Hybrid General Manager at Trailborn

ROLE

General Manager

LOCATION 

Trailborn Surf & Sound

275 Waynick Blvd, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

ABOUT

TRAILBORN

Trailborn was founded on a simple idea: Life Should Be an Adventure. We build design-forward, experiential hotels to pull people out of the daily grind and into the great outdoors. Our locations are at the heart of our country’s most extraordinary outdoor destinations—from national parks to wine country, and snow-capped mountains to sun-soaked beaches.

With five properties located in North America’s most iconic outdoor destinations, including Trailborn Rocky Mountains in Estes Park, Colorado; Trailborn Highlands in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina; Trailborn Grand Canyon in Williams, Arizona; and Trailborn Surf & Sound in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, Trailborn brings thoughtfully designed, boutique accommodations to regions where nature and adventure converge. Additionally, Trailborn has a robust pipeline of properties opening in 2025 and 2026 including Mendocino, California.

ABOUT OUR VALUES

We believe in GETMY Best – Guide, Excellence, Together, Magic, and Yes

ABOUT OUR ROLE 

As General Manager (GM), you are the driving force behind the overall success of the property. You lead with integrity and action to ensure an outstanding guest experience, a strong and engaged team, and the financial and operational performance of Trailborn Surf & Sound. You will directly oversee all departments, including rooms, food & beverage, facilities, and administrative functions. The GM is ultimately responsible for ensuring that Trailborn’s brand standards and values are brought to life through daily operations, people management, and guest interactions.

ESSENTIAL 

FUNCTIONS 

Guest Experience

• Champion a service-first culture that ensures every guest has a meaningful and memorable experience.
• Resolve complex guest issues and complaints with professionalism, urgency, and empathy.
• Foster a proactive hospitality culture by staying present and visible during key operating hours.
• Lead and monitor guest feedback channels, driving action plans and service improvements.

Operational & Financial Oversight

• Lead the execution of daily operations across all departments, ensuring adherence to Trailborn brand standards.
• Oversee the development and management of operating budgets, labor controls, and department-level expenses.
• Monitor and maintain quality standards in cleanliness, safety, food and beverage, and guest amenities.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, licensing, and employment regulations.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing team aligned with Trailborn’s GETMY Best values.
• Set performance goals, conduct evaluations, and ensure ongoing training and development.
• Support department heads in resolving employee relations issues and fostering team morale.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through hiring and day-to-day leadership practices.

Strategic and Administrative Responsibilities

• Act as the primary liaison between the property and corporate leadership.
• Participate in weekly business reviews, revenue strategy sessions, and property performance reporting.
• Drive local partnerships and community engagement opportunities aligned with the Trailborn brand.
• Support pre-opening activities, special events, or renovations as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Required:

• 5+ years of progressive hotel leadership experience, including experience as a General Manager or senior leader at a full-service or lifestyle hotel.
• Prior experience working within a big brand or a Marriott-managed/franchised property is required.
• Proven ability to lead large, diverse teams and manage complex operations.
• Financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and P&L accountability.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred:

• Experience in an independent, boutique, or luxury hotel environment.
• Familiarity with hospitality systems (PMS, POS, labor management).

PHYSICAL 

REQUIREMENTS

ABOUT OUR 

BENEFITS 

Why You’ll Love Working Here

SCHEDULE

Hospitality demands a flexible schedule that may require extended hours as the business requires coverage including seasonality– on any day at any hour, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. 

SALARY 

$185,000-$250,000

JOB STATUS

Full Time 

FLSA

Exempt (Salary)

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Trailborn is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

If you require assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please inform us during your application process.

The specific statements shown in each section of this Job Description are not intended to be all-inclusive.  They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully.  The job’s responsibilities/tasks may be modified and/or expanded over time without prior notice. The Company will try to give as much notice as practical when changes are made.