General Manager | Bell Harbor Conference Center & World Trade Center

Columbia Hospitality•Seattle, WA

2d•$165,000 - $185,000

About The Position

Columbia Hospitality is seeking a General Manager to lead Bell Harbor International Conference Center and World Trade Center Seattle. The role is accountable for exceptional financial performance, operational excellence, and guest and team-member engagement. The General Manager partners closely with the founder, ownership, and corporate leadership; manages high-level stakeholder relationships; engages VIP clients and government and community partners; and builds strong client and team relationships. This is a high-profile position requiring a hands-on leadership style and the ability to advance both properties in the marketplace. The General Manager provides overall direction and leadership across both properties, guiding department leaders and aligning operations with company values, service standards, and business objectives. The position leads group sales strategy and key client relationships, serves as an executive contact for VIP clients and events, and represents the properties with government, community, industry, and public-relations stakeholders. It also oversees budgets, forecasts, financial plans, pricing, revenue and expense strategies, reporting, capital planning, compliance, and property assets. The role develops and supports department leaders and works with People & Culture and Learning & Development on staffing, training, succession planning, and an inclusive team culture. Bell Harbor is a waterfront conference venue in Seattle with 18 meeting rooms totaling 100,000 square feet and capacity for up to 6,000 guests. Additional venues offered through its sales team include Smith Cove Cruise Terminal and the Maritime Event Center.

Requirements

At least 10 years of progressive hospitality leadership experience, including at least five years as a General Manager or equivalent senior operational leader at a property or venue of comparable complexity and service expectations.
Demonstrated success leading upscale hotels, conference centers, event venues, or other hospitality operations with significant group, event, and food and beverage business.
Experience managing relationships with founders, owners, senior executives, VIP clients, and other influential stakeholders.
Ability to represent an organization effectively with government officials, community leaders, industry partners, and public-facing stakeholders.
Accountability for financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, expense management, revenue generation, and financial statement analysis.
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and translating strategic priorities into consistent operational execution.
Working knowledge of applicable Seattle and Washington State laws, codes, and regulations relevant to property operations.
Executive presence and relationship-building skills to establish credibility and trust across a broad range of stakeholders.
Judgment, diplomacy, and discretion in handling confidential information, competing priorities, and sensitive business matters.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparing business correspondence, reports, presentations, contracts, and operational documents.
Ability to present financial results, operational priorities, and business recommendations clearly to executive and ownership audiences.
Commercial acumen and negotiation skills to evaluate opportunities and balance service commitments with business objectives.
A proven track record of leading groups of individuals to operational success.
Strong organizational, analytical, and decision-making skills, including the ability to anticipate challenges and deliver results in a complex, fast-paced environment.
A collaborative, accountable leadership style combining strategic perspective with engagement in day-to-day operations.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business, or a related field.
Experience overseeing multiple venues, major capital projects, renovations, or significant operational improvements.
Experience with independent, boutique, upscale, or lifestyle hospitality operations.

Responsibilities

Provide overall direction, coordination, and leadership for Bell Harbor International Conference Center and World Trade Center Seattle, aligning departments with company values, service standards, and business objectives.
Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior leadership and ownership representatives through proactive communication, sound judgment, and follow-through.
Lead group sales outreach, key account relationships, negotiations, and business development.
Serve as a primary executive contact for VIP clients and high-profile events, ensuring personalized service, coordination, and execution.
Represent both properties with government officials, community organizations, industry associations, and public-relations partners.
Navigate sensitive stakeholder concerns, government relations matters, and reputational issues in partnership with senior leadership and appropriate internal resources.
Maintain a visible, hands-on leadership presence and hold department leaders accountable for operational readiness, service quality, and resolution of concerns.
Promote a “YES”-centric culture that empowers team members to deliver excellent experiences for guests, clients, team members, and owners.
Oversee coordination between sales, event planning, and operations so client commitments align with operational capabilities.
Lead annual operating budgets, forecasts, and financial plans for both properties.
Establish and monitor annual operating goals, objectives, and key results while balancing financial performance, guest and team-member experience, and infrastructure needs.
Develop profitability strategies with department leaders to achieve revenue goals, manage expenses, improve productivity, and support positive financial results.
Partner with sales, marketing, and accounting on pricing strategies and evaluation of business opportunities and significant contractual commitments.
Review and approve operating expenses and capital expenditures within established authority, and ensure accurate and timely financial and operational reporting.
Protect and enhance property assets through maintenance, security, emergency preparedness, and capital improvement planning.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, codes, regulations, company policies, and operating standards.
Analyze guest, client, and team-member feedback and lead improvements to service delivery, operational effectiveness, and satisfaction.
Select, develop, coach, and support department leaders, setting expectations and providing performance feedback and accountability.
Partner with People & Culture and Learning & Development on staffing, training, succession planning, and an inclusive, engaged team-member culture.
Model and promote Columbia Hospitality’s values of Accountability, Creativity, Enthusiasm, Honesty, Inclusion, and Respect.

Benefits

Cellphone allowance
Incentive eligibility
Daily pay option
Paid time off and holiday pay
Medical, dental, vision, and disability benefits
401(k)
HSA/FSA plans with employer contribution
Referral bonus
Discounted lodging, dining, spa, golf, and retail
Employee Assistance Program
Volunteer opportunities
Committee participation opportunities
Task force work opportunities
Online learning platform
Third-party discounts, including pet insurance, rental cars, movie and concert tickets, and attractions