Director – Global Residential Development Consultancy (Savills Branded Residences) in London

Savills is seeking an experienced director to lead the Brand / Operator Search & Contract Negotiation service line within its Global Residential Development Consultancy (GRDC) team, the market leader in the Branded Residences sector. The team operates within the Global Residential Development (GRD) department, which comprises two core divisions: Consultancy and Sales & Marketing. These teams collaborate to deliver a seamless, end-to-end client service, from project conception through to successful commercialisation.

Based in Savills’ headquarters in London, the GRDC team has a global remit spanning all regions from the Caribbean to Japan. The team provides six core service lines:

• Development Consultancy & Feasibility
• Brand Advisory: Brand Premium Studies, Market Intelligence Reports, Brand Strategy
• Brand / Operator Search & Contract Negotiation
• Operational Advisory
• Capital Markets
• Sales & Marketing Consultancy (in collaboration with our Global Sales team)

The main focus of the role will be to lead and manage the Brand / Operator Search & Contract Negotiation and Operational Advisory services, whilst also supporting across all core service lines. Furthermore, business development will be a global assignment, helping to drive the strategic growth of the team and the wider business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Brand / Operator Search, Selection & Contract Negotiation and Operational Advisory service lines
• Drive business development globally, originating and securing new mandates across multiple markets
• Manage senior B2B stakeholder relationships, including developers, brand & operators, investors & ultra-high-net-worth clients
• Contribute to the strategic growth and positioning of the team
• Deliver integrated client solutions in collaboration with internal teams and external partners
• Advise clients across the full project lifecycle, from concept to end-unit commercialisation
• Oversee project delivery, including resource allocation and team management
• Support the management and monitoring of team financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, P&L review, and financial reporting
• Mentor and develop junior team members
• Undertake regular international travel for client engagement and industry events

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Strong track record in brand/operator search, selection and contract negotiation, with a strong focus on branded residential agreements
• International experience within real estate, hospitality, or related advisory sectors
• Background with a recognised hospitality operator, or a reputable consultancy/valuation firm specialising in residential or hotel advisory (or a combination of both)
• Proven ability to generate business and drive revenue growth
• Strong stakeholder management and client relationship skills
• Commercially astute, with solid financial and analytical capability (including financial modelling)
• Strategic mindset with the ability to lead and grow a team’s key service lines
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office suite
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise outputs
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, balance competing demands, and deliver high-quality outcomes under pressure
• London-based (or willing to relocate)

Personal Profile

• Strategic and lateral thinker with a focus on continuous improvement and entrepreneurial endeavours
• Strong business acumen and results-oriented mindset
• Highly organised with excellent time management and prioritisation skills
• Self-motivated, driven, and committed to delivering high standards with a strong attention to detail
• Confident and effective communicator, with the ability to influence and inspire others, present at events and undertake independent Client meetings
• Collaborative team player who supports and develops others while knowing when to seek guidance
• Enjoy travelling and discovering new locations and cultures
• Positive attitude and a good sense of humour

We offer:

• Career and Professional Development
• 30 Days Annual Leave, plus Bank Holidays
• Life Assurance
• Private Medical Scheme
• Virtual GP
• Global Mobility Scheme
• Rewards Platform
• Company Pension Scheme
• Enhanced Incremental Annual Leave

Recruitment agencies: Savills only pay agency fees where we have a signed agreement in place and that agency has been previously contacted and instructed by a member of our recruitment team. We do not pay agency fees when speculative and unsolicited CVs are submitted to Savills or any of our employees other than via our careers website and through our recruitment process. If this is not adhered to, agency fees will not be paid.