OPT Hotel Operations Manager Jobs
Hotel Operations Manager jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with hospitality degrees, since most roles require a directly related bachelor's or master's degree, exactly what OPT demands. Your 12-month authorization window is enough to clear a typical 60- to 90-day hiring process and demonstrate value before your employer considers H-1B visa sponsorship.
Find OPT Hotel Operations Manager JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 22+ Hotel Operations Manager jobs
See all Hotel Operations Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Hotel Operations Manager roles.
Get Access To All JobsWhy us?
Sage Hospitality Group is set to hire a General Manager to join us at the NEW Margaritaville in Savanaha, GA! Margaritaville is so much more than just a place to rest your head — after all, life is a journey. Whether your idea of paradise is relaxing with a massage, getting out on the water, or exploring nature’s beauty, we’ve got everything under the sun, sky and tide.
As part of Sage Hospitality Group, we passionately strive to be the best and create excellence in everything we do. We believe in enriching lives one experience at a time. More than a slogan, we empower our employees to make positive impacts on the communities in which we live and work. By providing genuine service we build relationships with our guests and value for our shareholders, and we create unforgettable experiences.
We are looking for independent thinkers. Those who harness their entrepreneurial spirit so that it breaks preconceived notions. We’re not afraid to forge our own path. After all, it’s what industry leaders do. That’s why we welcome risk takers and creative spirits alike. No matter your daily role, Sage recognizes that your success is about more than the work you do—it’s really about who you are, which is why we invest in your personal and professional growth. We hope you consider joining us!
Job Overview
Overall management responsibility for the operation of the hotel including profitability, guest service, product quality, and overall cleanliness and maintenance of the hotel property. Operation of the hotel will be within the framework of approved 1) annual budget, 2) annual marketing plan, 3) annual capital expenditure plan, 4) annual wage plan, and always within the framework of all Company policies and procedures.
Responsibilities:
Executive Committee
- Lead the Executive Committee utilizing a participative style: be readily available and effectively communicate with each member, coordinate the operation of each individual's department and special projects, and assist in identifying problems and solutions.
- Guide the committee in dealing with the hotel's problems and opportunities in order to best serve the financial interests of the property.
Operating Budget
- Development of annual operating budget which will serve as an operating plan and define required levels of achievement.
- Assure achievement of annual budget in revenues, costs and profits through accounting diligence and expenditure controls and proficient accounting practices.
Departmental Objectives
- Set written priorities and key objectives for each department head quarterly including action plan and completion date.
- Follow up to assure successful implementation and follow-through and take corrective action in the event of failure to meet assigned objectives.
Forecasting
- Monthly forecasting of operating staff and cost expenditures.
- Business planning in line with forecasted sales and costs including guidance to department heads.
P & L Statement Critique
- Monthly review of financial statement in order to correct problems, assure spending is in line and to plan for future business.
- Review and approve all expenses in "other expense" categories in all departments.
- Regularly review all major expenses to assure that monies are wisely expended.
Staff Relations
- Develop a high level of esprit de corps and loyalty to the hotel and to the company in order to reduce turnover and increase employee morale.
- Communicate, counsel and assist in staff development.
- Be visible and available to all hourly personnel in accordance with the Company's open door policy.
- Attend monthly department employee meetings whenever possible.
Staff Evaluation
- Conduct performance appraisal and personal development plans for management staff.
- Identify substandard performance of individual managers and outline improvement action, including taking corrective or disciplinary measures.
Staff Hiring
- Assure level of experience, knowledge and ability to meet job requirements of all hotel management.
Cost Controls
- Review controls and assure adherence at all times in order to protect the hotel's property/assets.
Wage and Salary Administration
- Review all wage and salary increases assuring compliance with wage scales and compensation philosophies as outlined in the Company's management manuals.
Future Business
- Quarterly review of future bookings of room nights and banquet sales, early identification of weak periods, implementing yield management practices.
Pricing
- Quarterly review of pricing including review of cost increases and competitive pricing in room rates, restaurant, lounge and banquet areas.
- Assure recommendation and implementation of price increases on a timely basis.
Inspection
- Regular personal inspection of guest rooms, public areas, back of house, banquet function set-ups. Assure that written lists are developed of corrective actions required for implementation by housekeeping, maintenance and operating departments.
- Guest service through leadership and example, establish a friendly, courteous, service-oriented approach to guests that is exhibited by all hotel employees.
