Director of Operations

Shangri-La Group; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury hotel group in Abu Dhabi seeks a Director of Operations to provide strategic leadership across hotel departments. This role is vital in ensuring exceptional guest experiences and achieving brand standards. The successful candidate will possess strong operational management experience with a proven track record in driving service excellence. A bachelor's degree in hospitality management and a minimum of 2 years in a luxury hotel role are required. Competitive benefits and opportunities for personal growth are offered.

Benefits

Competitive benefits

Recognition programs

Colleague stay/travel perks

Structured learning and development pathways

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years in similar role in luxury hotel operations.
• Proven ability to drive service excellence at a senior leadership level.
• Strong knowledge of UAE hospitality regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of all hotel departments.
• Drive guest satisfaction and quality assurance.
• Manage departmental budgets and achieve financial targets.
• Lead and develop department heads to build high-performing teams.
• Ensure compliance with UAE regulations and corporate policies.

Skills

Executive leadership

Operational management

Strategic planning

Financial acumen

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Cultural knowledge of UAE hospitality

Education

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management or related field

Job description

Director of Operations
Shangri-La Group | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

About Us

Find Your Shangri-La in Shangri-La. Our story began in 1971, when the first Shangri-La opened its doors. We have since been crafting joyful experiences through heartfelt hospitality, and that legacy continues to guide us today. As we look ahead to new horizons, we invite you to join the world of Shangri-La — shaping the next chapter and making a meaningful impact through shared purpose and the art and joy of Asian hosting.

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi

offers 213 luxurious guestrooms and suites, six private pool villas, and 161 fully furnished serviced apartments featuring a one-kilometre private beach which blends modern Arabic design with exceptional comfort.

Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi

offers 301 stylish guestrooms and suites, including 80 exclusive Traders Club rooms. Combining contemporary comfort with warm design, the hotel enjoys a prime location within the Qaryat Al Beri complex alongside Shangri-La properties, CHI, The Spa, and the Souk.

As a Director of Operations, you provide strategic leadership and oversight of all operational departments within the Hotel complex. You will ensure exceptional guest experiences by aligning service excellence, operational efficiency, and brand standards across the hotel. Partner closely with the complex General Manager to drive performance, profitability, and continuous improvement of the hotel complex.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of all hotel departments, ensuring seamless service delivery aligning with brand compliance.
• Drive guest satisfaction, quality assurance, and service excellence across the hotel complex.
• Manage departmental budgets and cost controlling to achieve financial targets.
• Lead, mentor, and develop department heads and senior leaders to build high-performing teams.
• Ensure full compliance with UAE regulations, health and safety standards, and corporate policies.
• Actively aware of global, regional and local Sales and Marketing trends and pricing impacting the hotel or hotel outlets and addresses these threats and/or opportunities.

About You

• Strong executive leadership and operational management experience in the field.
• Excellent strategic planning, financial acumen, and performance management skills.
• Proven ability to drive service excellence and guest satisfaction at a senior leadership level.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and decision‑making skills.
• Strong knowledge of UAE hospitality regulations, compliance, and cultural considerations.
• Results‑driven, resilient, and composed under pressure with a hands‑on leadership approach.
• Holding a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management or in a related field.
• Extensive management experience with a minimum of 2 years in similar role in a luxury hotel operations.

Why Join Us

• A workplace that values your passion and supports self‑realization and personal growth.
• Structured learning and development pathways with real opportunities to advance your professional craft and leadership skills.
• Competitive benefits, recognition programs, and colleague stay/travel perks that reward your contribution and dedication.
• Teams that promote inclusion and respect, value diversity, and foster a secure environment where everyone can thrive.

We are an equal opportunity employer. Applications from all qualified candidates are welcomed. All information provided by applicants will be treated in and used only for recruitment purposes.

We appreciate your interest in joining us. Please note that only successful candidates will be contacted.