World Equestrian Center Ocala Senior Director of Hospitality Operation

Ocala, FL

World Equestrian Center Ocala is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Director of Hospitality Operations for The World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, an upper scale/luxury property. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of hotel operations, including food and beverage outlet operations, events and catering operations, and the sales organization.

The World Equestrian Center boasts more than 3,000 climate-controlled stalls, indoor arenas totaling nearly 600,000 sq. ft. of climate-controlled riding space, RV sites, hotels, restaurants, and other on-site amenities. The expectation of this position is to lead the hospitality team in driving revenue and maximizing profitability while embracing our culture and people.

Ideal candidates for this role are down-to-earth, servant leaders, who possess a spirit of hospitality combined with a sense of humility to serve ownership, management company, and internal and external guests at the highest level. We are seeking individuals with exceptional intellectual capability and robust knowledge to lead and inspire a tenured team of top talent within the industry.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Leadership: Provide day-to-day leadership and management for the Hospitality Executive Team, including Hotel Operations, Food & Beverage, Human Resources, Sales & Marketing, Security, and Facilities.
  • Strategic Planning: Develop annual sales goals and objectives, business plans, and budgets with the Executive Team. Ensure the implementation of the CHM Way of Sales to foster a culture of strategic focus on recruitment, retention, and reactivation of accounts.
  • Revenue Management: Achieve and exceed revenue, profitability, cash flow, and business goals and objectives.
  • Marketing Collaboration: Work closely with ownership's marketing team on marketing, digital marketing, and social media campaigns.
  • Operational Excellence: Collaborate with the Executive Team to develop and implement plans for operational and financial success. Maintain a pristine and compliant facility.
  • Guest Satisfaction: Maximize both external and internal guest satisfaction while ensuring budgeted revenue and profitability.
  • Project Management: Lead and manage hospitality projects, including renovation and new development projects, and property and product improvement plans.
  • Communication: Maintain positive communication and engagement with all departments to ensure seamless experience for guests and team members.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in business or related field and/or eight (8) years of hospitality management experience.
  • Five (5) years of strong operational executive leadership experience in hospitality, specifically large hotel operations.
  • Executive presence and confident leadership, while embracing a servant leadership mentality.
  • Excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
  • Strong people skills with the ability to partner with company leaders and ownership representatives.
  • Flexibility and ability to multitask.
  • Ability to inspire team members through integrity, passion, industry knowledge, and skill, to achieve and exceed goals while maintaining a culture of accountability.
  • Experience in managing and supporting new construction projects.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to drive, walk, lift up to 50 pounds, see, talk, and hear/listen.
  • Frequent standing, walking, and reaching with hands and arms.

Travel:

  • Local and regional travel required, including overnight trips.
  • Valid driver's license required.


 The World Equestrian Center is managed by Columbus Hospitality Management, a company committed to providing quality service and memorable guest experiences in a positive and welcoming work environment. We are focused on supporting the needs of our team through our commitment to the family/work-life balance and by providing development opportunities.

We are proud to be a Drug-Free Workplace/EOE. All applicants will be required to submit to a background check before employment.