- Establish and implement guest service standards for all departments, periodically review, identify problems and corrective actions.
Property Maintenance
- Assure that an on-going program is followed in regular repair and upkeep of the facility, landscape and equipment by developing and implementing a preventive maintenance program.
Marketing Plan
- Development of annual sales and marketing plan.
- Monitor implementation of marketing plan action steps.
Sales Management
- Regular review of sales solicitation activities, room nights productivity and group room rates sold by the sales department.
- Regularly review individual productivity taking corrective action and guiding as needed.
- Evaluate market mix and take action in order to best position the hotel for increased business.
- Involvement in sales solicitation of key accounts by reviewing contracts, meeting with sales department, visit key account contacts in person and by phone.
Food and Beverage Promotion
- Monitor the success of F&B promotion programs. Take corrective actions as required.
- Monitor sales levels in order to take steps to reverse negative sales trends.
Credit
- Maintain credit policies at Front Office, Sales and Catering.
- Attend credit meetings and assist in developing action plans, supervise collections of major accounts, review of aging reports and approval of write-offs.
Front Office Management
- Regular review of Front Office results in order to maximize room revenue.
- Identify problem areas and initiate solutions.
Community Relations
- Represent the hotel within the local community, positioning the hotel as a good corporate citizen that is involved and supportive of community affairs.
Policies and Procedures
- Assure that all Company policies and procedures are fully implemented throughout the hotel.
Qualifications
Education/Formal Training
A four-year college degree or equivalent education/experience.
Experience
Previous experience as General Manager or Assistant General Manager at a similar size and type of hotel, previous experience as Department Head at same facility.
Knowledge/Skills
- Requires advanced knowledge of the hospitality and business management fields.
- Requires considerable working knowledge of other major areas and the skill to integrate and communicate that information.
- Requires studying, analyzing and interpreting complex activities or information in order to improve known practices or develop new approaches.
- Ability to make decisions with only general policies and procedures for guidance and keeping the General Manager informed of general direction.
- Requires highly developed communication skills to frequently negotiate, convince, sell and influence other managerial personnel, hotel guests and/or corporate clients.
- Must have excellent speech and written skills in order to communicate with managers, guests and employees.
- Must have excellent literacy skills necessary for reports, policies and procedures.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Must have vision ability in order to visually inspect hotel.
- Must have mobility to walk through the front and the back of the hotel.
- Climbing approximately 20-30 steps 10% of the week.
- Physically able to regularly inspect all areas of interior and exterior of facility.
Environment
General office and hotel environment.
Benefits:
- Eligible to participate in Sage bonus plan
- Unlimited paid time off
- Medical, dental, & vision insurance
- Eligible to participate in the Company’s 401(k) program with employer matching
- Health savings and flexible spending accounts
- Basic Life and AD&D insurance
- Company-paid short-term disability
- Paid FMLA leave for up to a period of 12 weeks
- Employee Assistance Program
- Great discounts on Hotels, Restaurants, and much more.
- Eligible to participate in the Employee Referral Bonus Program. Up to $1,000 per referral.
Why us?
Sage Hospitality Group is set to hire a General Manager to join us at the NEW Margaritaville in Savanaha, GA! Margaritaville is so much more than just a place to rest your head — after all, life is a journey. Whether your idea of paradise is relaxing with a massage, getting out on the water, or exploring nature’s beauty, we’ve got everything under the sun, sky and tide.
As part of Sage Hospitality Group, we passionately strive to be the best and create excellence in everything we do. We believe in enriching lives one experience at a time. More than a slogan, we empower our employees to make positive impacts on the communities in which we live and work. By providing genuine service we build relationships with our guests and value for our shareholders, and we create unforgettable experiences.
We are looking for independent thinkers. Those who harness their entrepreneurial spirit so that it breaks preconceived notions. We’re not afraid to forge our own path. After all, it’s what industry leaders do. That’s why we welcome risk takers and creative spirits alike. No matter your daily role, Sage recognizes that your success is about more than the work you do—it’s really about who you are, which is why we invest in your personal and professional growth. We hope you consider joining us!
Job Overview
Overall management responsibility for the operation of the hotel including profitability, guest service, product quality, and overall cleanliness and maintenance of the hotel property. Operation of the hotel will be within the framework of approved 1) annual budget, 2) annual marketing plan, 3) annual capital expenditure plan, 4) annual wage plan, and always within the framework of all Company policies and procedures.
