Urschel, a 100% employee-owned company, has an opening for a dynamic and passionate leader with experience in leading curated lifestyle hotels to serve as General Manager for the New Grand Gardner Hotel located in downtown Valparaiso, Indiana. Urschel Development is a fully owned subsidiary of Urschel Laboratories located in Chesterton, Indiana.

This independent, boutique property will open in the latter part of the first quarter of 2026. Uniquely positioned on a residential tree-lined street adjacent to the vibrant downtown, the hotel has been thoughtfully designed to provide an authentic experience of Valparaiso. The property will provide 58 luxurious guest rooms and suites, banquet space, a speakeasy, and a boutique spa as well as other meeting and gathering spaces throughout the property.

The role involves comprehensive oversight of the hotel, amenity spaces, and sales operations, encompassing the hotel itself, food and beverage services, spa, retail, meeting and event spaces. This includes leadership and management of all operating departments, departmental leadership, and their respective teams. Responsibilities extend to the development and implementation of sales initiatives, guest experience enhancements, restaurant programs, and special events. The position requires budget development and financial management. Daily tasks include financial reporting, weekly performance updates, and strict adherence to accounting controls. A critical aspect of the role is the professional development of team members through training and cross-training programs designed to foster growth and operational flexibility. Additionally, the role includes the development of asset management strategies such as CAPEX planning, maintenance schedules, and preventative maintenance programs. Managing all employees. Oversight of all sales activities, social media presence, travel site reviews, and the property’s website are also required.

The ideal candidate will have three years’ experience in full-service hotel operations, leadership experience in hospitality, and a strong background in food and beverage management. Preference will be given to those who have proven experience in lifestyle, boutique hotels offering curated F&B experiences. We seek a seasoned leader with a genuine passion for hospitality, someone who takes pride in creating memorable experiences for guests and can inspire a team that shares our commitment to exceptional service. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required, along with excellent analytical abilities and the capability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks at once. Proven leadership, management, and interpersonal skills are essential, as is flexibility to work a variety of schedules based on business needs.

EEO/Veterans/Disability
Date Posted: 8/7/2025