General Manager (Pre-Opening), Hampton Inn & Suites, Baton Rouge, LA

Candlewood Suites - Gonzales, LA•Baton Rouge, LA

About The Position

Athena Hospitality Group is hiring a General Manager to lead the pre-opening and ongoing operations of a new Hampton Inn & Suites in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Scheduled to open in March 2027, the hotel’s General Manager will prepare the property for its first guests by building the team, establishing systems and procedures, and shaping the hotel’s culture. The role works with construction, operations, and corporate teams to meet opening milestones and fulfill Hilton brand opening requirements. After opening, the General Manager leads all departments and ensures the property meets Hilton and Athena standards. The General Manager is responsible for financial performance, including reviewing financial statements, managing labor budgets, controlling costs, and pursuing revenue opportunities. The role also partners with sales to develop local corporate, government, and university accounts, and oversees accounting functions such as payables, receivables, payroll, banking, and period-end processes. The General Manager maintains a safe and clean property, including key control and OSHA compliance. The position requires flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays when business needs require it, and the ability to lift up to 40 pounds and use a computer and standard office equipment.

Requirements

At least 5 years of hotel operations experience, including 3 or more years in management.
Confidence with financial statements, budgets, and labor planning.
Accountable, people-oriented leadership style.
Strong in-person and written communication skills.
Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays when business needs require it.
High school diploma or GED.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
Ability to use a computer and standard office equipment.

Nice To Haves

Pre-opening or new-build hotel experience.
Hilton brand experience.
A degree in hospitality or business.

Responsibilities

Lead the pre-opening plan with construction, operations, and corporate teams, ensuring milestones are met.
Recruit, hire, and train the full opening team.
Complete Hilton brand opening requirements and prepare the hotel for its first guest.
Establish vendor relationships, operating systems, and property procedures.
Lead every department after opening and uphold Hilton and Athena standards.
Review financials, manage the labor budget, control costs, and capture revenue opportunities.
Partner with sales to develop local corporate, government, and university accounts before opening.
Oversee payables, receivables, payroll, banking, and period-end accounting functions.
Maintain a safe and clean property, including a strong key control program and OSHA compliance.