Responsibilities:
Executive Committee
- Lead the Executive Committee utilizing a participative style: be readily available and effectively communicate with each member, coordinate the operation of each individual's department and special projects, and assist in identifying problems and solutions.
- Guide the committee in dealing with the hotel's problems and opportunities in order to best serve the financial interests of the property.
Operating Budget
- Development of annual operating budget which will serve as an operating plan and define required levels of achievement.
- Assure achievement of annual budget in revenues, costs and profits through accounting diligence and expenditure controls and proficient accounting practices.
Departmental Objectives
- Set written priorities and key objectives for each department head quarterly including action plan and completion date.
- Follow up to assure successful implementation and follow-through and take corrective action in the event of failure to meet assigned objectives.
Forecasting
- Monthly forecasting of operating staff and cost expenditures.
- Business planning in line with forecasted sales and costs including guidance to department heads.
P & L Statement Critique
- Monthly review of financial statement in order to correct problems, assure spending is in line and to plan for future business.
- Review and approve all expenses in "other expense" categories in all departments.
- Regularly review all major expenses to assure that monies are wisely expended.
Staff Relations
- Develop a high level of esprit de corps and loyalty to the hotel and to the company in order to reduce turnover and increase employee morale.
- Communicate, counsel and assist in staff development.
- Be visible and available to all hourly personnel in accordance with the Company's open door policy.
- Attend monthly department employee meetings whenever possible.
Staff Evaluation
- Conduct performance appraisal and personal development plans for management staff.
- Identify substandard performance of individual managers and outline improvement action, including taking corrective or disciplinary measures.
Staff Hiring
- Assure level of experience, knowledge and ability to meet job requirements of all hotel management.
Cost Controls
- Review controls and assure adherence at all times in order to protect the hotel's property/assets.
Wage and Salary Administration
- Review all wage and salary increases assuring compliance with wage scales and compensation philosophies as outlined in the Company's management manuals.
Future Business
- Quarterly review of future bookings of room nights and banquet sales, early identification of weak periods, implementing yield management practices.
Pricing
- Quarterly review of pricing including review of cost increases and competitive pricing in room rates, restaurant, lounge and banquet areas.
- Assure recommendation and implementation of price increases on a timely basis.
Inspection
- Regular personal inspection of guest rooms, public areas, back of house, banquet function set-ups. Assure that written lists are developed of corrective actions required for implementation by housekeeping, maintenance and operating departments.
- Guest service through leadership and example, establish a friendly, courteous, service-oriented approach to guests that is exhibited by all hotel employees.
- Establish and implement guest service standards for all departments, periodically review, identify problems and corrective actions.
Property Maintenance
- Assure that an on-going program is followed in regular repair and upkeep of the facility, landscape and equipment by developing and implementing a preventive maintenance program.
Marketing Plan
- Development of annual sales and marketing plan.
- Monitor implementation of marketing plan action steps.
Sales Management
- Regular review of sales solicitation activities, room nights productivity and group room rates sold by the sales department.
- Regularly review individual productivity taking corrective action and guiding as needed.
- Evaluate market mix and take action in order to best position the hotel for increased business.
- Involvement in sales solicitation of key accounts by reviewing contracts, meeting with sales department, visit key account contacts in person and by phone.
Food and Beverage Promotion
- Monitor the success of F&B promotion programs. Take corrective actions as required.
- Monitor sales levels in order to take steps to reverse negative sales trends.
Credit
- Maintain credit policies at Front Office, Sales and Catering.
- Attend credit meetings and assist in developing action plans, supervise collections of major accounts, review of aging reports and approval of write-offs.
Front Office Management
- Regular review of Front Office results in order to maximize room revenue.
- Identify problem areas and initiate solutions.
Community Relations
- Represent the hotel within the local community, positioning the hotel as a good corporate citizen that is involved and supportive of community affairs.
Policies and Procedures
- Assure that all Company policies and procedures are fully implemented throughout the hotel.
Qualifications
Education/Formal Training
A four-year college degree or equivalent education/experience.
Experience
Previous experience as General Manager or Assistant General Manager at a similar size and type of hotel, previous experience as Department Head at same facility.
Knowledge/Skills
- Requires advanced knowledge of the hospitality and business management fields.
