Chief Operating Officer #0405AM

Our executive search firm is recruiting a Chief Operating Officer on behalf of a luxury travel and hospitality organization. This leader will oversee service delivery, operational consistency, and scalable growth while protecting the high-touch experience expected by discerning travelers.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct daily operations across guest services, reservations, supplier relations, and experience delivery.
• Translate strategic priorities into measurable operating plans and performance standards.
• Improve service quality, productivity, margins, and operational consistency.
• Develop scalable processes supporting growth across destinations, properties, and travel programs.
• Establish performance dashboards and accountability measures for operational teams.
• Oversee workforce planning, vendor performance, service recovery, and business continuity.
• Partner with commercial and financial leaders to align capacity, demand, and profitability.
• Build a culture of ownership, responsiveness, and exceptional guest service.

Requirements

10+ years of operational leadership experience, including significant executive-level responsibility.

Experience within luxury travel, hospitality, resorts, private travel, or premium guest services.

Demonstrated success improving operational performance across dispersed teams or locations.

Strong understanding of service standards, capacity planning, financial performance, and vendor management.

Proven ability to lead organizational change and build scalable operating systems.

Bachelor’s degree in business, hospitality management, or a related discipline required.

Advanced degree preferred.

Availability for occasional domestic and international travel.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Employer-funded health savings account contribution

Annual executive bonus opportunity

401(k) retirement plan

Flexible paid time off

Wellness and lifestyle stipend

Luxury travel discounts

Annual leadership retreat

Salary: $180,000–$215,000 annually, plus annual bonus

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. 

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected. 

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.  

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location. 

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. 

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable. 

Privacy and Pay Equity: 

• California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at www.kellerexecutivesearch.com. 

• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available. 

• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws. 

State-Specific Information: 

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants. 

• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation. 

• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed. 

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process. 

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment 

Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles. 

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law. 

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate. 

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.