth integration and long-term success.
• Foster a collaborative, values-driven environment by promoting team unity, employee engagement, and a shared commitment to exceeding guest and homeowner expectations.

Operations, Guest & Owner Experience

• Ensure smooth and efficient daily operations, upholding the highest standards of service and guest satisfaction across all properties.
• Uphold a guest-first mindset and consistent implementation of brand standards in each home, while honoring the unique character of every property.
• Serve as the escalation point for guest or homeowner concerns, resolving issues with professionalism, urgency, and a focus on turning problems into opportunities to win loyalty.
• Apply sound judgment and creative problem-solving to address operational challenges quickly and effectively, using issues as chances to exceed guest expectations and strengthen homeowner trust.
• Proactively plan for seasonal fluctuations by adjusting staffing and operational plans to maintain service excellence during peak and off-peak periods.
• Oversee property maintenance and housekeeping standards, working with vendors and staff to ensure each home remains in top condition for every guest arrival.

Portfolio Management

• Ensure the operational success of all properties by keeping them in top condition, achieving financial objectives, maximizing profitability, and optimizing owner returns.
• Maintain deep knowledge of each property and oversee improvement initiatives by coordinating with vendors and internal teams to ensure projects align with design, budget, and timeline goals.
• Ensure full compliance with local regulations, permitting requirements, and safety standards across all properties.
• Foster strong relationships with the local community and represent the company with professionalism, care, and integrity.
• Drive owner-acquisition efforts that contribute and expand the property portfolio in alignment with the company’s strategic growth objectives.

Business Strategy & Performance

• Provide strategic oversight of budgets and company financials, driving sustainable growth and profitability through data-driven decision-making.
• Participate in revenue management and marketing efforts to develop and execute pricing strategies, promotional offers, and seasonal campaigns that maximize occupancy, profitability, and guest loyalty.
• Continuously seek operational efficiencies and implement best practices to enhance both guest experiences and owner value.
• Provide innovative and creative thinking to differentiate the company from the competition and elevate brand positioning.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience: 5 years in a senior leadership role, preferably in the vacation rental or luxury hospitality industry. Proven skills in operational management, strategic planning, and team leadership.
• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of financial management, including experience analyzing financial statements, budgeting, and forecasting, and how these metrics relate to operational goals.
• Revenue Management: Familiarity with pricing strategies, yield optimization, and market forecasting for maximizing rental revenue and occupancy.
• Organizational Skills: Highly organized and detail-oriented, with excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Able to multitask and shift priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships and create great experiences in every interaction.
• Customer Focus: Genuine passion for delivering exceptional guest and owner experiences, with a guest-first and owner-focused mentality.
• Technical Proficiency: Comfortable with vacation rental management technology, including Property Management Systems (PMS), CRM platforms, and Online Travel Agencies (OTAs).
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent work experience will be considered.
• Local Knowledge: Knowledge of or affinity for the Santa Fe tourism and vacation rental market is a strong plus (you love Santa Fe and understand what makes it special to visitors).

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, sit, and walk for extended periods of time
• Capability to reach overhead and below the waist.
• Regular pushing, pulling, and lifting of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Occasional lifting or moving of objects weighing up to 50 pounds
• Flexibility to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, and twist
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Compensation and Benefits:

Base Salary: $80,000 – $90,000 per year, commensurate with experience.
Bonus: Structured performance bonus opportunities tied to measurable growth and targets.
Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off including vacation days, sick days, and personal days.
Insurance: Health, vision, and dental insurance plans provided.

We are committed to creating a supportive and rewarding work environment. As General Manager, you will have the opportunity to shape a growing company and deliver amazing experiences in one of the most unique cities in the country. If you are ready to take on a pivotal leadership role and help us redefine vacation rental hospitality in Santa Fe, we encourage you to apply!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Senior leadership: 5 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $80,000 - $90,000