Description

General Manager – The Maligne

Boutique Wellness Hotel + Hydra‑Thermal Spa  

Jasper, Alberta

Full‑time | Two‑year+ contract  

Excellent competitive compensation package  

Position begins Summer 2026 | Opening Summer 2027

The Maligne

Set in the splendor of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, we are building Jasper’s first boutique wellness hotel and hydra-thermal spa – The Maligne. Our previous 70‑year‑old hotel was lost in the July 2024 Jasper wildfire, and this new iconic design symbolizes rebirth and resilience. Created in partnership with renowned Shugarman Architecture + Design (architects for Edmonton’s Ice District) and construction leader, Andy Clark, we are redefining what a resort hotel in a national park can be.

When completed, The Maligne will feature 125 guest suites, a two‑level indoor/outdoor hydra‑thermal spa, an organic coffee and tea café, a mountain‑view lounge and underground heated parking. The Maligne sets a new standard for elevated Jasper accommodations.

The Opportunity

As General Manager, you will play a pivotal role in the full pre‑opening development of The Maligne. Working closely with our design team and corporate office, you will help finalize finishes, systems and operational standards to ensure a seamless and consistent guest experience once we open.

You will lead the recruitment of our guest services team – from department heads to front‑line roles – guide the team through the Spring 2027 soft opening in preparation for the sold‑out Summer 2027 tourist season.

Supported by our Edmonton corporate office (finance, revenue management and marketing), you will oversee guest experience strategy, operational planning, financial performance and team culture.

The Maligne will offer three distinct food and beverage experiences:

  • WickedCup – returning with Canada’s best organic coffee, tea, smoothies and fresh breakfast/lunch offerings.
  • A mountain‑view lounge featuring afternoon delights, shareable plates and a curated menu of both alcoholic and zero-proof beverages.
  • Spa‑side food and beverage service for hydra‑thermal spa guests.

Our hydra‑thermal spa will be a uniquely Rocky Mountain interpretation of a Nordic spa, featuring two hot / cold / warm hydra circuits, saunas, steam room, salt room and specialized treatment spaces.

The Candidate

Ideal candidates bring experience from luxury or design‑forward brands – Fairmont, Four Seasons, Auberge Resorts, Relais & Châteaux, Kimpton, or similar. This is a rare opportunity to take full ownership of a new market‑defining boutique property and shape the next chapter of your hotel leadership career.

We are seeking an experienced senior hotel leader to serve as General Manager and lead the full pre-opening and operational launch of The Maligne. This role offers a rare opportunity to shape a flagship boutique luxury hotel from the ground up in of the world’s most extraordinary mountain destinations.

Key Responsibilities

Pre‑Opening Phase (approximately 10 months prior to opening)

  • Provide visionary leadership across all pre‑opening planning, coordination and execution to ensure a flawless transition from construction to a fully operational luxury resort.
  • Partner closely with ownership, consultants, designers and contractors to uphold design intent, craftsmanship and operational excellence as the property moves through final build stages.
  • Guide OS&E and FF&E selection, procurement and installation with a discerning eye for quality and guest‑centric functionality.
  • Architect all operational systems, standard operating procedures, service rituals and training programs that will define The Maligne’s elevated guest experience.
  • Lead the recruitment, selection and onboarding of a world‑class leadership team and guest services staff, navigating the unique dynamics of a competitive and remote mountain labour market.
  • Shape the service culture, hospitality philosophy and brand ethos that will distinguish The Maligne within the luxury boutique segment.
  • Contribute to brand positioning, pricing strategy and launch planning to ensure a strong and sophisticated market debut.

Operational Phase (Opening and Ongoing Leadership)

  • Curate and sustain an exceptional guest experience that reflects the sophistication, serenity and sense of place that defines The Maligne.
  • Lead daily operations with a luxury‑brand mindset, ensuring flawless execution across rooms, spa, food & beverage and guest services.
  • Uphold the highest standards of service excellence through continuous coaching, performance development and hands‑on leadership.
  • Foster a culture of warm, intuitive hospitality where personalized service, attention to detail and genuine care are embedded in every guest interaction.
  • Oversee financial performance with a strategic and disciplined approach, balancing elevated service delivery with operational efficiency.
  • Collaborate with revenue management and marketing to optimize positioning, rate strategy and brand storytelling throughout the year.
  • Ensure the hydra‑thermal spa operates as a signature wellness experience, maintaining impeccable standards of safety, cleanliness and guest guidance.
  • Build strong relationships within the Jasper community, national park stakeholders and tourism partners to elevate The Maligne’s profile as a flagship destination.
  • Champion sustainability, wellness and environmental stewardship consistent with operating in a protected national park environment.
  • Continuously refine service rituals, guest touchpoints and operational systems to keep the property at the forefront of boutique luxury hospitality.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Leadership experience in luxury or upper‑upscale hotels or resorts.
  • Five to seven+ years of progressive hotel management experience.
  • Experience working in remote or resort locations is an asset.
  • Pre‑opening or major renovation experience is an asset.
  • Strong financial acumen and operational planning skills.
  • Proven ability to recruit and retain high‑performing teams in competitive or remote markets.
  • Deep understanding of luxury service standards and guest personalization.
  • Experience in wellness, spa, or resort environments is an advantage.
  • Exceptional communication and stakeholder management abilities.
  • A leadership style grounded in warmth, professionalism and presence.

Compensation & Contract

  • Full‑time, two‑year renewable contract beginning Summer 2026.
  • Excellent competitive compensation package, including salary, performance incentives and benefits.
  • Relocation support available for candidates moving to Jasper or surrounding regions.
  • Subsidized management housing available to support relocation and long-term stability.
  • Wellness and spa access benefits aligned with The Maligne’s philosophy.
  • Long‑term career growth opportunities within Decore Hotels.