Assistant General Manager

Pahara Institute•Lone Rock, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant General Manager (AGM) is the senior on-site operator responsible for executing the campus experience with consistency, discipline, and excellence every day. This role translates the strategic direction set by the EVP into high-quality, reliable operations across all aspects of the Lone Rock campus. The AGM holds total property oversight in partnership with executive leadership and serves as the on-the-ground operator responsible for bringing the campus experience to life. This includes direct leadership of Maintenance, Facilities, and Culinary, with a collaborative (dotted line) partnership with Sales and Events to ensure exceptional program execution. This role is primarily scheduled to work afternoon and evening hours (approximately 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM)—a critical window that aligns with peak guest activity, dining service, and program transitions—ensuring strong leadership presence during the moments that matter most in the guest experience. The ideal candidate brings a strong hotel food & beverage background in addition to total operations oversight, deep operational discipline, and a passion for hospitality in a mission-driven environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business, or related field required
5–10+ years of leadership experience in hospitality, hotels, retreat centers, or similar environments
Strong background in food & beverage and/or full-service operations
Proven ability to manage complex, high-touch operations with multiple moving parts
Demonstrated success in team leadership and performance management
Demonstrated success in budget management and cost control
Demonstrated success in real-time problem solving under pressure
Strong operational discipline, attention to detail, and follow-through
Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
Comfort with operational systems (PMS, scheduling, inventory, etc.)
Superior written and verbal communication abilities
Experience building and leading high-performing teams.
Ability to travel occasionally for organizational meetings and events.
Proficient with HR information systems, PMS, events systems, and relevant technology platforms
Alignment with the organization’s core values

Responsibilities

Own the day-to-day execution of all campus operations, ensuring a seamless and high-quality experience for every guest.
Serve as the primary on-site decision-maker, responsible for real-time problem solving, issue resolution, and operational continuity.
Ensure all retreats, programs, and events are executed on time, on plan, and at standard.
Maintain consistent operational rhythms, including daily stand-ups, shift transitions, and cross-functional coordination.
Enforce and continuously improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure reliability and consistency.
Maintain a strong physical presence across campus, particularly during peak guest activity.
Own execution of the campus operating plan, ensuring strong financial stewardship across all departments.
Monitor and manage labor costs and staffing efficiency, departmental budgets (culinary, facilities, housekeeping, operations), and inventory, purchasing, and vendor spend.
Track and act on key performance indicators, including occupancy and utilization, labor ratios, cost per guest, and guest satisfaction metrics.
Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, margin, and cost control without compromising guest experience.
Ensure accurate tracking, reporting, and adherence to financial processes.
Directly manage campus operational leaders across Culinary, Facilities & Maintenance, and Housekeeping / Guest Services (as applicable).
Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and accountability systems.
Provide hands-on coaching, real-time feedback, and performance management.
Build a culture of ownership, responsiveness, attention to detail, and teamwork under pressure.
Ensure appropriate staffing levels and scheduling aligned to demand.
Support hiring, onboarding, and training with a focus on operational readiness.
Ensure every aspect of the guest journey is executed with precision, warmth, and consistency.
Oversee lodging readiness, dining service, meeting space setup, and campus flow.
Actively engage with guests, address concerns quickly, and resolve issues with professionalism.
Ensure alignment between operations and program teams to deliver a cohesive experience.
Monitor guest feedback and implement improvements in real time.
Partner with Sales and Events teams to operationalize all bookings and program plans.
Translate program requirements into clear execution plans across departments.
Ensure alignment on group logistics, staffing plans, space utilization, and dining and schedule coordination.
Lead on-site execution of events, particularly during critical transitions.
Ensure campus is consistently clean, safe, and fully operational.
Oversee preventative maintenance and timely resolution of all facility issues.
Enforce all safety protocols, including emergency response procedures, wildlife safety, and general risk management.
Serve as on-site lead during emergencies and incidents.
Ensure readiness of all guest-facing and back-of-house spaces at all times.