- Requires considerable working knowledge of other major areas and the skill to integrate and communicate that information.
- Requires studying, analyzing and interpreting complex activities or information in order to improve known practices or develop new approaches.
- Ability to make decisions with only general policies and procedures for guidance and keeping the General Manager informed of general direction.
- Requires highly developed communication skills to frequently negotiate, convince, sell and influence other managerial personnel, hotel guests and/or corporate clients.
- Must have excellent speech and written skills in order to communicate with managers, guests and employees.
- Must have excellent literacy skills necessary for reports, policies and procedures.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Must have vision ability in order to visually inspect hotel.
- Must have mobility to walk through the front and the back of the hotel.
- Climbing approximately 20-30 steps 10% of the week.
- Physically able to regularly inspect all areas of interior and exterior of facility.
Environment
General office and hotel environment.
Benefits:
- Eligible to participate in Sage bonus plan
- Unlimited paid time off
- Medical, dental, & vision insurance
- Eligible to participate in the Company’s 401(k) program with employer matching
- Health savings and flexible spending accounts
- Basic Life and AD&D insurance
- Company-paid short-term disability
- Paid FMLA leave for up to a period of 12 weeks
- Employee Assistance Program
- Great discounts on Hotels, Restaurants, and much more.
- Eligible to participate in the Employee Referral Bonus Program. Up to $1,000 per referral.
See all OPT Hotel Operations Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Hotel Operations Manager Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Hotel Operations Manager
Target multi-property hotel groups over independents
Large hotel groups like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt have dedicated HR and legal teams experienced with OPT and H-1B visa sponsorship. Independent properties rarely have immigration infrastructure in place, making sponsorship conversations far more complicated.
Lead with your OPT start date early in conversations
Hiring managers in hospitality often confuse OPT with complicated visa processes. Clarifying upfront that you're already authorized to work, with a specific end date, removes the biggest objection before it becomes a reason to pass on your application.
Frame your international background as a revenue asset
Hotel groups actively serve global travelers. Your language skills, cultural fluency, and international perspective are directly tied to guest satisfaction scores and repeat bookings, position them as business value, not a personal detail, throughout every interview.
Pursue roles with structured management training programs
Branded hotel chains run formal management development tracks that cycle through rooms, food and beverage, and front office. These rotational programs create clear paper trails of specialty occupation work, which strengthens a future H-1B petition considerably.
Raise H-1B sponsorship before accepting any offer
Don't wait until your OPT is running out. Ask during final-round interviews whether the property has sponsored H-1B visas before. A company that has never sponsored is unlikely to start under deadline pressure, and you need that information early.
Use your STEM OPT extension if your degree qualifies
Hospitality management programs accredited under STEM-designated CIP codes may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO, that extension buys meaningful additional time to secure H-1B sponsorship.
Hotel Operations Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Hotel Operations Manager on F-1 OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in hospitality management, hotel administration, or a closely related field. OPT requires that your job be directly related to your major area of study. A hospitality degree supporting a Hotel Operations Manager role is a straightforward match. Unrelated degrees in fields like computer science would not qualify for this specific job category.
Does a Hotel Operations Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B sponsorship?
Generally yes, provided the position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field like hospitality management or business administration. The key is that the job description must mandate a degree rather than treat one as preferred. Roles that accept any degree field regardless of discipline are harder to support under the specialty occupation standard USCIS applies.
Where can I find Hotel Operations Manager jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters job listings by sponsorship willingness, so you're not wasting applications on employers who won't work with OPT. Searching there surfaces hotel operations roles at companies that have a track record of supporting international candidates through OPT and into H-1B sponsorship.
How much time does my OPT give me to secure sponsorship in a hotel operations role?
Standard OPT provides 12 months of work authorization. H-1B petitions for the April lottery must be filed in March, so your timing relative to the lottery cycle matters significantly. If your OPT starts after April, you'll likely need to work through one full cap season before a petition can be filed on your behalf, making STEM OPT extension eligibility worth investigating immediately.
Are there specific hotel brands more likely to sponsor OPT students in operations roles?
Brands with large corporate structures and global workforces tend to have established immigration programs. Companies like Marriott International, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG have all filed H-1B petitions for hospitality management roles in past years, which you can verify through publicly available Department of Labor disclosure data. Smaller boutique properties and regional independents file far less frequently.