Vice President Development - India

Company Description

Minor Hotels is an international hotel owner, operator and investor with a portfolio of more than 540 hotels in operation. Minor Hotels passionately explores new possibilities in hospitality with a diverse portfolio of properties designed intelligently to appeal to different kinds of travellers, serving new passions as well as personal needs. Through our Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Elewana, Tivoli, NH Hotel Group, Four Seasons, St. Regis, Marriott and Minor International properties, across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe and South America.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Development for our India region to lead hotel development initiatives. This role is responsible for identifying new opportunities, managing the entire development process from site identification to hotel openings, and ensuring the expansion of our brand across India. The ideal candidate will have deep knowledge of the hotel industry, market trends, and strong relationships within the real estate and hospitality sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership:
• Develop and implement the hotel development strategy for India, aligned with the company's global growth objectives.
• Lead the identification and acquisition of new hotel sites, ensuring alignment with the brand's positioning and target markets.
• Work closely with the global leadership team to identify market gaps and expansion opportunities across key regions in India.
• Business Development:
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including hotel owners, investors, real estate developers, and government authorities.
• Negotiate and execute management agreements, franchise agreements, and joint ventures to drive brand expansion.
• Evaluate potential development opportunities through market analysis, feasibility studies, and competitive benchmarking.
• Project Management:
• Oversee the entire development lifecycle from concept to hotel opening, including site selection, feasibility, design, construction, and operational handover.
• Manage partnerships with architects, contractors, consultants, and project teams to ensure the timely and within-budget completion of projects.
• Ensure compliance with local regulatory requirements, building codes, and environmental standards.
• Market Analysis & Site Selection:
• Conduct thorough market research and analysis to identify high-potential cities and regions for hotel development.
• Evaluate the performance of existing properties and ensure new developments align with demand drivers and profitability goals.
• Make recommendations on the best locations for new properties based on demographic and geographic trends, competition, and guest behavior patterns.
• Financial Planning & Budgeting:
• Prepare and manage financial models, investment proposals, and budgets for new projects.
• Work closely with the finance team to secure funding for development projects and optimize return on investment (ROI).
• Ensure projects adhere to financial targets, with a focus on profitability and long-term sustainability.
• Collaboration with Operations & Design Teams:
• Collaborate with the operations team to ensure new developments meet brand standards and operational efficiency.
• Liaise with design and construction teams to ensure the quality and aesthetics of new hotels reflect the brand identity.
• Ensure smooth transitions from the development phase to operational handover, supporting pre-opening activities and hotel launch.
• Compliance & Legal:
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations throughout the development process.
• Work with internal and external legal counsel to negotiate contracts, land acquisitions, and franchise agreements.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of hotel development regulations in different Indian states.
  

Qualifications

• Experience:
• 10+ years of experience in real estate development, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within the hospitality or hotel industry.
• Proven track record of delivering large-scale hotel development projects from concept to completion.
• Industry Knowledge:
• Strong understanding of the Indian hotel market, with an established network of industry contacts.
• Deep knowledge of hotel development processes, including site acquisition, market analysis, and franchise negotiations.
• Leadership:
• Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with experience building and leading high-performing development teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver results under tight timelines.
• Financial Acumen:
• Strong financial modeling skills with experience in investment analysis, project financing, and budget management.
• Experience in negotiating and structuring joint ventures, management contracts, and franchise agreements.
• Communication & Negotiation:
• Excellent negotiation, presentation, and communication skills, with the ability to influence key stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and global leadership.
• Education:
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Real Estate, Architecture, or a related field. An MBA or similar advanced degree would be an advantage.
  

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.