Director of Operations

Palazzo Versace Dubai; Dubai; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Palazzo Versace Dubai is seeking an experienced Director of Operations to oversee day-to-day hotel operations and elevate service standards for a luxury 5-star property in Dubai.

The role requires a robust F&B and Culinary background, with proven leadership across multiple departments, including Rooms Division. Candidates should bring a strategic mindset, strong commercial acumen, and experience guiding pre-opening projects within upscale hospitality.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive hotel operations experience, preferably within luxury 5-star hotels.
• Strong background in Food & Beverage and Culinary operations, with substantial experience overseeing restaurants, bars, banqueting, and/or large-scale culinary operations.
• Previous senior leadership roles such as Director of Operations, Director of F&B, or Executive Assistant Manager.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the hotel, ensuring seamless coordination across all operational departments.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership to F&B, Culinary, Rooms, and other guest-facing departments.
• Drive operational excellence across restaurants, bars, banqueting, room service, and culinary operations.
• Ensure all departments consistently deliver the standards expected of a luxury 5-star property.
• Monitor operational performance, revenue, profitability, quality, and guest satisfaction across the hotel.
• Develop and implement operational strategies in line with the hotel's objectives.
• Collaborate with senior management on budgeting, forecasting, and performance improvement.
• Maintain oversight of Front Office, Housekeeping, Engineering, Spa, Security, and other operations.

Skills

Hotel operations

F&B management

Leadership

Budgeting & forecasting

Pre-opening projects

Guest experience

Multicultural team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in hospitality

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of Operations to oversee the day‑to‑day operations of a luxury 5-star hotel, ensuring exceptional service standards, operational excellence, and a consistently outstanding guest experience. The ideal candidate will have a strong Food & Beverage and Culinary background, with proven experience leading complex F&B operations, while also demonstrating a solid understanding of Rooms Division and other key hotel departments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the daily operations of the hotel, ensuring seamless coordination across all operational departments.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership to F&B, Culinary, Rooms, and other guest‑facing departments.
• Take a strong leadership role in Food & Beverage and Culinary operations, ensuring exceptional quality, service standards, profitability, and guest satisfaction.
• Drive operational excellence across restaurants, bars, banqueting, room service, and culinary operations.
• Ensure all departments consistently deliver the standards expected of a luxury 5-star property.
• Monitor operational performance, revenue, profitability, quality, and guest satisfaction across the hotel.
• Develop and implement operational strategies and initiatives in line with the hotel's business objectives.
• Collaborate with the senior management on budgeting, forecasting, business planning, and performance improvement.
• Maintain strong knowledge and oversight of Front Office, Housekeeping, Engineering, Spa, Security, and other hotel operations, ensuring effective cross‑departmental coordination.
• Monitor guest feedback and service recovery initiatives, ensuring concerns are addressed promptly and professionally.
• Lead, coach, and develop department heads and operational teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with hotel policies, brand standards, health and safety regulations, HACCP, and other applicable requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, service quality, revenue generation, and guest experiences.
• Support the planning and execution of VIP arrivals, special events, functions, and high‑profile hotel activities.
• Maintain strong relationships with key guests, owners, stakeholders, and business partners.
• Support the successful planning, development, and execution of pre‑opening projects across the company's hospitality portfolio, ensuring alignment with brand standards, operational objectives, and project timelines.

Candidate Requirements:

• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive hotel operations experience, preferably within luxury 5-star hotels.
• Strong background in Food & Beverage and Culinary operations, with substantial experience overseeing restaurants, bars, banqueting, and/or large‑scale culinary operations.
• Previous experience at Director of Operations, Director of F&B, Executive Assistant Manager, or a similar senior leadership level.
• Comprehensive understanding of overall hotel operations, including Rooms Division and other key departments.
• Strong commercial acumen with proven experience in budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and driving profitability.
• Proven experience in leading pre‑opening projects within luxury or upscale hospitality environments.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and people‑management skills.
• Strong understanding of luxury service standards and guest experience.
• Proven ability to lead large, multicultural teams and work effectively in a fast‑paced luxury hospitality environment.
• Excellent problem‑solving, decision‑making, and organizational skills.
• Bachelor's degree or relevant hospitality qualification is preferred.
• International luxury hotel experience is highly desirable.