What are the responsibilities and job description for the Area Director of Operations position at Rainmaker Hospitality?
Position Summary
The Area Director of Operations is the vital link between corporate leadership and individual hotels. This role provides hands-on, entrepreneurial leadership, mentoring GMs on-site and maintaining brand consistency across our hotel portfolio. Key responsibilities include analyzing financial statements, STR reports, revenue data, and guest satisfaction scores to boost profitability. This role is accountable for operational excellence, financial results, guest satisfaction, associate engagement, and owner alignment across the assigned portfolio.
Essential Functions
Operational Leadership & Brand Excellence
The Company provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.
Who We Are
Rainmaker Hospitality is headquartered in Lexington, KY, and currently manages over 30 hotels representing leading brands, including Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt, Choice, and Best Western. Our principals have over 65 years of combined experience in property management, accounting, food & beverage operations, and development. During their careers, our principals have owned and operated over 50 hotels throughout the United States.
The Area Director of Operations is the vital link between corporate leadership and individual hotels. This role provides hands-on, entrepreneurial leadership, mentoring GMs on-site and maintaining brand consistency across our hotel portfolio. Key responsibilities include analyzing financial statements, STR reports, revenue data, and guest satisfaction scores to boost profitability. This role is accountable for operational excellence, financial results, guest satisfaction, associate engagement, and owner alignment across the assigned portfolio.
Essential Functions
Operational Leadership & Brand Excellence
- Conduct regular site visits to ensure properties meet or exceed brand standards for service, cleanliness, and physical condition.
- Implement and standardize Operating Procedures, policies, and systems across the portfolio to improve business operations.
- Ensure brand QA Compliance and approve action plans generated by individual hotels.
- Act as a role model for company culture, vision, and values, emulating a "Whatever It Takes" attitude at all times.
- Manage property operations in the absence of a General Manager when necessary.
- Ensure compliance with all life safety, health, sanitation, and security standards across the portfolio.
- Oversee guest satisfaction platforms (Medallia, GSS, OTA reviews) and hold GMs accountable for action planning.
- Support hotel openings, rebrands, renovations, and operational transitions as assigned.
- Oversee all financial aspects of the region, including P&L performance, forecasting, and the annual budgeting process.
- Partner with Sales and Revenue Management to develop strategies that drive occupancy, market share, and ADR/RevPAR.
- Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives and innovative strategies to boost sales without compromising the guest experience.
- Manage Capital Expenditure projects, ensuring renovations and repairs are completed on time and within budget
- Serve as a key liaison with ownership groups, delivering clear communication on financial performance, forecasts, and asset strategies.
- Monitor cash flow, labor productivity, and working capital to ensure the financial health of each asset.
- Maintain a direct supervisory relationship with General Managers; approve GM expense reports and PTO requests.
- Mentor, guide, and coach GMs and their hotel leadership teams (AGM, FOM, DOS, Executive Housekeeper, and Chief Engineer).
- Review weekly status reports and monthly sales reports with GMs to assist in areas of need.
- Conduct annual performance reviews for GMs and other direct reports based on KPIs and leadership growth.
- Recruit and develop a "talent bench" to ensure internal promotion opportunities and minimize turnover.
- 401K
- Health Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability
- Short-Term Disability
- Paid Time off based on length of employment
- Holiday Pay
- Cell Phone allowance
- Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
- A minimum of 7 years of GM experience, full-service experience a plus.
- At least 2–5 years of experience in a multi-brand regional or senior Management role within the hospitality industry.
- Proficiency in Property Management Systems (IHG Merlin, Marriott Empower, or Hilton OnQ), CRM tools, and Microsoft Office. Experience with IHG, Intercontinental Choice Hotels will be given special consideration.
- Food and Beverage management, including restaurant development and labor cost control.
- Interpret Profit & Loss statements, Smith Travel Research data, and Capital Expenditure budgets. Understanding of FLSA regulations, EEO compliance, and brand-specific Quality Assurance audit requirements.
- Experience managing vendor relationships, service contracts, and third-party operators.
- Knowledge of OSHA standards, workplace safety practices, and risk management principles.
The Company provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.
Who We Are
Rainmaker Hospitality is headquartered in Lexington, KY, and currently manages over 30 hotels representing leading brands, including Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt, Choice, and Best Western. Our principals have over 65 years of combined experience in property management, accounting, food & beverage operations, and development. During their careers, our principals have owned and operated over 50 hotels throughout the United States.