Project Development Head For Hospitality

The Project Development Head for Hotels will lead the organization's initiatives in identifying, planning, and executing new hotel projects from concept to completion. This role demands a strategic and results-driven leader capable of managing cross-functional teams, driving business growth through hotel developments, and collaborating with senior leadership and external partners. The Project Development Head will ensure that each initiative supports the organizations overall objectives, brand identity, and financial targets.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Development

• Identify and assess potential hotel development opportunities across various markets.

• Formulate comprehensive development strategies, including market studies, feasibility evaluations, and financial analysis.

• Supervise the planning and management of development budgets, schedules, and resource distribution.

• Align development efforts with organizational objectives and long-term growth plans in collaboration with senior leadership.

Project Management & Execution

• Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of hotel projectsfrom conceptualization, site acquisition, and due diligence through to construction and pre-opening.

• Ensure timely, on-budget project delivery in compliance with quality standards and brand expectations.

• Prepare detailed project plans while ensuring regulatory compliance (e.g., zoning, building codes).

• Coordinate efforts between internal departments (architecture, design, finance, operations) and external consultants, vendors, and stakeholders.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team, offering guidance throughout all project phases.

• Cultivate a collaborative work environment that promotes transparency and sound decision-making.

• Ensure team alignment with project goals and the organizations values and culture.

Financial Oversight & Cost Management

• Manage the financial planning and control of each development project to ensure profitability.

• Review and approve vendor agreements and contracts to align with project and organizational goals.

• Monitor financial performance and report variances from budgets or schedules.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Establish and nurture relationships with real estate developers, local authorities, contractors, architects, and suppliers.

• Represent the organization in negotiations and presentations related to hotel developments.

• Present strategic plans and project updates to the board and other key stakeholders as needed.

Risk Management & Issue Resolution

• Identify and address potential risksincluding changes in market conditions, regulations, or construction-related challenges.

• Implement risk mitigation strategies and resolve project-related conflicts effectively.

• Ensure smooth coordination between internal teams and external parties to overcome challenges.

Brand Integration

• Collaborate with brand and operations teams to ensure that new hotels align with brand standards and operational frameworks.
• Oversee design and construction to reflect brand vision, guest expectations, and efficient operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Hotel Management, Real Estate, Architecture, Engineering, Business Administration, or similar. Masters degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred.
• 10- 15 years of experience in hotel development with a proven record in leading large-scale projects.

• Strong background in managing cross-functional teams and 

  partnerships.

• Deep understanding of hospitality design, construction, and operations.

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex budgets, schedules, an

  stakeholder relationships.

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities. 

  Advanced project management skills, including risk mitigation and issue resolution.

• Financial acumen with experience in evaluating and interpreting

  financial data.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills across various audiences.

• Solid understanding of real estate markets, development trends, and

  compliance requirements.

• Familiarity with hospitality industry practices and hotel development standards.

• Proactive and adaptable with the ability to perform under pressure.

• Strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial drive.

• Highly organized and detail-oriented.

• Team-focused and collaborative, working toward organization-wide success.