Operations Director - Hospitality

GRS Recruitment is working in partnership with a leading international hotel management company to recruit an experienced Operations Director – Hotel Management.

Our client manages a growing portfolio of hospitality projects across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe and is seeking a commercially driven hospitality executive to support its continued expansion.

This firm specialises in hotel management, hotel development, pre-opening services, and operational excellence, partnering with hotel owners and international brands to deliver exceptional results.

We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Operations Director to lead our hotel operations and support the continued growth of our portfolio.

The Operations Director will oversee the operational performance of the company's managed hotels while providing strategic leadership across hotel operations, pre-opening projects, owner relations, and brand compliance.

This executive role requires an experienced hospitality professional who can confidently represent the company with hotel owners, international brands, investors, consultants, and industry partners.

The successful candidate will also lead and develop a small corporate operations team while ensuring operational excellence across all managed properties.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the operational performance of all managed hotel properties.
• Lead hotel projects from pre-opening through successful operational launch.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to maximize profitability, guest satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with company standards, brand requirements, and contractual obligations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with hotel owners, international hotel brands, investors, consultants, and business partners.
• Lead negotiations and manage relationships relating to hotel management agreements, operating contracts, and brand standards.
• Represent the company in meetings, presentations, and industry networking events.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management to a corporate operations team.
• Support General Managers and hotel leadership teams in achieving financial and operational objectives.
• Monitor budgets, KPIs, financial performance, and operational quality across the portfolio.
• Conduct regular property visits and operational audits.
• Identify opportunities for business growth and operational improvements.
• Collaborate closely with development, commercial, finance, and technical teams.
• Candidate Profile
• Must currently be based in Dubai, UAE.
• Minimum 10 years of senior operational experience within the hospitality industry.
• Proven experience managing multiple hotel properties.
• Extensive experience with hotel openings and pre-opening operations.
• Strong understanding of hotel management agreements, contracts, and international brand standards.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and network with hotel owners, brands, developers, and industry stakeholders.
• Excellent commercial awareness and business acumen.
• Proven leadership experience managing corporate and hotel operational teams.
• Experience managing and developing a small team.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Must be able to travel internationally without restrictions.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline is preferred.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and skills.
• Engagement will be on a Business-to-Business (B2B) contract.

Due to the high volume of applications, we receive at GRS Recruitment, only shortlisted candidates will be responded to.

To apply for this position, please email your CV to Hayley Buckle, hayley@grsrecruitment. com quoting the above job reference or call 25342724 for further information.

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