General Manager

Shape the soul of a boutique lifestyle hotel in Santa Barbara, where every detail, every moment, and every guest experience starts with you. Compensation: $150,000 to $175,000 per year plus bonus What's in it for you... Insurance enrollment available from DAY 1! Paid time off available from DAY 1! Holiday pay available from DAY 1! Hotel and travel discounts at worldwide destinations! Professional development and promotion opportunities! About this job... This role is for a General Manager who understands that in a Tribute Portfolio lifestyle hotel, the product is the feeling. At The Steward, the experience is layered through gardens, history, design, community, and energy. We are looking for a leader who can translate that into something guests feel the moment they arrive and ensure it shows up consistently across every touchpoint. This is equal parts operator, storyteller, culture builder, and brand ambassador. What makes this role different... A boutique, estate-style property where environment and design drive the experience Guests expect more than service—they expect connection, discovery, and a sense of place Success is measured not just in RevPAR, but in reputation, energy, and loyalty You are not just running a hotel—you are shaping a lifestyle brand at the property level Experience & Vibe Leadership Define and protect the guest experience from arrival to departure—every detail, every moment Set the tone for the hotel’s energy, aesthetic, and service style Ensure the property feels intentional, immersive, and distinctly local—never transactional Culture & People Build a team that reflects the spirit of a lifestyle hotel: engaging, intuitive, and personality-driven Lead from the floor—visible, present, and connected to both guests and team Create a culture where associates feel empowered to deliver unscripted, memorable moments Food & Beverage & Activation Treat F&B as an centerpiece of the guest experience, not just an outlet Drive programming—events, partnerships, local collaborations that make the hotel feel alive and relevant Partner with culinary and commercial teams to ensure buzz, energy, and profitability coexist Operational Excellence (Without Losing Soul) Deliver strong financial results while maintaining the integrity of the brand and experience Lead a disciplined operation that still feels effortless and organic to the guest Partner with ownership and asset management with clarity, confidence, and precision Own the narrative—how the hotel shows up in the market, both digitally and in-person Experience & Education Progressive leadership experience in hotel operations, with a minimum of 5+ years in a senior management role; lifestyle, boutique, or brand-aligned experience strongly preferred Demonstrated fluency in commercial strategy, including exposure to sales leadership, revenue optimization, and market positioning Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience Valid driver’s license Communication Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to lead with diplomacy, navigate complex situations, and drive thoughtful, solution-oriented outcomes Strong business and administrative acumen, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to translate data into clear, actionable insights Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking the primary language of the workplace, with the ability to communicate effectively across diverse teams and guest populations About First Hospitality… Founded in 1985 and based in Chicago, First Hospitality is a forward-thinking hotel development, investment, and management company. First Hospitality’s strategic vision is to create value for all through excellence and an openness to doing things differently. First Hospitality seeks to attract and retain a high-performing and diverse workforce in which employee’s differences are respected and valued to better meet the varying needs of the customers we serve. FH fosters an inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration, flexibility, and fairness. Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr