Director - Development, Europe, UK and Middle East - Corporate Office (Based in London)
United Kingdom
Job Description
A wholly-owned subsidiary of Great Eagle Holdings, Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) comprises a family of distinctive brands, including The Langham Hotels and Resorts, Cordis Hotels and Resorts, Eaton Workshop and Ying’n Flo. With over 40 hotels and residences in operation or development, LHG has a global footprint that extends across Asia, Europe, North America, Australasia, and the Middle East.
LHG works on a philosophy reflected group-wide through inspiring design, cutting-edge innovation, sincere service, and an unwavering commitment to creating great memories. With dedicated colleagues in more than 20 hotels located in major cities throughout four continents, we foster an engaging and respectful workplace to nurture careers, delight guests, and embrace the company's vision to be a global hospitality group that pursues excellence.
Position Overview
This position encompasses a comprehensive range of responsibilities related to development, with core accountability for identifying and evaluating potential projects and owners in Europe, the UK, and the Middle East.
The role will contribute to defining and executing the hotel management development strategy, implementing policies and procedures, conducting thorough analyses of potential projects, structuring business deals, skillfully negotiating contracts, obtaining and coordinating internal approvals, and providing ongoing oversight of projects until their successful completion and opening.
This role will operate in high visibility with the top corporate senior executives of the company.
Key Responsibilities:
General and Strategic

Collaborate with the executive team and relevant management at Langham to develop a deep understanding of the company's businesses, strategic priorities, and positioning
Originate and unlock opportunities that align with Langham’s business strategy, aiming to strengthen the company’s competitive position and support profitable expansion in Europe, the Middle East, and internationally
Identify and evaluate business growth opportunities with primary focus on management contracts
Develop key relationships internally and externally to capitalize on deal flow opportunities
Conduct due diligence, analysis, and presentation of opportunities
Take responsibility for executing transactions, including negotiations, partner selection, and integration
Establish and deliver an aspirational yet achievable pace of development for the regions
Compile and update a list of target markets for development
Monitor industry trends and news, assessing their potential impact
Attend and represent Langham at relevant hospitality events to maintain a high profile within the industry
Implement the budget and marketing plan for the department
Facilitate communication and coordination with the SVP Development and CEO

Development

Establish and maintain a robust network of contacts to generate potential projects
Generate and convert leads that conform to established strategies and standards
Design and produce a regularly distributed internal development status report for the regions
Establish and gain internal agreement on standard procedures for the review and approval of development projects, including:

Screening process and go/no-go decisions
Approval of proposed facilities and financial projections
Standard format for project submission documents
Creation and updating of standard documents such as Heads of Terms, Letters of Intent and others
Negotiate deal terms with owners, leading to the signing of Heads of Terms or Letters of Intent
In cooperation with internal legal colleagues, instruct external solicitors for drafting management and related agreements
Negotiate various documents through to completion


Requirements:
Work Experience

Minimum of 10 years of experience in business development within the hotel management industry
Proven track record of proactive sales with a history of successfully closing deals.
Established network of contacts within the hotel industry, particularly among luxury and lifestyle hotel owners
Global experience, with a focus on Europe, the UK, and the Middle East
Fluency in English, with strong oral and written communication skills
Primary exposure and experience in the luxury segment and brands
Solid understanding of hotel underwriting and fundamental principles
Familiarity with various hotel markets, industry trends, banks, and special servicers
Knowledge of key property management skills and attributes that drive incremental value for owners
Proficiency in management contract terms and negotiation techniques

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, hotel management, or a related field. MBA holder is preferred

Other Skills

Ability to engage effectively with potential clients, owners, and internal executives, demonstrating a strong capability for closing and executing deals
Skill in building new relationships through various methods, including business entertainment and cold calling when necessary; proactive and hands-on attributes are essential
Tenacious "hunter" mindset combined with strategic thinking and advisory skills crucial for launching new business initiatives; a blend of entrepreneurial spirit and organizational proficiency is key to excelling in this role
Polished self-presentation and demeanor that reflects the brand’s image
Excellent presentation and communication skills, comfortable interacting with all levels within an organization and with external constituents
Flexibility for regular travel, potentially up to 50% of the time
Strong understanding of marketing, commercial, and financial components of the business
Gravitas, experience, and credibility to act as an advisor to senior executives
Candidates with more experience may consider for Senior Director position

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