Director of Operations

Shangri-La; Sharjah; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hotel brand is seeking a Director of Operations for its location in the UAE. The ideal candidate will oversee hotel operations, ensure guest satisfaction, and drive strategic initiatives. This leadership position requires expertise in hospitality management, excellent communication skills, and the ability to inspire teams.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years in a senior operations leadership role within a luxury hotel environment.
• Strong understanding of the Middle Eastern market and cultural nuances.
• Proven ability to manage diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day hotel operations and ensure guest satisfaction.
• Manage all operational departments including Rooms Division and Food & Beverage.
• Drive continuous improvement through operational audits.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Job description

Shangri-La Jeddah

Anchored on the new Jeddah Waterfront along the shores of the Red Sea, Shangri-La Jeddah sets a new standard for luxury in the city. Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the hotel invite the outdoors in, and the stylish interiors reflect the endless blue of the sea and sandy beaches right outside. A dedicated Kids Club and supervised play area provide the canvas for families to create unforgettable memories, while innovative dining concepts promise to satisfy the most refined palates.

• 203 stylish rooms and suites plus 17 luxury serviced apartments
• 4 restaurants and lounges, including the legendary Shang Palace
• Convenient for Jeddah's popular landmarks and Red Sea Mall

Job Summary :

The Director of Operations will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the hotel, ensuring exceptional service delivery, guest satisfaction, and operational efficiency. As a strategic leader, you will work closely with department heads and the General Manager to implement business plans, drive quality standards, and foster a culture of excellence that aligns with the Shangri-La brand values.

As Director of Operations, we rely on you to:

• Lead and manage all operational departments including Rooms Division, Food & Beverage, Engineering, and Spa & Wellness.
• Ensure the highest levels of guest satisfaction through consistent service delivery and personalized experiences.
• Collaborate with the General Manager on strategic planning and budgeting, ensuring operational goals align with financial targets.
• Oversee compliance with health, safety, and regulatory standards, while championing sustainability initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement through operational audits, quality assurance programs, and guest feedback analysis.
• Inspire, mentor, and develop department heads and their teams to uphold Shangri-La's service standards and company culture.
• Lead crisis management and emergency response procedures as required.
• Support talent acquisition and retention strategies, including training and development initiatives.

What we are looking for :

• At least 3 years in a senior operations leadership role within a luxury hotel environment.
• Strong understanding of the Middle Eastern market and cultural nuances.
• Proven ability to manage diverse teams and foster a performance-driven, guest-centric culture.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional presentation and grooming.
• Fluent in English; Arabic language proficiency is highly desirable.