The Operations Manager at Hotel Indigo Hattiesburg serves as a key leadership presence on property supporting the General Manager in the day-to-day oversight of hotel operations with primary focus on Front Desk and Food & Beverage departments. This role is responsible for driving operational consistency service quality and team performance in alignment with IHG brand standards and LRC2 Managements operational expectations.
The Operations Manager is a hands-on leader who is visible on the floor engaged with guests and actively coaching associates. This position requires strong communication skills operational versatility and a commitment to delivering a distinctive locally inspired guest experience consistent with the Hotel Indigo brand identity.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Front Desk Operations
- Oversee the daily operations of the Front Desk including arrivals departures room assignments and upsell execution
- Ensure all front desk associates adhere to IHG check-in/check-out standards brand programs and LRC2 service protocols
- Monitor and manage daily room inventory in coordination with Revenue Management; communicate discrepancies and opportunities to the GM
- Lead daily line-ups and pre-shift briefings for the front desk team
- Ensure proper handling of guest concerns service recovery situations and IHG Rewards program interactions
- Review and respond to guest feedback (IHG Medallia / Overall Experience scores) in partnership with the GM; assign and track corrective actions
- Oversee cash handling shift audits and front desk financial accountability
- Coordinate closely with Housekeeping on room status out-of-orders and VIP arrivals
Food & Beverage Operations
- Assist in overseeing daily F&B operations including the Brass Hat concept (Grin Coffee Co. Loblolly Bakery partnership and dinner program)
- Support execution of breakfast lunch and dinner service to ensure quality consistency and brand alignment
- Monitor F&B staffing levels floor coverage and shift readiness
- Assist in managing food cost controls waste reduction and inventory oversight in coordination with the GM
- Ensure compliance with all health department regulations food safety standards and sanitation requirements
- Support training of F&B associates on service standards menu knowledge and hospitality fundamentals
- Collaborate with the GM on special event execution catering coordination and F&B programming
Team Leadership & Development
- Recruit onboard coach and develop front desk and F&B associates
- Conduct associate performance reviews disciplinary documentation and progressive counseling in partnership with the GM and HR
- Create and manage weekly scheduling for front desk and F&B departments ensuring appropriate coverage and labor cost management
- Cultivate a culture of accountability professionalism and genuine hospitality aligned with Hotel Indigos brand personality
- Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) on a rotating basis providing property-wide leadership coverage
Financial & Reporting Accountability
- Review daily flash reports and communicate key performance metrics to the GM
- Support month-end reporting processes and GM call preparation
- Assist in managing departmental labor and expense budgets within approved parameters
- Identify opportunities to grow ancillary revenue through upselling F&B promotion and service enhancements
Brand Standards & Compliance
- Maintain thorough knowledge of IHG brand standards policies and operational expectations
- Ensure the hotel meets or exceeds brand audit thresholds for Front Desk and F&B departments
- Support the preparation and follow-up for any IHG quality assurance reviews or brand visits
- Champion the Hotel Indigo brand experience locally inspired design-forward and deeply connected to the Hattiesburg community
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
Education & Experience
- Minimum 23 years of progressive hotel operations experience with direct supervisory responsibility in Front Desk or F&B
- Prior experience in a branded hotel environment required; IHG brand experience preferred
- Associate or Bachelors degree in Hospitality Management Business or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered
- Demonstrated track record of guest satisfaction improvement and team development
Skills & Competencies
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage guests associates and leadership effectively
- Operationally versatile comfortable leading a front desk shift or walking an F&B floor with equal confidence
- Proficiency with hotel property management systems; experience with IHG systems (Opera Medallia) a plus
- Solid understanding of labor scheduling food cost management and hotel financial reporting
- Highly organized with the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced multi-department environment
- Calm solutions-oriented approach to service recovery and team conflict resolution
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- This position requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods and work a flexible schedule including weekends evenings and holidays
- Regular presence on the hotel floor is essential; this is not a primarily desk-based role
- May be required to assist in departmental operations during high-demand periods associate call-outs or property emergencies
- Must maintain a professional appearance consistent with Hotel Indigo grooming and uniform standards
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
This is a full-time exempt salaried position. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. LRC2 Management offers a benefit package that may include medical dental and vision coverage paid time off and hotel travel discounts through the IHG One Rewards program. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the interview process.