CLAREMONT HOTEL | Director of Operations

Set on the shores of Somes Sound in Southwest Harbor, The Claremont is a cherished Maine retreat where timeless elegance meets relaxed coastal charm. We are a 52-key, waterfront resort offering an intimate and thoughtfully curated guest experience across hotel rooms, cottages, and houses. The property also features full-service restaurants, spa, gardens, and waterfront programming designed to connect guests with the setting in a meaningful way.

We are seeking a highly engaged, hands-on Director of Operations to lead final pre-season opening efforts and shape the day-to-day guest experience once the resort is live. This role is central to how guests feel when they arrive, stay, and return.

This is not a desk-based role. We’re looking for someone who leads from the floor, is present, observant, and actively involved in ensuring every detail contributes to a seamless and memorable stay. If you’re thoughtful, enthusiastic, and love the idea of working in a beautiful and welcoming environment, we’d love to have you on board!

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Opening (Immediate Start)

• Lead final setup across all guest-facing areas, ensuring each space is ready to deliver a polished and welcoming experience 
• Onboard a team aligned around hospitality, warmth, and attention to detail 
• Enhance daily operating systems that support consistency, communication, and responsiveness 
• Coordinate across departments to ensure a cohesive and guest-ready opening 
• Identify gaps through a guest lens and implement thoughtful, practical solutions 

Ongoing Operations

• Oversee all aspects of daily resort operations with a focus on the full guest journey from arrival through departure 
• Set and maintain a high standard for service, presentation, and atmosphere across rooms, F&B, spa, and outdoor experiences 
• Lead and develop department heads and team members to deliver intuitive, personalized service 
• Actively engage with guests, using feedback and observation to continuously refine the experience 
• Anticipate and resolve issues before they impact the guest experience 

Details

• Full-time, year-round position 
• Competitive salary based on experience 
• Comprehensive health insurance and 401(k) benefits
• Performance based bonus structure
• Single unit housing available

What We’re Looking For:

• Customer service
• Work experience as a Hotel Rooms Division Manager or similar role
• Effective ability to supervise and motivate staff to maintain optimal department operations and staff development 
• Possess strong computer/technical skills
• Possess skills in time management, conflict resolution and cost controls
• Promotes a safe, secure and healthy work environment.
• Demonstrated energetic, self-motivating and a “can do” positive attitude.
• Take accountability and ownership for work performance
• Pre-opening or turnaround experience strongly preferred 
• Meticulous attention to detail, motivational skills, verbal communication skills, written communication skills and manageability.
• Is a team player
• A hands-on, visible leadership style with a genuine passion for hospitality 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Manages time well, correctly prioritizes tasks and able to balance the needs of multiple guests or co-workers at a time without compromising service standards.

What Success look like:

• Ambassador of Joy: Embody and promote a culture of positivity and enthusiasm, ensuring that both guests and staff feel welcomed, valued, and inspired.
• Customer-Centric Focus: Understand and anticipate the needs of both internal and external guests, consistently exceeding expectations.
• Meticulous Attention to Detail: Deliver work that is precise, thorough, and up to the highest standards of luxury hospitality.
• Effective Communication: Provide clear, concise, and actionable information to ensure colleagues, guests, and stakeholders are well-informed.
• Ownership & Accountability: Take full responsibility for tasks, ensuring they are followed through to achieve the desired results.
• Foster Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively within teams, motivating others to sustain exceptional levels of performance.
• Build Strong Relationships: Establish trust and foster cooperation with colleagues, guests, and partners to promote mutual success.

Safety and Security

• Recognizes and reports potential safety hazards in the hotel, such as broken doors or railings, fire hazards, etc.
• Recognizes and reports potential security problems in the hotel, such as locking doors after hours, etc.
• Understands and follows policies and procedures for the hotel’s key control system and ensures others follow them.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Any other duties assigned by Supervisor.