Managing Director

Black Desert Resort•Ivins, UT

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Black Desert Resort is an ultra-premium destination resort in Southern Utah, delivering luxury hospitality experiences across accommodations, signature dining, outdoor adventure, private club amenities, and large-scale resort activations. The property continues to evolve with major developments including a pickleball complex, water park, and the Cove & Boardwalk district. The Managing Director serves as the senior-most leader of the resort, responsible for overall operational, financial, and cultural success of the property, excluding golf operations. The Managing Director is responsible for the full operating success of Black Desert Resort, leading all aspects of the property including sales and marketing, operations, engineering, People Services, and club/membership experience. This role guides the execution of the resort’s vision, positioning the property within the luxury market while achieving financial, operational, and guest experience goals established by ownership. This position also plays a critical role in driving ongoing development and expansion of the resort, ensuring new amenities and experiences are successfully integrated into operations and guest offerings. The Managing Director leads the Executive Committee to deliver distinctive, memorable service and exceptional operational standards, while fostering a high-performing, experience-driven culture.

Requirements

10+ years of senior leadership experience in luxury resort or comparable hospitality environments.
Proven success as a General Manager or Managing Director of a resort or destination property.
Experience working with ownership groups and asset management structures.
Strong financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management.
Deep understanding of sales, marketing, revenue management, and guest experience strategy.
Experience leading large, multi-department teams in complex and evolving operational environments.
Demonstrated ability to lead through development, openings, and expansion projects.
Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience overseeing club or membership-based operations preferred.
Experience in resort, amenity-rich, club, or outdoor-driven destinations preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead all aspects of resort operations excluding golf, including sales and marketing, food and beverage, rooms, engineering, People Services, and club/membership operations.
Establish and execute strategic direction to position the resort effectively within the luxury and destination market.
Achieve financial performance targets including revenue, profitability, and operational efficiency aligned with the annual business plan.
Develop and implement strategic and tactical plans to drive business growth and enhance guest experience.
Provide accurate forecasting, budgeting, and financial oversight, ensuring strong cost control and margin performance.
Lead the Executive Committee to deliver consistent, high-quality operational and service standards.
Serve as the primary relationship leader with ownership, ensuring alignment, transparency, and trust.
Drive the development, positioning, and execution of the resort’s private club and membership experience, ensuring it is a differentiated and high-value offering.
Lead integration and operational readiness of new developments including pickleball facilities, water park, and Cove & Boardwalk district.
Partner with ownership and development teams to support ongoing construction, expansion, and phased openings across the resort.
Ensure new amenities and experiences are aligned with brand standards, operational capabilities, and guest expectations.
Foster a high-performing, service-driven culture rooted in accountability, teamwork, and excellence.
Represent the resort within the local community, regionally, and nationally.
Drive guest satisfaction, reputation management, and service excellence across all touchpoints.
Champion experience-driven programming including culinary, events, outdoor adventure, and resort activations.
Ensure the resort is operated safely, securely, and in compliance with all company policies and legal requirements.
Lead organizational development efforts including recruiting, retaining, and developing high-performing leadership talent.
Manage organizational change effectively, driving continuous improvement and operational evolution.
Oversee sales strategy including group, leisure, and transient business mix optimization.
Direct marketing, branding, and public relations efforts to differentiate the property in a competitive landscape.
Maintain strong understanding of revenue management strategies and market positioning.
Oversee development and execution of annual operating and capital budgets.
Align property goals with ownership and company objectives to ensure long-term success.
Promote a culture of integrity, professionalism, and ethical leadership.
Perform other duties as assigned.