Director of Pool & Beach

The Shelborne by Proper is an iconic Miami Beach landmark reimagined through the lens of Proper Hospitality. Set along the ocean in the heart of South Beach, our historic Art Deco property brings together thoughtful design, elevated hospitality, dynamic food and beverage, wellness, nightlife, and a distinctly Miami sense of energy. More than a hotel, The Shelborne is envisioned as a destination for travelers and locals alike - honoring the property's character and history while creating a modern luxury experience that feels deeply connected to the culture, rhythm, and spirit of Miami Beach.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Operations Leadership

• Direct all daily operations of the pool deck, beach, cabana program, towel operations, and integrated pool/beach F&B service.
• Develop operational strategies, SOPs, and service flows that elevate the Shelborne guest experience and maximize efficiency.
• Ensure cleanliness, organization, ambiance, and safety across all pool and beach zones.
• Partner with Engineering to maintain water quality, equipment functionality, and safe facility conditions.
• Lead execution of seasonal programming, activations, and experience enhancements that drive guest engagement and revenue.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Provide leadership and oversight for Pool & Beach Managers, Supervisors, Attendants, Hosts, Servers, Bartenders, and all service teams.
• Implement onboarding, ongoing training, and performance development programs to ensure Proper service standards are consistently met.
• Foster a culture of hospitality, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee workforce planning, scheduling, and staffing models based on forecasted business levels, weather, and special events.

Guest Experience & Brand Standards

• Serve as the primary ambassador for Proper Hospitality's service ethos within the pool and beach environment.
• Evaluate guest touchpoints-cabana amenities, chair service, beverage delivery, activations-to ensure seamless, anticipatory service.
• Resolve complex guest concerns with professionalism, empathy, and urgency.
• Use guest feedback, surveys, and service analytics to drive continuous improvement in offerings and service delivery.

Beverage & F&B Program Oversight

• Ensure beverage service meets brand standards for quality, presentation, consistency, and regulatory compliance.
• Support training for bartenders and servers in mixology basics, beverage knowledge, seasonal menus, and responsible alcohol service.
• Oversee implementation of promotions, signature drinks, and revenue-generating beverage experiences designed for outdoor service.

Financial Management & Revenue Optimization

• Develop and manage operational budgets for Pool & Beach, including labor, supplies, beverage costs, amenities, and capital needs.
• Oversee cabana/daybed rental program, premium experiences, and F&B revenue channels to maximize profitability.
• Analyze KPIs such as revenue per chair, COGS, labor efficiency, and guest satisfaction scores to inform strategic decisions.
• Identify opportunities for cost controls, operational efficiencies, and incremental revenue streams.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations governing pool operations, beach safety, and alcohol service.
• Oversee training for water safety, CPR, emergency procedures, hazard prevention, and incident reporting.
• Conduct regular audits of safety equipment, walkways, water conditions, and service areas.
• Manage chemical handling protocols and ensure proper oversight by trained personnel.

Inventory, Equipment & Asset Management

• Oversee inventory and procurement of towels, amenities, beverage stock, cabana supplies, and outdoor equipment.
• Maintain accurate inventory tracking systems to reduce loss, waste, and over-ordering.
• Ensure all furniture, umbrellas, cabanas, and service equipment are in excellent working condition, coordinating repairs or replacements as needed.

Marketing, Events & Brand Partnership Support

• Collaborate with Marketing to promote pool & beach experiences, premium services, activations, and signature beverage offerings.
• Support execution of private events, brand collaborations, and seasonal programming.
• Contribute to the development of content and marketing assets that highlight the energy and lifestyle of the pool and beach venues.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of leadership experience in luxury hospitality, resort pool/beach operations, F&B management, or lifestyle venue operations.
• Experience managing large teams in high-volume guest environments.
• Strong understanding of pool safety, outdoor operational logistics, premium service experiences, and beverage operations.
• CPR or Lifeguard certification preferred; additional safety certifications a plus.

Skills / Specialized Knowledge

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• Strong background in luxury guest service and experiential hospitality.
• Expertise in operational planning, financial management, and KPI analysis.
• Knowledge of beverage operations, outdoor dining service, and mixology fundamentals.
• Ability to thrive in dynamic outdoor environments and adapt to weather or operational changes.
• High degree of organization, time management, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, POS, inventory systems, and guest-service platforms.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods during shifts.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds (e.g., boxes of supplies, inventory, or equipment).
• Occasional bending, stooping, and reaching to perform tasks or manage inventory.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on operational needs.

Why Join Proper Hospitality

At Proper, we build experiences that move people - and that begins with the team behind them. As a best-in-class employer, we're committed to creating one of the Best Places to Work in hospitality by nurturing a culture where creativity, excellence, and humanity thrive together.

Everything we do is grounded in the belief that hospitality is more than a profession - it's an opportunity to care for others and make lives better. Guided by the Pillars of Proper, we show up with warmth and authenticity (Care Proper), strive for excellence in everything we do (Achieve Proper), think creatively and resourcefully (Imagine Proper), and take pride in the style and culture that make us who we are (Present Proper).

We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we invest deeply in their wellbeing, growth, and sense of belonging. From comprehensive benefits to meaningful development programs, Proper is designed to help you build a career, and a life, that feels as inspiring as the experiences we create for our guests.

Our Commitment: Building the Best Place to Work

Our Best Place to Work initiative is a living commitment - a continuous investment in our people, our culture, and our purpose. We listen, learn, and evolve together to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to imagine boldly, achieve confidently, care deeply, and present themselves authentically.

At Proper, joining the team means more than finding a job - it means joining a community that believes in building beautiful experiences together, for our guests and for one another.

Proper Hospitality is an equal-opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federally or state-protected category.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.