Managing Director Future Openings MEA & SEAP

Role Overview

Managing Director – Future Openings, MEA & SEAP at Radisson Hotel Group. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for future hotel openings across the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia Pacific regions.

Company Overview

Radisson Hotel Group is one of the world's largest hotel groups with ten distinctive hotel brands and more than 1,500 hotels in operation and under development in 95+ countries. The Group's overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters, with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos. People are at the core of business success and future growth.

Role Purpose

To lead the successful pre-opening and opening of future Radisson Hotel Group properties across MEA and SEAP, ensuring operational readiness, brand representation, and the successful transition of new hotels into the operating portfolio while supporting business expansion, growth and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Opening & Opening Execution

• Lead the successful pre-opening and opening of future RHG hotels across MEA and SEAP, ensuring all operational, commercial, financial, technical and people-related activities are planned, coordinated and delivered in line with agreed timelines, budgets, brand standards and business objectives.
• Develop and implement opening strategies and business plans for each assigned property, identifying key hotel metrics, milestones, risks and opportunities.
• Ensure appropriate reports, tracking tools and performance measures are established, regularly reviewed and acted upon.

Operational Readiness

• Ensure operational readiness across all areas of the hotel including rooms, food & beverage, sales and marketing, finance, human resources, engineering, IT, security and guest services.
• Confirm that teams, systems, processes and facilities are fully prepared to deliver exceptional guest experiences from day one.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Work closely with hotel owners, developers, project teams and key stakeholders throughout the hotel development and opening lifecycle.
• Establish strong relationships and ensure that owner expectations, contractual requirements and RHG standards are effectively managed and aligned.

Financial & Commercial Strategy

• Own and oversee the hotel opening budget, business plan and commercial strategy.
• Ensure effective cost control, revenue generation and profitability.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, regulatory requirements and RHG standards across each market.
• Conduct appropriate due diligence, risk management, audit preparation and follow-up activities, ensuring all are planned, delivered and documented.

Strategic Growth & Development

• Support the wider regional growth strategy by contributing to feasibility discussions, market assessments, pipeline reviews and strategic initiatives related to future hotel developments and opportunities across MEA and SEAP.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory developments, technological advancements and evolving guest expectations across the region.
• Identify opportunities that can enhance RHG's competitive position, operating model and future growth.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven senior-level leadership experience in hotel openings or pre-openings, preferably across MEA and/or SEAP.
• Strong understanding of the full hotel development and pre-opening lifecycle, from project planning and recruitment through opening and operational stabilization.
• Proven expertise in managing hotel owner, developer and investor relationships, with the ability to influence and negotiate effectively at senior level.
• Experience working across multiple cultures and jurisdictions, with strong awareness of the commercial and operational dynamics of international hospitality markets.

Skills & Competencies

• Fluency in English is mandatory; additional proficiency in French and/or relevant regional languages is highly advantageous.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business objectives into practical, measurable and executable opening and operating plans.
• Strong understanding and working knowledge of hotel financial concepts, budgets, P&L statements, forecasting and commercial performance.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret market data, business trends and performance indicators and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication and presentation skills, with the confidence to engage owners, developers, senior executives and external stakeholders.
• High personal integrity, resilience and adaptability, with the ability to operate effectively in an environment that demands excellence, pace, time and energy.

Additional Information

• Ability and willingness to travel extensively across MEA and SEAP in support of hotel openings, stakeholder engagement and business development.
• Benefits include up to 53% off stays as a Team Member at over 1,500 Radisson Hotels worldwide, guaranteed minimum of 30% off for Friends & Family, and exclusive discounts on breakfast, food & beverage, spa and more.
• Access to exclusive global benefits and local perks and rewards tailored to your country.
• Investment in growth, learning and career development.
• Inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity and fosters a sense of belonging through Employee Resource Groups and inclusion initiatives.