Group Director of Development

Group Director of Development COMPANIUM Hospitality (Confidential international luxury lifestyle hospitality group) Position Summary COMPANIUM Hospitality has been mandated to recruit a Director of Development on behalf of a confidential international hospitality group that operates and develops luxury lifestyle hotels, beach clubs, city hotels, resorts, and branded residences across leading destinations. The Director of Development will define and implement the group’s global growth strategy, identify strategic markets, assess opportunities, and secure new projects and partnerships. The role involves close collaboration with the Group COO to ensure new developments align with the company’s operational standards, financial objectives, and long‑term vision. Key Responsibilities Define and lead the group’s global development strategy in line with brand vision and financial objectives. Conduct market mapping to identify priority regions and cities for expansion. Perform competitive benchmarking and monitor market trends, pipeline projects, and emerging destinations. Recommend development priorities and entry strategies for new markets (resorts, urban hotels, mixed‑use projects). Source opportunities through a strong international network of owners, investors, and developers. Lead negotiations for management agreements, leases, joint ventures, or selective equity participation. Structure deals that maximize value and long‑term brand strength. Deliver market intelligence on lifestyle/luxury trends, mixed‑use projects, and branded residences. Conduct detailed feasibility studies, including financial modeling, market demand analysis, and ROI projections. Assess project risks and returns, ensuring robust business cases for executive approval. Present recommendations to the COO and executive leadership with clear commercial justification. Work closely with the Group COO to evaluate, validate, and prioritize projects based on operational, financial, and strategic criteria. Partner with technical services, design, and operations teams to ensure brand alignment. Oversee project milestones from approval to contract execution. Support pre‑opening planning and ensure smooth handover to operations. Represent the group in industry forums, real‑estate and hospitality investment conferences. Develop and maintain long‑term relationships with developers, investors, owners, financial institutions, and advisory firms. Act as a brand ambassador in target development markets and promote the brand’s unique luxury lifestyle positioning internationally. Candidate Profile Education: Master’s degree in hospitality management, real estate, business administration, or finance (top‑tier international business school or hospitality school preferred). Additional certifications in investment, asset management, or real‑estate development are a plus. Professional Experience: 15+ years in hospitality development, real‑estate, investment, or asset management. Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role (director, head of development, VP, or similar). Proven success in originating and closing development deals across multiple geographies, with a track record in resorts, urban properties, and residences—ideally within lifestyle/luxury brands. Languages: Fluent in English (both spoken and written). French or Spanish highly valued. Excellent cross‑cultural communication abilities; able to operate confidently in international environments. Key Competencies: Exceptional negotiation and financial structuring skills; strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities; entrepreneurial mindset; global outlook with extensive travel and ability to operate across diverse cultures; charismatic, confident communicator with gravitas to influence at board and investor levels. Location: Flexible; frequent international travel required. Seniority Level Director Employment Type Full‑time Job Function Business Development, Other, and Management Industry Hospitality #J-18808-Ljbffr