Job Description
Position Summary:
As a key member of the India leadership team, the Vice President - Operations is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of a diverse portfolio of luxury hotels owned by an international hospitality chain, across multiple brands and destinations in India. This role is accountable for driving operational excellence, guest experience, brand standards, profitability, and sustainable growth.
The incumbent will lead regional General Managers and their hotel teams, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, and brand passion. This leader will ensure that every property consistently delivers exceptional guest experiences, maximizes revenue opportunities, and strengthens owner and brand relationships.
This position requires a seasoned hospitality professional with deep understanding of luxury standards, commercial acumen, and multi-unit leadership experience. The role is based in India.
PROFILE
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field required; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
- 15+ years of progressive hospitality leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a multi-property operational leadership role.
- Proven track record of overseeing luxury hotels or resorts; prior experience with international brands strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in owner relationship management, commercial strategy, and operational excellence.
Skills and Competencies:
- In-depth understanding of hotel operations, sales and marketing, revenue management, F&B, and guest experience strategies.
- Strong financial acumen and experience managing complex P&L structures.
- Exceptional leadership and people management skills; ability to inspire, engage, and develop high-performing teams.
- Adept at balancing brand standards with commercial priorities and operational realities.
- High degree of cultural awareness, emotional intelligence, and ability to navigate diverse stakeholder environments.
- Outstanding communication and negotiation skills; comfortable engaging with senior executives and ownership groups.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and growth-oriented environment.
CORE WORK ACTIVITIES
Operational Leadership
- Provide strategic direction and hands-on operational leadership to General Managers and hotel leadership teams.
- Ensure consistent delivery of luxury brand standards, service excellence, and exceptional guest satisfaction across all properties.
- Monitor operational performance, implement best practices, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Financial Performance & Commercial Strategy
- Drive financial performance of the portfolio, ensuring revenue growth, cost optimization, and profit maximization.
- Collaborate with commercial teams to optimize sales, marketing, and revenue management strategies.
- Guide hotels in the development of annual budgets, forecasts, and capital expenditure plans as needed.
Owner and Stakeholder Management
- Act as the primary liaison with hotel owners and asset managers, nurturing positive, trust-based relationships.
- Ensure alignment between ownership objectives and brand standards to maximize asset value.
- Partner with development teams to support growth initiatives and property enhancements.
Talent Leadership and Development
- Champion a culture of empowerment, inclusion, and continuous learning across hotel teams.
- Identify and mentor high-potential talent, supporting career development and succession planning.
- Promote associate engagement and uphold high standards of ethical conduct and corporate responsibility.
Quality Assurance & Risk Management
- Maintain strict compliance with health, safety, and regulatory requirements across properties.
- Oversee crisis management and business continuity planning.
- Ensure operational risks are proactively identified and mitigated.
MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
Leadership
- Communication: Articulates vision and strategy clearly and persuasively.
- Leading Through Vision and Values: Keeps brand ethos and organizational values at the forefront of all actions.
- Managing Change: Drives organizational agility and fosters resilience in times of change.
- Decision Making: Evaluates complex scenarios and implements decisive, informed actions.
- Professional Demeanor: Commands respect, builds credibility, and represents the brand with poise and professionalism.
- Strategy Development: Crafts and executes actionable business plans aligned with company objectives.
Managing Execution
- Building a Successful Team: Builds collaborative, high-performing teams; fosters engagement.
- Strategy Execution: Translates strategy into operational plans, driving execution excellence.
- Driving for Results: Holds self and teams accountable for delivering outcomes.
Building Relationships
- Customer Relationships: Understands evolving guest expectations and drives service innovations.
- Global Mindset: Leverages diverse perspectives to drive innovation and growth.
- Strategic Partnerships: Builds strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to drive success.
Generating Talent and Organizational Capability
- Organizational Capability: Optimizes resources and structures to meet business goals.
- Talent Management: Identifies, nurtures, and retains top talent.Learning and Applying Professional Expertise
- Technical Acumen: Applies industry knowledge to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Project Management: Manages initiatives effectively within scope, time, and budget constraints.
