General Manager

Lakeland Area | Leadership Opportunity in Experiential Resort Hospitality

We are partnering with ownership to identify a General Manager who thrives in dynamic hospitality environments and understands how to align guest experience, team culture, and financial performance. This leader will guide a multi-department resort style operation while helping position the property for its next phase of growth. The right candidate will combine operational discipline, entrepreneurial thinking, and a genuine passion for hospitality.

This role oversees the full scope of property operations including hospitality services, guest programming, grounds and facilities, retail offerings, and team leadership across multiple departments. The General Manager serves as the strategic operator and cultural leader responsible for ensuring the property consistently delivers exceptional guest experiences while operating with strong financial performance. This position is highly visible and works closely with ownership and senior leadership to help shape the long term direction of the property.

Operational Leadership

• Direct and oversee all departments across the property including hospitality services, guest activities, housekeeping, retail, events, grounds, and leadership teams

• Ensure daily operations consistently meet high standards for guest experience and operational efficiency

• Maintain a strong presence throughout the property to support teams and interact with guests

Guest Experience

• Champion a service culture where guest satisfaction is central to every decision

• Monitor guest feedback metrics and implement strategies that continually elevate the overall experience

• Ensure seamless execution of events, group business, and guest programming

Team Development

• Build and mentor a strong leadership team across departments

• Foster a collaborative, service driven culture focused on accountability and growth

• Identify and develop future leaders within the operation

Financial Performance

• Drive property profitability through thoughtful expense management, labor planning, and revenue optimization

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis in partnership with ownership and leadership

• Identify new opportunities for revenue generation and operational improvement

Strategic Growth

• Support ownership in maximizing the long term potential of the property

• Lead capital improvement initiatives and operational enhancements

• Help position the property competitively within the market

Community & Brand Presence

• Serve as the face of the property with guests, partners, and the local community

• Build relationships that strengthen the property’s reputation and visibility

The ideal candidate is a hands on hospitality leader who enjoys being deeply involved in the day to day experience of a property while also thinking strategically about its future.

• Experience leading operations within resort, destination, or experiential hospitality environments

• A strong understanding of hospitality financials including P&L management, labor planning, and budgeting

• A collaborative leadership style built on accountability, mentorship, and servant leadership

• A reputation for building strong teams and developing leaders

• Comfort operating in fast moving environments where priorities shift and growth opportunities emerge

• Excellent communication and relationship building skills

Salary - $115K - $125K

Benefits and Bonus

email thomas@geckohospitality.com for more info