General Manager-Candlewood Suites – Hattiesburg, Mississippi

General Manager

Candlewood Suites – Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Position Summary

The General Manager (GM) is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational performance of the hotel. This includes driving revenue, maximizing profitability, ensuring exceptional guest satisfaction, and maintaining compliance with brand standards and company policies.

As the on-site leader, the GM oversees all departments including Front Office, Housekeeping, Maintenance, and Sales, while fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and service excellence aligned with the extended-stay experience .

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership
• Oversee daily hotel operations ensuring smooth and efficient performance across all departments
• Ensure full compliance with brand standards, SOPs, and quality assurance audits
• Maintain high levels of cleanliness, maintenance, and overall property condition
• Monitor service delivery to ensure strong guest satisfaction scores (GSS)
• Financial Performance & Profitability
• Drive revenue growth through effective pricing, occupancy strategies, and market positioning
• Manage hotel P&L, including labor costs, expenses, and GOP performance
• Develop and execute annual budgets and forecasts
• Optimize labor scheduling to align with business demand
• Sales & Revenue Management
• Partner with Sales and Revenue teams to drive occupancy and ADR
• Build relationships with local businesses, extended-stay clients, and corporate accounts
• Monitor STR reports and key metrics such as RevPAR, RGI, and market share
• Identify new revenue opportunities specific to extended-stay guests
• Team Leadership & Culture
• Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing team
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and performance-driven work environment
• Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching, and succession planning
• Ensure compliance with all HR policies, labor laws, and employee relations practices
• Guest Experience
• Ensure consistent delivery of exceptional guest service aligned with brand expectations
• Respond to guest concerns and resolve issues promptly
• Monitor online reviews and implement service recovery strategies
• Create a “home-like” environment for long-term stay guests
• Compliance & Risk Management
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations
• Maintain safety, security, and emergency procedures
• Oversee property inspections, audits, and brand QA processes
  
  

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Business, or related field (preferred)
• 3–5+ years of hotel leadership experience (AGM or GM level preferred)
• Experience with extended-stay brands or limited-service hotels strongly preferred
• Familiarity with IHG systems and standards is a plus
  
  

Skills & Competencies

• Strong financial acumen (P&L, budgeting, forecasting)
• Proven leadership and team development skills
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to drive results in a fast-paced environment
• Strong understanding of revenue management and sales strategies
  
  

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Revenue growth (RevPAR, ADR, Occupancy)
• Gross Operating Profit (GOP)
• Guest Satisfaction Scores (GSS)
• Employee engagement and retention
• Brand audit / QA scores
  
  

Work Environment

• Full-time, on-site role
• Requires flexibility including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• On-call availability for operational needs
  
  

Why This Role Matters

At Candlewood Suites, the General Manager plays a critical role in delivering a comfortable, home-like experience for extended-stay guests while driving strong financial performance. This role offers the opportunity to lead a property with autonomy, build a strong team culture, and make a direct impact on guest loyalty and hotel success.