Director of Operations - Hospitality & Entertainment

Arada; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality organization in Dubai is seeking a Director of Operations for Hospitality & Entertainment. This role involves overseeing operations, driving revenue growth, and ensuring exceptional guest experiences across various venues. The ideal candidate will have over 12 years of progressive experience, including significant leadership roles, and a strong focus on operational excellence and financial management.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in hospitality, F&B, or entertainment.
• 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Track record in managing large-scale operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop operational strategies for hospitality and entertainment.
• Drive revenue growth and manage budgets effectively.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and quality standards.

Skills

Leadership

Operational excellence

Financial management

Guest engagement

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

The Director of Operations – Hospitality & Entertainment will lead, oversee, and optimize the operations of hospitality, food & beverage, and entertainment experiences across all venues and facilities. This role is responsible for ensuring seamless guest experiences, driving operational excellence, managing budgets, and delivering on business growth objectives. The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to balance creativity with efficiency to elevate the organization’s brand and profitability.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership & Business Growth

• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with the organization’s vision for all H&E businesses.
• Drive top-line revenue growth across hospitality, F&B, and entertainment streams.
• Deliver annual revenue targets and achieve year-on-year growth as defined by leadership.
• Identify opportunities for upselling, cross-selling, and new revenue streams.
• Partner with leadership to launch innovative concepts, events, and activations that increase market share.
• Monitor KPIs, including revenue per guest, average check size, and occupancy/utilization rates.

Financial & Budget Management

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and cost management for hospitality and entertainment operations.
• Monitor P&L performance and drive profitability while maintaining quality standards.
• Identify and implement cost-saving measures without compromising guest experiences.

Operations & Service Excellence

• Oversee day-to-day operations of hospitality and entertainment venues.
• Ensure adherence to service standards, health & safety regulations, and guest experience excellence.
• Implement SOPs across venues to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.
• Drive initiatives to improve guest satisfaction scores and loyalty.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor cross-functional teams including F&B, entertainment, and guest services.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and service excellence.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Negotiate contracts and partnerships to maximize value and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, licensing, and legal requirements.

Innovation & Guest Experience

• Introduce unique hospitality and entertainment concepts to enhance brand differentiation.
• Leverage guest insights, market trends, and competitor analysis to refine offerings.
• Champion digital transformation and technology adoption for seamless customer journeys.

QUALIFICATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Professional certifications in hospitality/entertainment management are an advantage.

EXPERIENCE

• 12+ years of progressive experience in hospitality, F&B, or entertainment operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale hospitality/entertainment operations and delivering financial results.

SKILLS

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Expertise in operational excellence, service delivery, and guest engagement.
• Financial acumen with the ability to manage budgets and P&L.
• Innovative thinker with the ability to anticipate market trends.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.