Operations Trainee Jobs in Savannah, GA (NOW HIRING)

Kessler Hospitality's portfolio of artistically inspired boutique hotels features unique design, luxurious accommodations, enriching ambiance, and intuitive service. With properties throughout Colorado, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina, each hotel's exquisite art, music, and cultural influences are intentionally approachable. Designed to inspire and create unforgettable experiences, Kessler guests are immersed in refined Bohemian luxury, whether at a cutting-edge downtown icon, a premier luxury lodge, Savannah's entertainment destination, or an elite ski lodge. As the founding member of Marriott's Autograph Collection, Kessler Hospitality has long championed bold, original hotels, each carefully created with distinctive style and the Individualist traveler in mind.

Located in Richmond Hill, Georgia, this 200-room dual-branded hotel will feature a Courtyard by Marriott and Residence Inn by Marriott inspired by the legacy of Henry Ford, who once owned more than 85,000 acres in Bryan Country and helped shape the Richmond Hill community. The hotel will celebrate the nostalgia of American automobile travel through curated art, artifacts, and vintage vehicles displayed throughout the property, highlighted by a signature 1966 Ford Mustang Fastback located at the entrance. Set to open in late 2026, the hotel is designed to bring Kessler's signature blend of elevated design, artistic inspiration, and best-in-class Southern hospitality to one of Georgia's fastest-growing communities.  

The Director of Operations is a hands-on leader responsible for driving daily hotel performance, guest satisfaction, cost control, and employee development. This role works closely with department leaders and team members to maintain standards, resolve issues, and ensure efficient, profitable operations.

Reporting to the General Manager, the Director of Operations serves as the second-in-command when the General Manager is absent, providing hands-on leadership and operational oversight across the property.

• Oversee daily hotel operations, with a strong focus on Front Office, Food & Beverage, and Housekeeping. 
• Conduct regular property and department inspections, addressing operational, cleanliness, maintenance, and service issues with department leaders.
• Maintain a visible presence during peak periods, engage with guests, respond promptly to concerns, and support overall guest satisfaction.
• Lead Monthly departmental meetings and ensure ongoing training in service standards, SOPs, and required corporate programs.
• Develop and coach department leaders icluding F&B Manager and Housekeeping Manager and management trainees through ongoing feedback, competency development, performance management, and corporate training programs.
• Ensure compliance with Highgate policies, SOPs, safety requirements, local regulations, and standards for hiring, performance management, and employee relations.
• Manage staffing, scheduling, productivity, and labor performance to meet operational and budget expectations.
• Ensure timely completion of financial reporting, accounts payable, credit and collection activities, audits, and corporate accounting requirements.
• Conduct monthly financial and operational reviews with department leaders and ensure appropriate follow-up on performance.
• Works closely with Food & Beverage Manager to ensure service quality, product standards, purchasing, menu planning, and compliance with health and liquor regulations.
• Monitor industry trends and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, profitability, and guest satisfaction.
• Ensure effective communication across the Executive Committee and promptly escalate significant operational, financial, or staffing concerns to the appropriate leader.
• Ensure required meetings, reports, inspections, safe audits, and corporate training are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain a positive, team-oriented culture focused on employee development, accountability, and exceptional guest service.
• Perform M.O.D. coverage and other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Operations, or General Manager.

• At least 6 years progressive experience in a hotel or a related field; or a 4-year college degree and at least 4 to 5 years of related experience; or a 2-year college degree and at least 5 to 6 years of related experience.
• Long hours sometimes required.
• Light work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Maintain a warm and friendly demeanor at all times.
• Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.
• Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.
• Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
• Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service-oriented manner.
• Attend all hotel required meetings and trainings.
• Participate in M.O.D. coverage as required.
• Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotel Standards, as required by scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.
• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which include wearing nametags.
• Comply with Highgate Hotel Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
• Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions.
• Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.
• Must be able to understand and evaluate complex information, data, etc. from various sources to meet appropriate objectives.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Perform other duties as requested by management.