General Manager, Hawthorn Dining Room & Bar

Company Description

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Join a dynamic team and be part of a network of 90 spectacular properties, and 34 more in the pipeline, in 30 countries around the globe. Our properties are located from the beaches of Hawaii, to the unspoiled national parks of Canada, to the heart of London, to the deserts of the United Arab Emirates.

Fairmont Palliser | A Legacy of Excellence, A Future of Possibility

For over a century, Fairmont Palliser has stood as Calgary’s most iconic hotel—a symbol of timeless elegance, heartfelt hospitality, and deep community roots. Since opening in 1914, we have welcomed dignitaries, trailblazers, and generations of guests with impeccable service and unforgettable experiences.

Our story is woven into the fabric of Calgary’s history, and our people are at the heart of it all. At Fairmont Palliser, we believe in creating a workplace where tradition meets innovation, where careers are cultivated, and where everyone is empowered to thrive. Whether you are just beginning your journey in hospitality or bringing years of experience to the table, here you will find a team that values connection, excellence, and purpose.

Join us in delivering elevated experiences and be part of a legacy that continues to shape the future of hospitality in Calgary.

About the Application Process:

At Fairmont, we want to bring out your highest potential. Shortly after applying, you will receive an email from our partner AssessFirst prompting you to create a profile and complete a questionnaire. This is a mandatory step for your candidacy to be considered as it enables us to explore your compatibility with this role and our culture of luxury excellence.

Job Description

We invite you to join the world of luxury hospitality at Fairmont Palliser as our new General Manager, Hawthorn Dining Room & Bar. Inspire and create the grandest experience for our guest, clients and colleagues every day.

As a General Manager, Hawthorn Dining Room & Bar, you will curate an elevated experience for both guests and colleagues by demonstrating strong leadership, strategic foresight, and a commitment to innovation. With a proven track record of excellence in hospitality, you will inspire your team to consistently deliver exceptional service and ensure every guest visit is memorable and impactful. Reporting to the Director, Food & Beverage.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of Hawthorn with a strong and visible presence on the floor, leading by example to ensure excellence in guest service.
• Partner closely with the Restaurant Chef to ensure seamless coordination between Front and Heart of House operations.
• Collaborate with the Restaurant Chef, Head Bartender, and Mixology team to develop and maintain all restaurant menus in alignment with the venue’s overall concept and brand guidelines.
• Engage proactively with guests to gather feedback, address concerns, and transform any service recovery moments into positive experiences.
• Monitor guest cues and behavior to identify and mitigate potential service issues before they arise.
• Ensure full compliance with Alberta liquor laws and responsible alcohol service in accordance with ProServe regulations.
• Recruit, onboard, and train new colleagues while fostering a culture of growth, learning, and high performance and ensuring our Fairmont service standards are met.
• Lead and support the team in delivering service that meets and exceeds brand standards.
• Promote internal talent development and succession planning through mentorship and performance management.
• Champion innovation and contribute to redefining Calgary’s culinary scene through creative programming and community engagement.
• Drive top-line revenue and profitability through strategic planning, promotions, and operational initiatives aligned with the restaurant’s concept.
• Manage Hawthorn’s social media presence in partnership with the Restaurant Chef and Marketing Team, ensuring brand consistency and engagement.
• Monitor and respond to guest reviews and feedback across online platforms in a timely, professional manner to protect and enhance the restaurant’s reputation.
• Maintain strict adherence to health, safety, and sanitation standards at all times.
• Manage the departmental budget effectively, ensuring financial targets are achieved.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other hotel departments to contribute to overall operational excellence.
• Uphold all company policies, procedures, and values with integrity and consistency.

Qualifications

What will you bring to this role?

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience as a General Manager or Restaurant Manager in a high-volume, full-service restaurant setting.
• Deep understanding of current food and beverage trends, with a highly creative and forward-thinking mindset, focused on setting trends rather than following them.
• Demonstrated expertise in menu development, strategic planning, marketing initiatives, and online reputation management.
• Proven ability to drive revenue and profitability while maintaining exceptional colleague engagement and delivering a consistently elevated guest experience.
• Genuine passion for hospitality and a commitment to building, mentoring, and inspiring a best-in-class team of food and beverage professionals.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution abilities, with a proactive and solution-oriented approach.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and personal accountability.
• Collaborative team player with a proven ability to foster strong internal relationships and contribute to a cohesive workplace culture.
• Previous experience in a luxury hotel or fine dining setting is considered a strong asset.
• Strong financial and analytical skills, with experience managing departmental budgets, labor forecasting, and cost control strategies.
• A collaborative and empowering leadership style with a focus on coaching, accountability, and colleague engagement.

Additional Information

Employee Benefits:
Join our team and enjoy a range of exclusive colleague perks, including complimentary upgrades, extended stays, discounted stays across Fairmont & Raffles properties, special dining and wellness discounts, and added luxuries to enhance your experience. We believe in taking care of our team, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded with exceptional benefits. Comprehensive benefits package including health, paramedical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage for eligible employees. Company-matched pension plan, as well as RRSP & TFSA options. Complimentary meal in staff cafeteria during shifts.

Our Values

Respect:
We value the needs, ideas and individuality of others. We treat everyone with fairness and dignity.

Excellence:
We make genuine connections, and we cherish every opportunity to make the people around us feel special.​

Belonging:
We celebrate our differences. We support each other and we always stand together.​

Empowerment:
We have authority to take initiative and anticipate moments that create unforgettable experiences. ​

Integrity:
We build trust through mutual respect and being authentic.​

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:
Fairmont is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse talent thrives. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join our team.

Must be legally eligible to work in Canada. The hotel is unable to assist candidates in obtaining Canadian work authorization.