At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting hotel projects from concept to completion with a dynamic team.
- Company: Join the prestigious Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, known for luxury and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy complimentary hotel stays, health programmes, and tailored career development.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that values integrity, respect, and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in luxury hospitality while growing your skills and network.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in hospitality project management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is seeking a Project Leader to join our Technical Services team at the London Corporate Office. Are you a master of craft? Do you thrive in a team that succeeds together, demonstrating integrity and respect while acting responsibly? Do you embrace a growth mindset? We invite you to become a fan of the exceptional.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award‑winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most prestigious hotels, resorts, and residences. With a strong development pipeline across key global markets, we are widely recognised for creating exceptional luxury experiences through outstanding design, quality, and innovation.
About The Job
Based at the London Corporate Office, the Project Leader is responsible for leading the technical delivery of new hotel developments and major capital projects within existing hotels, from concept through to completion. Reporting to the Regional Director of Technical Services, this role acts as the single point of accountability and leads a multifunctional Regional Execution Team (RET) to deliver Mandarin Oriental’s product standards, timelines, and commercial objectives.
Responsibilities
- Act as single point of contact for assigned projects from concept design to completion.
- Lead and coordinate the Regional Execution Team (RET) in a multifunctional, collaborative structure.
- Manage owner and developer relationships, ensuring clear communication and alignment.
- Enforce Mandarin Oriental Product Standards & Guidelines (PS&G) and resolve any non‑compliance.
- Articulate design and technical briefs to developers and consultants.
- Monitor project budgets, schedules, and risks, escalating issues proactively.
- Prepare design vision statements and contribute to design value and differentiation.
- Coordinate closely with Operations, Development, and Corporate colleagues throughout the project lifecycle.
- Support pre‑opening activities, including pre‑opening office setup, GM induction, and migration planning.
- Inform the Development Director of key communications, deviations, and risks in a timely manner.
- Oversee field project managers as required.
Qualifications
- Minimum 15 years’ post‑qualification experience managing complex hospitality development or refurbishment projects.
- Proven experience leading large, multidisciplinary project teams across multiple stakeholders.
- Strong track record delivering projects aligned with strategic, operational, and brand objectives.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with owners, developers, consultants, and authorities.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
- Professional qualifications such as PE, MCIBSE, AIA, RIBA, or RICS.
- A Master’s degree (MBA, Project Management, or similar) is highly advantageous.
- Proficiency in MS Project, Primavera, and strong working knowledge of Excel and AutoCAD.
- Strong analytical, organisational, and problem‑solving skills.
- Genuine interest in design, architecture, innovation, and sustainability.
Our Commitment to You
Learning & Development
Your success is our success. We craft unique learning and development programmes for every stage of your career so that you continue to grow.
MOstay
As part of the #MOfamily, enjoy complimentary stays and attractive rates across our hotels worldwide for you and your loved ones.
Health & Colleague Wellness
Your wellbeing matters to us. We provide a range of health and wellness programmes globally to support work‑life balance.
Retirement Plans
We offer competitive retirement plans, reflecting your role and length of service.
We’re Fans. Are you?
Project Leader – EMEA employer: Mandarin Oriental
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our London Corporate Office where collaboration and integrity are at the forefront of our culture. As a Project Leader, you will benefit from tailored learning and development programmes, competitive retirement plans, and the unique opportunity to enjoy complimentary stays at our prestigious hotels worldwide. Join us in creating extraordinary luxury experiences while advancing your career in a supportive and innovative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Leader – EMEA
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Mandarin Oriental, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Project Leader – EMEA at Mandarin Oriental.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Leader – EMEA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mandarin Oriental
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
