Regional Director, Hotel Openings, Premium Brands

1.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Job Summary – Responsible for opening a portfolio of franchised hotels across the MLAC sub-region, including all IHG Premium brands; this role ensures the efficient and timely opening of all Hotels in the Americas Pipeline including the implementation of global best practices. Directs and project manages the cross functional opening team in all activities on each hotel; manages relationships with Owners, Developers, Consultants, Hotel Services, Asset Managers, Pre-opening Teams and Operations to ensure the success of IHG hotels in Americas. The role also ensures compliance with quality, safety and operational standards upon opening, as well as ensuring the effective implementation of the Sales & Marketing ramp-up plans to drive excellent revenue performance directly upon opening.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities –(Key Activities)

• Opening Hotels – Project managesand directs the pre-opening activities of a portfolio of hotels in MLAC; manages the input of functional heads in the pre-opening team throughout the process, including Technical Services, CMH Operations, Development, TAM, Franchise Administration, Distribution Marketing, Global Sales, etc. as well as the locally based teams. Manages the hotel through the pipeline, from the signing to the opening of the hotel. Sets the opening dates with respective owners, in partnership with Architecture, Design and Construction (AD&C). Drives/Delivers Hotel Opening Training for Owner, then GM and HODs. Conducts site visits to all projects to track, monitor and report on progress back to NHOP Director. Project manages the whole team on the opening programme throughout the process. Works with the new hotel and corporate functional teams to set new hotel up for HeartBeat, QES, ES and Mystery Shoppers, etc. Conducts pre-opening inspection, with input from AD&C and Risk Management and authorizes the hotel to open to the system and take paying guests. Ensures all Global Sales and Marketing ‘Ramp-Up’ tools and systems are accurate and live as appropriate to maximize initial revenues.

• Relationships - Engages with and manages the communication activities and progress to Owners, COO’s, DOO’s and GM’s throughout the process;directs a team of internal and external members, without formal hierarchical authority. Communicates and updates project team with changes in brand standards and keeps them informed on progress. Conducts post-project reviews with internal and external team members for best practice learnings and builds them back into the NHOP process for continuous improvement.

• Performance & Delivery – Develop and deliver the Americas NHOP plan through effective project management and partnerships, supported by strong management information, all aimed at driving an agreed number of annual hotel openings and initial revenue performance (ramp-up).

2.REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education Qualifications –

• Bachelor Degree in Hotel, Business or equivalent preferred

Experience –

• 10 years’ hotel management operations experience

• 3-5 years’ hotel opening experience or similar (with Premium brands preferred)

• Experience of managing teams, preferably cross-functional/discipline teams as well as with and without direct hierarchical authority (i.e. external teams or teams from other functions with no direct line management authority)

• Project management experience in a matrix organization overseeing multiple business units.

• Previously worked within an international or global organization

Required Skills –

• Project management and delivery

• Excellent communication skills in English and Spanish

• Excellent inter-personal skills, with strong negotiation, impact and influence and problem solving skills

• Able to work under pressure and prepared to travel extensively within Europe

• People- and task-oriented

3.ACCOUNTABILITY

Number of employees supervised –

Direct: NoneIndirect:10+ (per Hotel)

Decision Rights –

• Deployment of pre-opening cross-functional support

• Opening new hotels to the system and on time

Key metrics –

• Successful opening of new hotels & On time delivery

• Rollout of operational best practice

Key Internal Relationships -

• Architects & Engineers

• Hotel Performance Support

• Operations – COOs, DOOs, Dir Ops Support and new hotel GMs and HOD’s

• Brand Performance – Sales, Marketing, Distribution Marketing, etc

• IT/Risk Management / Legal & Compliance / Franchise Admin

Key External Relationships –

• Hotel Owners

• Consultants and contractors

• Suppliers and vendors

• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work Model:

Remote job which requires frequent (75%) travel based in Mexico City area

The statements in this job description are intended to represent the key duties, essential nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be all responsibilities or qualifications of the job

At IHG Hotels & Resorts, we work together to deliver True Hospitality for Good on a global scale. With corporate offices and over 6,000 hotel destinations worldwide, a career at IHG is the perfect way to broaden your horizons. You’ll experience our unique culture and brilliant colleagues who will support and inspire you. With a host of corporate opportunities to choose from, wherever you are on your career journey, and whatever you want to achieve there’s Room for You at IHG.

Over recent years, we’ve transformed our company. We have bold ambitions to drive performance and maintain our relentless focus on growth in order to be the hotel company of choice that guests & owners love.

We are a hospitality business at our core and value connections and being together helps us foster a unique sense of belonging that also supports productivity. That’s why here at IHG, we give our colleagues flexibility and balance – working in a hybrid way, blending office and remote working collectively. We recognise that every role is different, that’s why leaders work with teams to determine how and when they collaborate.

We provide a wide range of benefits designed to help you live your best work life. These include impressive room discounts across our many properties, recharge days and volunteering days throughout the year. Through our myWellbeing framework, we are committed to supporting wellbeing in your health, lifestyle, and workplace. We offer a unique and inclusive culture, where there is always Room for You to belong, grow and make a difference.

Our mission is to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams where we celebrate difference and encourage colleagues to bring their whole selves to work. IHG Hotels & Resorts provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by applicable laws. We promote a culture of trust, support, and acceptance. Always welcoming different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Don't quite meet every single requirement, but still believe you'd be a great fit for the job? We'll never know unless you hit the 'Apply' button. Start your journey with us today.

Originally posted on Himalayas