Global Head of Luxury Operations — Hotels & Trains

Orient Express; Paris; On-site; EUR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Orient Express is seeking a Head of Operations to provide strategic and operational leadership to accelerate transformation and drive profitable growth globally across all hotels and trains. The role focuses on delivering a superior guest experience while meeting strict financial metrics.

Responsibilities include leading the global operational roadmap, guiding pre-opening efforts, upholding LQA standards, ensuring EBITDA targets, and collaborating with Commercial, Revenue, and Marketing to

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership in ultra-luxury hospitality or rail sector.
• Proven history directing complex pre-opening projects from construction/design through to launch and stabilization.
• Experience collaborating with institutional investors, asset owners, and board members.
• Deep understanding of LQA standards and strong attention to detail.
• Exceptional negotiation and influencing skills to manage complex relationships.
• Strong leadership and a sense of urgency.
• Professional fluency in English; Italian would be a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operations division's strategic vision and architect the global operational roadmap under the CEO's guidance.
• Partner with the Executive Committee to design short- and long-term organizational planning for portfolio synergies while ensuring policy and contractual compliance.
• Spearhead end-to-end pre-opening phases for Orient Express assets by coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure readiness.
• Develop bespoke operational plans, budgets, and SOPs with General Managers and owners for timely delivery and investment optimization.
• Guard and enhance guest experience by aligning with LQA standards and defining signature F&B, wellness, and onboard concepts.
• Hold global accountability for profitability and asset value, delivering EBITDA targets, CAPEX plans, and staffing guides with finance.
• Foster collaboration with Commercial, Revenue, and Marketing to design growth-focused strategies and accelerate bookings.
• Lead recruitment of high-profile operational leaders (General Managers and Train Managers).

Skills

Leadership

Strategic vision

Pre-opening experience

Investor relations

Guest experience

Budgeting & finance

English fluency

Job description

Orient Express is seeking a Head of Operations to provide strategic and operational leadership to accelerate transformation and drive profitable growth globally across all hotels and trains. The role focuses on delivering a superior guest experience while meeting strict financial metrics.

Responsibilities include leading the global operational roadmap, guiding pre-opening efforts, upholding LQA standards, ensuring EBITDA targets, and collaborating with Commercial, Revenue, and Marketing to