General Manager

Perched high on a bluff overlooking Narragansett Bay in Newport, Rhode Island, OceanCliff is an iconic mansion style hotel and event venue. The beautiful 10 acres of lush lawns, ocean views and indoor/ outdoor venues make it the premier luxury wedding destination for those seeking an unforgettable experience. Open year-round, OceanCliff offers 24 guest room accommodations, a waterfront restaurant with seasonal outdoor seating and uncompromising service. Originally built in 1864 as a private summer home for a wealthy New York family, it was sold by the Hutton family in 1954 and converted into an oceanfront retreat to host lavish parties and society affairs. Today, OceanCliff is a privately owned renowned Newport destination for vacationers, private events and locals.
OceanCliff's primary business derives from the two hundred events we host annually, most of which are weddings. Our Grand Ballroom accommodates up to 200 guests for dinner and dancing, while a variety of other event spaces provide stunning waterfront views and exceptional cuisine to create lasting memories. Our a la carte food and beverage dining at Safari Room offers tableside service on the terrace during the warmer months for lunch or dinner and indoors in the cooler months. Adirondack chairs on our lawn along with soft furniture throughout the outside grounds provide guests with breath-taking views in addition to traditional our inside and outside bar service.

As the property leader, the General Manager oversees all operational aspects of the day to day business including banquets, front office, housekeeping, food & beverage and maintenance. Banquet revenue accounts for approximately 80% of the total property revenues, so a strong background and willingness to take charge with any events as needed is a requirement. The General Manager participation in recruiting, hiring and the ongoing evaluation of associates is vital to the culture and internal comradery of the staff. This begins with creating and maintaining a professional, respectful and engaging work environment for hotel associates that fosters a professional, respectful and fun environment. Property updates will require you to coordinate with the corporate office and vendors on projects and/or renovations of the property. As a successful leader, you are expected to maintain open collaborative relationships with direct reports, associates, and all IDC staff. Daily inspections of the hotel, kitchen, coolers, freezers, dry storage and grounds for cleanliness, product quality and standards must be recorded and reported.

Position may require performing a combination of supportive functions, with percentage of devoted time to be determined by appropriate manager based upon requirements of property.

Required to mornings, weekends, late nights, and some holidays

Bachelor's Degree or higher

The ideal candidate should have at least five years of progressively responsible experience and formal training as an Director of Food & Beverage or General Manager, demonstrating expertise in leading high volume operations with a la carte and events experience. While hotel experience is preferred, it is not mandatory, and experience in a seasonal operation is ideal. A strong culinary understanding and a career track record of achievement and leadership are expected. Education or prior kitchen/ culinary experience is preferred but not required.

The candidate must be a team builder, bridging the gap between front-of-house, back-of-house and culinary staff with a level-headed, approachable, and personable disposition. Sensitivity to people, calm demeanor in all scenarios, and flexibility in working with all levels of the organization, including collaborating with committees on menu creation are essential attributes. The candidate should be open-minded, receptive to constructive criticism, and proactive in strategizing and coordinating hotel, event and restaurant related revenue opportunities while being sensitive to expenses.

Solid financial management skills are required, including strengths in inventory, labor costs, revenue management, purchasing, menu engineering, internal controls, and forecasting. Success with minimizing wasteful expenses, controlling labor and identifying opportunities to control food and kitchen costs is highly desired.A collection of waterfront properties and amenities that showcase the beauty and diversity of Newport Rhode Island and Little Compton Rhode Island. Two historic boutique hotels are the anchor of our company and are supported by an oceanside restaurant, waterfront event venue, a 101 foot schooner and a 175 slip marina. Our portfolio of fine properties includes: OceanCliff Hotel on famed Ocean Drive, The Safari Restaurant, The Regatta Place, Goat Island Marina and The Schooner Aurora.
Regular attendance and compliance with these standards, which may be re-established from time to time, is essential to a successful performance. Due to the seasonal nature of the Hospitality Industry, employees may be required to work varying schedules to reflect business needs. Employees with irregular attendance will be subject to disciplinary action and/ or termination. In addition, attendance at all scheduled training sessions and meetings is required.

Upon employment, all employees are required to attend orientation training. Employees are required to fully comply with IDC rules and regulations for the safe and effective operation of IDC facilities. Employees who violate these rules and regulations will be subject to disciplinary action and/or termination.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to perform other job related duties as assigned by their supervisor.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• 5 years

Restaurant type:

• Fine dining restaurant

Shift:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Morning shift

Weekly day range:

• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Newport, RI 02840: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person