Director of Operations

Graduate By Hilton Storrs

Position Summary:

The Director of Operations provides strategic and hands-on leadership across the hotel’s day-to-day operations, with a strong focus on Food & Beverage (F&B). Working closely with the General Manager, this role helps deliver exceptional guest experiences, achieve financial targets, support team development, and uphold Hilton brand standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Hotel Operations & General Manager Support

• Support the General Manager in executing the hotel’s business plan, operating strategy, and service standards.

• Oversee daily operations across assigned departments, ensuring effective coordination and consistent service.

• Act as the General Manager’s delegate when needed, helping resolve operational issues and maintain leadership coverage.

• Review guest feedback, service scores, and operational results; lead follow-up actions and continuous improvement.

• Ensure compliance with Hilton brand requirements, company policies, health and safety regulations, and local laws.

• Participate in budgeting, forecasting, labor planning, and capital planning.

• Food & Beverage Operations

• Lead F&B outlets and services, which may include restaurants, bars, banquets and catering.

• Drive revenue, profitability, productivity, and cost control through effective menu, labor, purchasing, and inventory practices.

• Maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, cleanliness, and guest service.

• Partner with culinary leaders to plan menus, promotions, and seasonal offerings that fit the hotel’s guest profile and brand.

• Oversee F&B service recovery and use guest feedback to improve the dining experience.

• Ensure food safety, responsible alcohol service, and required licensing and sanitation standards.

• Build strong relationships with suppliers and monitor purchasing practices and product quality.

• Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, train, coach, and retain department leaders and team members.

• Set clear performance expectations and promote accountability, collaboration, and a positive workplace culture.

• Identify development opportunities and support succession planning across operations.

• Communicate priorities and performance results effectively to hotel teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.

• 3+ years of experience in a similar role in a hospitality environment

• Significant hotel operations leadership experience, including responsibility for F&B.

• Experience managing budgets, labor, revenue, and departmental costs.

• Familiarity with Hilton brand standards and hotel operating systems is an advantage.

• Relevant food safety and alcohol-service certifications, or willingness to obtain them.

• Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.

• Demonstrated F&B operational expertise and commercial awareness.

• Ability to interpret financial reports and turn results into practical action plans.

• Sound judgment, organization, and problem-solving under pressure.

• Guest-focused approach and confidence handling service recovery.

• Strong knowledge of food safety, workplace safety, and regulatory compliance.

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and operationally critical shifts as required.

• Equal Opportunity Employer

• This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

• For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

• Graduate By Hilton Storrs

• Hotel with 100 Rooms

• Welcome to Storrs

• Graduate Storrs immerses you in local history, legends, and Husky traditions, with creative interiors that capture the spirit of Storrs. Located on the University of Connecticut campus and a short walk to the town's top spots, our hotel is the perfect base for exploring. Enjoy inspired guest rooms, our Trophy Room restaurant, and signature Graduate touches throughout.