Position Overview We are seeking an experienced, hospitality-focused General Manager to lead the opening and ongoing operations of a new IHG-branded extended-stay hotel in Champaign, Illinois. The General Manager will be responsible for creating an exceptional guest experience while driving financial performance, operational excellence, associate engagement, and compliance with IHG brand standards. Because extended-stay guests often consider the hotel their home away from home for several days or weeks, this position requires a strong focus on relationship-building, consistency, cleanliness, safety, and personalized service. The ideal candidate is a hands-on hospitality leader who understands hotel operations, has strong business and financial acumen, and can build a high-performing team in a newly established property. Key ResponsibilitiesHotel Operations Oversee all day-to-day hotel operations, including Front Office, Housekeeping, Maintenance, Guest Services, and other operational functions. Ensure the hotel consistently meets or exceeds IHG brand standards and company expectations. Establish efficient operating procedures appropriate for an extended-stay environment. Maintain a clean, safe, welcoming, and well-maintained property. Monitor guest arrivals, departures, extended stays, special requests, and service recovery opportunities. Develop systems that encourage strong communication between departments. Conduct regular property inspections and promptly address deficiencies. Guest Experience Create a welcoming, residential-style experience for extended-stay guests. Build relationships with repeat guests, corporate travelers, relocation guests, construction/project teams, healthcare professionals, university visitors, and other extended-stay customers. Personally address significant guest concerns and ensure effective service recovery. Monitor guest satisfaction scores, online reviews, and other feedback. Develop programs and practices that increase guest loyalty, repeat business, and positive reviews. Ensure associates understand that extended-stay hospitality requires consistent engagement throughout the guest's stay—not simply at check-in and check-out. Financial & Revenue Management Take ownership of the hotel's financial performance and operating results. Prepare and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and departmental operating plans. Monitor occupancy, ADR, RevPAR, labor costs, departmental expenses, and profitability. Work closely with sales and revenue-management resources to maximize occupancy and rate. Identify opportunities to increase extended-stay, corporate, group, and local business. Control payroll, purchasing, inventory, and operating expenses while maintaining service standards. Review financial reports regularly and develop corrective action plans when necessary. Sales & Business Development Establish strong relationships with local businesses, universities, hospitals, contractors, government organizations, relocation companies, and other demand generators in the Champaign-Urbana market. Support the development of corporate and extended-stay accounts. Participate in local networking and community events. Work with sales and revenue-management teams to identify opportunities for longer-term stays. Develop relationships that generate repeat and referral business. Team Leadership Recruit, train, coach, schedule, and retain a high-performing hotel team. Establish clear expectations for service, professionalism, attendance, and performance. Conduct regular team meetings and one-on-one coaching. Recognize strong performance and create a positive workplace culture. Address performance issues promptly and fairly. Lead by example and maintain a visible presence throughout the hotel. Develop associates for increased responsibility and career advancement. Compliance, Safety & Risk Management Ensure compliance with IHG standards, applicable laws, company policies, and hotel procedures. Maintain appropriate safety and security procedures. Ensure proper handling of guest information, cash, keys, and hotel assets. Maintain required records, inspections, licenses, and certifications. Respond appropriately to emergencies and coordinate with local authorities when necessary. Promote a culture of safety for guests and employees. Qualifications 3-5+ years of progressive hotel management experience, preferably including General Manager or Assistant General Manager experience. Experience with an extended-stay, select-service, or limited-service hotel is strongly preferred. Previous experience with an IHG-branded property is preferred. Strong understanding of hotel operations, guest service, budgeting, labor management, and revenue fundamentals. Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, motivate, and retain employees. Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Ability to analyze financial and operational information and make sound business decisions. Proficiency with hotel property-management systems and common Microsoft Office applications. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings, based on business needs. Preferred Experience Extended-stay hotel management experience. Knowledge of the Champaign-Urbana hospitality market. Experience working with IHG systems and brand standards. Strong online reputation and guest-satisfaction management experience. Leadership Profile The successful candidate will be:

Guest-focused:

Creates genuine relationships with guests and understands the unique needs of extended-stay travelers.

Business-minded:

Understands that outstanding service and strong financial performance must work together.

Hands-on:

Willing to work alongside the team and step into operational roles when needed.

Accountable:

Takes ownership of results and follows through on commitments.

Team-oriented:

Builds trust, communicates clearly, and develops people.

Community-minded:

Represents the hotel professionally within the Champaign-Urbana business community.

Growth-oriented:

Looks for opportunities to increase occupancy, revenue, guest loyalty, and profitability. What We Offer Competitive salary based on experience Performance-based incentive opportunity Paid time off and holidays Hotel discounts and IHG employee travel benefits, subject to applicable program terms Professional development and career advancement opportunities

Equal Employment Opportunity Pay:

$50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Employee discount Paid time off

Work Location:

In person