What are the responsibilities and job description for the General Manager position at The Griswold Inn?
General Manager
The Griswold Inn | Essex, Connecticut
The Griswold Inn, one of New England’s most historic and distinctive hospitality properties, is seeking a General Manager to provide overall leadership and operational direction for the Inn.
Established in 1776 and celebrating its 250th anniversary in 2026, The Griswold Inn encompasses 34 guest accommodations across eight historic buildings; three dining experiences - Historic Dining, Tavern Fare and Wine Bar Dining; a lively Tap Room featuring live music several nights a week; a busy private events operation; and retail.
The General Manager will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the Inn, working closely with ownership and an experienced team of department leaders to ensure an exceptional guest experience, strong communication and collaboration, and effective business performance.
This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role requiring someone who can see the big picture while staying connected to the details that make an independent hospitality business successful.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide overall leadership and accountability for the day-to-day operation of the Inn.
- Lead, support and develop department managers while recognizing and leveraging their individual areas of expertise.
- Foster a positive workplace culture built on communication, teamwork, professionalism and accountability.
- Ensure effective communication and coordination across dining, lodging, private events, maintenance, housekeeping and retail.
- Maintain high standards for hospitality and guest service throughout the property.
- Provide continued leadership and oversight of the Inn’s food and beverage operations.
- Work closely with Guest Services leadership to ensure the quality and smooth operation of the Inn’s lodging experience.
- Work collaboratively with Private Events leadership to support successful planning and execution of banquets and events.
- Monitor staffing, labor, service standards and operational performance.
- Work with the Director of Business Systems, Accountant and ownership to understand financial performance and use business data to inform operational decisions.
- Participate in hiring, employee development, performance management and other human-resource matters.
- Maintain awareness of property, maintenance, safety and facilities needs and ensure appropriate follow-through.
- Lead regular management and staff communication and keep ownership informed of significant operational issues, opportunities and priorities.
The Successful Candidate
The ideal candidate will bring hospitality management experience, strong leadership and communication skills, sound operational judgment, and a genuine commitment to the guest experience.
Just as important, this individual will understand that effective leadership does not mean being the expert in every area of the business. The General Manager must be able to lead and learn from experienced department managers, value their expertise, give capable people room to lead, and bring the various parts of the Inn together around shared goals and standards.
The right individual will be collaborative, organized, solutions-oriented and comfortable making decisions. They will be visible and engaged with both employees and guests and able to balance the traditions and character of a historic, family-owned inn with the operational demands of a busy hospitality business.
Hospitality management with strong food and beverage operations required.
BA/BS in hotel/restaurant management is desirable.
Pay: $100,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
Work Location: In person
Salary : $100,000 - $135,000