General manager – leading hotel chain (holbox island, mexico)
location:
holbox island, quintana roo, mexico
position level:
senior management / executive leadership
industry:
luxury hospitality
vacancy:
confidential
about the role
a
leading international hotel chain
is seeking an accomplished, strategic, and service-driven
general manager
to oversee one of its premier boutique luxury properties located on holbox island. This is a key executive role responsible for positioning the hotel as the
top hospitality reference on the island
, delivering exceptional guest experiences, operational excellence, and sustainable profitability.
the general manager will lead the full hotel operation, driving consistency in service, strengthening team culture, optimizing costs, and implementing high-impact processes that elevate quality standards across all departments. This is a highly hands-on position for a leader who thrives in dynamic environments and excels at building strong, motivated teams.
team scope
you will oversee a multidisciplinary team of approximately
70 employees
, including:
front desk, housekeeping, kitchen, restaurants, bars, service staff, maintenance, and administrative areas.
property size:
56 rooms
key responsibilities
operational excellence & process optimization
* improve, systematize, and refine operational procedures to maximize efficiency across all departments.
* ensure strict compliance with international hospitality standards for guest services, housekeeping, f&b, and overall hotel operations.
leadership & people development
* guide department heads through structured coaching and performance management.
* build a disciplined, collaborative work environment grounded in the company's values: respect, integrity, hospitality, and guest commitment.
* implement continuous learning programs to enhance skills and promote internal career development.
service quality & guest experience
* ensure every guest interaction exceeds expectations through proactive service and real-time problem resolution.
* design and promote differentiated guest experiences (culinary, wellness, cultural, rooftop, local tours) that strengthen the hotel's positioning.
financial & resource management
* oversee budgets, cost controls, inventory management, and resource allocation to ensure a profitable and sustainable operation.
* monitor kpis and financial performance to support strategic decision-making.
maintenance & infrastructure management
* supervise preventive and corrective maintenance to preserve the property's infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted operation.
risk management & island operations
* anticipate and mitigate risks related to weather events, power or water outages, supply-chain delays, and safety protocols typical of an island environment.
* ensure clear emergency procedures and business continuity plans are executed effectively.
cross-functional communication & coordination
* establish strong communication channels between all departments to align goals, ensure accountability, and maintain operational consistency.
strategic projects & continuous improvement
* lead renovation, expansion, and innovation projects aligned with the long-term vision of the property and the hotel chain.
ideal candidate profile
professional & personal attributes
* career-oriented, motivated, and ready for the next step in hotel leadership.
* fully available to live on holbox island (housing support provided).
* flexible lifestyle suited to island living (ideal for single candidates; family relocation possible with arrangements in cancún or playa del carmen).
* strong leadership presence, high resilience, and solution-oriented mindset.
* highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to service excellence.
* strong communication skills in
english and spanish
.
requirements
* minimum
2 years of experience as general manager
in a luxury hotel, or
* solid experience as
rooms division director
,
operations director
, or similar operational leadership role preparing for general management.
* bachelor's degree in hospitality management, tourism, business administration, or related fields (preferred, not mandatory).
* strong background in budgeting, inventory management, cost control, and hotel kpis.
* advanced conversational english (spoken and written).
* proven ability to lead large teams (minimum 40 employees).
* ability to work rotating schedules, including holidays and peak seasons.
* willingness to reside in a remote island environment.
key competencies
* executive leadership:
inspires, guides, and elevates teams through clear direction and high expectations.
* real-time problem solving:
quick decision-making under pressure.
* process discipline:
organized, structured, and able to implement replicable systems.
* financial acumen:
strong command of budgeting, cost control, and financial kpis.
* adaptability:
capable of operating effectively in a coastal/island context.
* communication excellence:
clear and direct communication with guests, staff, and stakeholders.
compensation & conditions
* base salary:
$50,000 – $70,000 mxn monthly
* benefits:
legal benefits + housing support of $10,000 mxn monthly
* payment schedule:
bi-weekly
* contract type:
permanent, full-time
* work modality:
on-site, holbox island
* schedule:
rotating, starting at 9:00 a.m. through operational closing, including holidays and high-season periods
comparable island destinations
relevant experience in the following locations is considered a strong advantage:
* isla mujeres – quintana roo
* cozumel – quintana roo
* mahahual (costa maya) – quintana roo
* acapulco – guerrero
* puerto escondido – oaxaca
* puerto vallarta – jalisco