Area Manager - Chicago (Project Management)
MUST RESIDE IN EITHER CHICAGO, IL OR INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA AREAS
Ready to lead with vision and elevate teams across multiple hotels?
Were looking for a strategic, people-first Area Manager to guide and grow high-performing General Managers. Ideal for hospitality, restaurant, or retail leaders who thrive in the field, love mentoring others, and are ready to make an impact in the organization.
$80K$90K salary annually.PTO, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance available. 401k available.
Job Description
Job Title: Area Manager
Reports to: Regional Vice President
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Multi-Unit, Field Based (Regular Travel Required)
Direct Reports: 5-8 General Managers
Salary Range: $80,000 - $90,000 annually
Department: Property Operations
JOB SUMMARY:
The Area Manager is responsible for providing operational leadership to 5-8 hotel General Managers across multiple geographic markets. This role ensures each property consistently meets company performance standards in areas including financial results, guest satisfaction, cleanliness, safety, staffing, and compliance. The Area Manager serves as a mentor, coach, and partner to General Managers and their teams, helping to drive strategic goals while maintaining operational excellence. This is a field-based position that requires travel up to 75% of the time.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead, coach, and support General Managers to achieve property-level goals related to revenue, occupancy, guest satisfaction, expense control, and team development.
Conduct regular site visits and operational audits to ensure consistency and adherence to company standards, safety protocols, and brand guidelines.
Analyze financial reports across all assigned hotels and provide strategic direction to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
Monitor and guide General Managers on labor, payroll, and scheduling practices to optimize workforce planning while remaining within budget.
Champion operational initiatives across multiple properties, including sales campaigns, renovations, technology rollouts, or brand standards updates.
Collaborate with the Regional Vice President and other company leaders to establish performance targets and execute companywide programs at the field level.
Ensure General Managers maintain compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal employment laws and health and safety regulations.
Provide direct coaching and developmental feedback to General Managers, including performance evaluations and succession planning.
Support General Managers in handling complex employee relations issues, disciplinary actions, and investigations as needed.
Ensure proper execution of hiring, onboarding, training, and compliance processes across all assigned hotels.
Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, integrity, and guest-first hospitality.
Lead recruiting efforts for General Manager roles and other key leadership positions when vacancies occur.
Partner with hotel teams to monitor and improve guest experience metrics using feedback, surveys, and online review data.
Respond promptly to serious incidents or emergencies at hotel locations, assisting with crisis management, legal reporting, and company communications as needed.
Ensure regular follow-up and corrective action from inspections, audits, or brand quality assurance visits.
Maintain strong knowledge of market conditions, competitors, and local trends across assigned regions.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
3+ years of multi-unit leadership experience, preferably in hospitality, restaurants, retail, or service-based industries.
Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and hold field leaders accountable across multiple sites.
Strong business acumen, with proven success in managing P&Ls, labor strategies, and revenue generation.
Ability to interpret financial and operational data to drive decision-making.
High emotional intelligence with excellent communication, facilitation, and conflict-resolution skills.
Working knowledge of employment regulations and compliance practices across multiple states.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams).
Bachelors degree preferred, in Hospitality Management, Business, or a related field. Equivalent experience considered. High School Diploma or equivalent required.
EXPECTATIONS:
Must reside within the area with reliable access to major transportation routes.
Frequent travel required, up to 75% of the year, including extended stays at hotel locations and unanticipated travel with minimal notice.
Work schedule may vary based on business needs, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license and Real ID-compliant identification
Must have reliable transportation and be able to travel between hotel locations.
Must be able to travel by commercial airlines, as needed.
Must maintain a professional appearance suitable for hospitality and executive field leadership.
Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and company policy.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be able to use a computer and phone for extended periods.
Must be able to stand, walk, and climb stairs for long periods.
Must be able to use hands, bend, stoop, kneel, and lift/move up to 25 pounds alone and up to 100 pounds with assistance.
Must have the ability to detect odors such as smoke, gas, or strong cleaning chemicals to help ensure a safe environment for guests and staff.
Must have vision abilities including close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception, as well as the ability to adjust focus.
Must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
J&P Hospitality Management is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants based on race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, or veteran status. J&P participates in E-Verify.
