White Birch Lodge is a unique 3rd generation family-owned and operated resort that has been welcoming guests to Northern Michigan since 1958. Nestled on crystal clear blue Elk Lake in Elk Rapids, Michigan, we’re in the business of creating unforgettable memories. Our all-inclusive summer program, running from mid-June through mid-August, features a range of activities and amenities to suit the whole family, including three meals daily and a full watersports operation. In addition to our summer program, we also cater to weekend weddings and events in the Spring and Fall, providing a charming venue for special occasions.
White Birch Lodge is not just a destination for guests, we pride ourselves in being an industry leading employer in the area. Our staff enjoy their jobs, form lasting friendships, and return year after year, just like our customers. We are rooted in hard work, integrity, fun, service, and most importantly, tradition.
The position we are looking to fill: Operations Manager
The Operations Manager is the voice and face of ‘The Lodge,’ reporting directly to the owners/general managers. A crucial position with a range of key roles from customer service to bookkeeping to payroll management, this is a dynamic job. The ideal candidate will possess a strong service focus, a positive attitude, accountability, and poise. They must be comfortable across varied tasks with a desire to help lead our team to optimal performance. This is a salaried position with the expectation of comprehensive job completion vs set hours.
Range of Responsibilities:
- The overall objective is to (1) provide an organized and inviting customer experience ensuring repeat customers and (2) an organized, efficient and error free back office.
- Answer phones, respond to customer emails, provide exceptional and prompt customer service and sales skills to maximize our customer base.
- Greet guests upon arrival, accept payments, and check them in, ensuring a pleasant experience.
- Manage several internal departments including business operations, bookkeeping, payroll, taxes, and bill payment.
- Coordinate with co-managers and other departments such as housekeeping and food service, to ensure efficient operation.
- Maintain accurate reports and records, including financial transactions, guest information, and operational data.
- Work with owners/general managers to assist in hiring and training of seasonal staff.
- Adaptability to the seasonal nature of the business, with the summer season being busy and the offseason offering a more flexible schedule with more opportunity for time off and travel.
What you need:
- A cover letter describing your unique qualifications and why you want to work with us.
- Technological savvy and willingness to learn: proficiency in Excel, Word, Google Drive, etc.
- Experience with bookkeeping/payroll software (we use QuickBooks).
- Hospitality focus, with a passion for providing exceptional customer service.
- Autonomy, ability to work independently, take initiative, and make informed decisions.
- Leadership, tact, and patient instruction in staff development/training.
- Positivity, maintaining a cheerful and helpful attitude in all interactions.
- Organization, strong time management skills and the energy and ability to multitask.
- Attention to detail, being thorough and meticulous, ensuring accuracy in all aspects of the job.
- Patience, especially in dealing with challenging situations.
- Accountability, taking responsibility for actions and outcomes.
- Flexibility; the summer season is busy and will require work on Saturdays, while the offseason brings a more flexible schedule.
What’s in it for you:
Starting compensation: $50,000 - $65,000, negotiable based on qualifications.
- Bonuses based on company and individual performance.
- Company sponsored health insurance benefits.
- Mobile phone provided.
- On the job training from our current Operations Manager.
- Meals provided during summer working hours.
- A spectacular view of Elk Lake from your desk.
- Opportunity to use waterfront amenities during down time.
- A very rewarding job and a work culture to be proud of! We respect one another, work as a team, make a positive impact on people’s lives, and have fun doing it!
We look forward to hearing from you!
White Birch Lodge is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information, disability, or any other characteristics as protected by federal, state or local law.
