General Manager

Driftwood is seeking a General Manager for the all-new Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa, set to open in early 2027. Click the link for more details on the property: https://usa.boutiquehotelier.com/westin-cocoa-beach-resort-groundbreaking/

Here are the key attributes & qualifications for the ideal candidate:

Ideal Experience & Qualifications

Hospitality Experience: A deep knowledge of Marriott systems is a plus. 10+ years of progressive leadership roles in large upper-upscale or luxury hotels, including previous experience as GM or Hotel Manager at resort properties with at least 300 rooms.

Brand Expertise: Experience with upper-upscale or luxury brands (e.g., top-tier brands at the larger hotel companies such as Hilton, Hyatt, Marriot or IHG; or with smaller luxury operators such as Four Seasons, Mandarin, Rosewood, etc.).

Financial Acumen: Proven track record of delivering financial results and managing multi-million-dollar P&L.

Understanding of Openings: Would need to have prior hotel pre-opening experience, demonstrating the ability to lead all phases of launching a new property from construction to full operational readiness.

Operational Savvy: Deep knowledge of front and back-of-house operations, with the ability to balance creativity and efficiency.

Sales Driven: Deep knowledge and experience with sales and marketing. Exhibits ability to work collaboratively and comfortably with the property sales team, and actively engaging with potential clients, particularly group business, to drive revenue and build lasting relationships.

Outside-the-box solutions: Demonstrated ability to think creatively and strategically execute to develop cost-saving initiatives that maintain or enhance the guest experience, with a strong emphasis on the effective use of technology.

Guest-Centric Mindset: Passion for design, detail, and delivering authentic experiences tailored to modern luxury travelers.

Leadership & EQ: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; a collaborative, inspiring leader.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management or related field (or equivalent experience); advanced certifications or MBA preferred.

Key Attributes of a General Manager

1. Service Excellence & Emotional Intelligence

• Unwavering commitment to anticipatory service and emotional engagement with guests.
• Master of personalized luxury experiences that create lifelong memories.
• Naturally empathetic, intuitive, and emotionally intelligent, with a sincere interest in people.

2. Brand Stewardship

• Deep understanding of the brand heritage and DNA (being the ambassador of Westin’s “A Better You” mindset).
• Acts as a guardian of brand standards, while translating them into modern luxury contexts.
• Balances classical service traditions with the expectations of today’s global luxury traveler.

3. Inspirational Leadership

• Charismatic, visible leader who sets the tone for culture and service.
• Empowers and mentors department heads; deeply involved in colleague engagement and retention.
• Creates a “first-name” culture where staff feel respected and part of something meaningful.

4. Strategic Business Acumen

• Strong financial and commercial expertise, with a focus on RevPAR, GOP, and brand value enhancement.
• Drives guest loyalty, reputation management, and owner satisfaction through sound strategic decisions.
• Well-versed in luxury sales & marketing, brand partnerships, and digital guest engagement.

5. Operational Mastery

• Hands-on approach with a deep understanding of luxury hotel operations, from F&B and spa to housekeeping and engineering.
• Maintains a sharp eye for detail, cleanliness, and aesthetics — nothing escapes their attention.
• Committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and excellence.

6. Global Perspective & Cultural Fluency

• Comfortable operating in cosmopolitan, international environments with a diverse guest and employee base.
• Often multilingual; culturally sensitive and diplomatic.
• Global luxury traveler themselves — understands their guests because they are one.

7. Crisis Management & Poise Under Pressure

• Calm, composed, and decisive in high-stress situations, especially in guest-facing moments.
• Leads with grace during operational challenges, ensuring the guest experience is never compromised.