The General Manager of the Villa Graziadio Executive Center is responsible for overseeing the overall operations of the on-campus, full-service guestroom and conference facility, with a strong emphasis on driving external sales, ensuring hospitality to all guests, and representing Pepperdine’s mission.

Bringing excellence to all aspects of work, and serving as a primary representative of the Villa Graziadio Executive Center, the General Manager ensures seamless, high-quality experiences and fosters strong relationships with all guests. This role requires a strategic leader with expertise in hospitality management, event operations, sales, and customer service.

Duties

• Leadership and Management: Lead and manage a team across all operational areas, including guest services, reservations, event coordination, sales, finance, facilities management, compliance, etc. Ensure all operations run efficiently and the team consistently delivers exceptional customer service. Responsibilities include:
  • Oversee the management of guest rooms, ensuring occupancy rates are maximized and guests receive excellent service.
  • Ensure seamless operations for conferences, including room preparations and bookings, AV setup, catering coordination, and any additional client needs.
  • Work closely with Pepperdine University leadership to align Villa Graziadio Executive Center's operations with the broader goals of the University.
  • Develop and implement long-term strategies to enhance the guest and client experience while driving sustained revenue growth.
  • Ensure compliance with local regulations, health and safety standards, and University policies, while maintaining a high level of operational excellence. 
• External Sales: Drive revenue through external sales by developing and executing strategies to attract external business for conferences, events, and guest retention. Build and maintain a strong sales pipeline to drive occupancy of guest rooms and event spaces. 
• Client and Guest Relations: Serve as the primary point of contact for internal University departments and external clients, proactively ensuring a high standard of service and attention to detail. Must maintain professional dress and attire. 
• Financial Oversight: Manage Villa Graziadio Executive Center's financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and oversee financial reporting, while controlling costs to meet financial goals. Analyze performance metrics and implement strategies for continued growth and profitability. 
• Facilities: Ensure facilities, including guest rooms, meeting spaces, and common areas, are well-maintained and provide a welcoming environment for all guests. Submit work orders, and coordinate with University facilities teams and external vendors, to address any maintenance or improvement needs. 
• Emergency Response: Serve as the primary point of contact for emergency response situations, ensuring the safety and well-being of guests and staff by coordinating emergency response protocols, communicating with University leadership and partners, and leading the team during crisis situations to ensure swift and effective action. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 
• Uphold the University mission through all work performed. 

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 5+ years of relevant experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to develop and manage a high-performing team
• Expertise in managing large-scale conferences, events, and guest accommodations
• Proven experience driving external sales and managing relationships with external clients
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, revenue management, and cost control
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively
• Strong knowledge of sales strategies, event management software, and hospitality systems
  
  

Preferred:

• Education in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field
• Experience in hospitality management, including a leadership role overseeing event/conference operations, guest rooms, and sales
• Experience with Opera hotel management software system and FreedomPay payment system
• Familiarity with Pepperdine University
• Experience or background in faith-based higher education
  
  

Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

This is a Regular, Exempt, 40 hour per week position.

Expected Pay Range: $95,000 - $110,000 per year 

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.