Hotel General Manager

Hotel General Manager – Boutique Hotel (Downtown Detroit)

Search by Harper Associates

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on General Manager to lead operations for a boutique all-suite hotel located in downtown Detroit. The General Manager will oversee all aspects of hotel performance, guest experience, team leadership, financial management, and property operations. This role requires a hospitality leader who can deliver elevated guest service while driving profitability, team engagement, and operational excellence in a fast-paced urban environment.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Guest Experience

• Lead day-to-day hotel operations across front office, housekeeping, maintenance, guest services, food & beverage partnerships, and security.
• Ensure exceptional guest satisfaction and personalized service standards consistent with a boutique luxury experience.
• Monitor online reviews, guest feedback, and service recovery efforts to maintain strong reputation scores.
• Maintain compliance with brand standards, safety regulations, and local/state hospitality requirements.

Leadership & Team Management

• Recruit, train, coach, and develop hotel staff and department leaders.
• Foster a positive, service-oriented, and accountable workplace culture.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and implement employee development plans.
• Create staffing schedules that align with occupancy and operational needs.

Financial & Revenue Management

• Prepare and manage annual operating budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting.
• Drive revenue growth through occupancy optimization, ADR strategies, local partnerships, and group business development.
• Control labor costs, purchasing, and operational expenses while maintaining service quality.
• Review daily, weekly, and monthly financial reports and implement corrective actions as needed.

Sales, Marketing & Community Engagement

• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to increase visibility and market share.
• Build relationships with local businesses, event venues, corporate accounts, and tourism organizations in downtown Detroit.
• Support digital marketing initiatives, social media engagement, and promotional campaigns.
• Represent the hotel within the local hospitality and business community.

Property & Asset Management

• Oversee preventive maintenance and capital improvement initiatives.
• Ensure suites, public areas, and back-of-house spaces are maintained to high presentation standards.
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and service providers as needed.
• Protect ownership interests through efficient asset management and operational controls.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of hotel management experience, preferably in boutique, lifestyle, or upscale all-suite properties.
• Strong knowledge of hotel operations, revenue management, budgeting, and guest service standards.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with hotel PMS systems and hospitality software platforms.
• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

Preferred Experience

• Experience operating hotels in urban or downtown markets.
• Familiarity with the Detroit hospitality landscape and corporate/travel market.
• Background in independent boutique hotel operations is highly desirable.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary plus performance-based bonus opportunities
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an energetic hospitality professional who combines operational discipline with boutique-style guest engagement. They are visible, approachable, financially savvy, and passionate about creating memorable guest experiences while leading a high-performing hotel team.

Please email resume to ben@harperjobs.com

Ben Schwartz | President | Harper Associates

Direct: (248) 737-0431 | Fax (888) 737-8525

ben@harperjobs.com | www.harperjobs.com