Director, Business Development

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Limited; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading luxury hotel group in London seeks a Director of Business Development to drive strategic growth and expand its core business. The role entails evaluating new opportunities, supporting acquisitions, and enhancing executive communications. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, strong analytical skills, and preferably an MBA. The position offers a dynamic environment with a commitment to learning and development, wellness, and attractive employee benefits.

Benefits

Learning and development programmes

Complimentary hotel stays through MOstay

Health benefits and wellness programmes

Various retirement plans

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in business development, corporate strategy, or management consulting.
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience working in international markets and cross-cultural environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Hospitality, or related field; MBA strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate new business opportunities aligned with MOHG’s strategic goals.
• Conduct market research, feasibility studies, and competitive benchmarking.
• Explore brand extension opportunities and adjacent business verticals.
• Support due diligence and financial modeling for acquisitions and strategic investments.
• Collaborate with Legal, Finance, and Brand teams to structure and negotiate commercial terms.
• Prepare board-level presentations and executive briefings.
• Draft strategic communications and briefing notes for stakeholders.

Job description

Overview

Are you a master of craft? Do you thrive in a team that succeeds together, demonstrating integrity and respect while acting responsibly? Do you embrace a growth mindset? We invite you to become a fan of the exceptional.

Mandarin Oriental is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences, with a strong development pipeline. The Group is recognized for creating sought-after properties and providing legendary service inspired by Asian heritage while representing cutting-edge luxury experiences.

Position Details

Position Title: Director, Business Development

Department: Development

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

Location: London

Geographical Scope: Global

Position Objective

In alignment with Mandarin Oriental’s five-year strategic growth plan, the Director, Business Development will accelerate the expansion of the core business—hotels, branded residences, and exceptional homes—while evaluating opportunities beyond the core, including brand extensions, new brand ventures, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. The role identifies, assesses, and presents high-potential opportunities to senior leadership and shareholders. It also serves as Chief of Staff to the Chief Development Officer (approximately 20% of the role), supporting executive communications, board presentations, and cross-functional coordination.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Strategic Growth

• Identify and evaluate new business opportunities aligned with MOHG’s strategic goals.
• Conduct market research, feasibility studies, and competitive benchmarking.
• Explore brand extension opportunities and adjacent business verticals.
• Support due diligence and financial modeling for acquisitions and strategic investments.
• Collaborate with Legal, Finance, and Brand teams to structure and negotiate commercial terms.

Executive Support & Strategic Communications

• Act as Chief of Staff to the Chief Development Officer.
• Prepare board-level presentations, investment committee materials, and executive briefings.
• Draft strategic communications and briefing notes for internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate cross-functional input for strategic initiatives and ensure timely delivery of key milestones.

Additional Duties

• Travel up to 20%, depending on project needs and lifecycle.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Development Officer.

Performance Measures

• Timely and high-quality delivery of business assessments and strategic recommendations.
• Clarity and effectiveness of executive communications and board materials.
• Contribution to the growth and diversification of the business portfolio.

Communication Requirements

• Internal (70%): Development, Legal, Finance, Brand, CEO Office, Shareholders
• External (30%): Investors, consultants, potential partners, acquisition targets

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in business development, corporate strategy, or management consulting.
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience working in international markets and cross-cultural environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Hospitality, or related field; MBA strongly preferred.

Our commitment to you

Learning & Development. Your success is our success. We craft unique learning and development programmes for various stages in your career so that you grow, continuously. MOstay. When you work as hard as our colleagues do, it’s important to take time off. As a member of the #MOfamily, you can stay with us wherever you go in the world. The MOstay programme offers complimentary nights and additionally attractive rates on rooms for you and your loved ones. Heath & Colleague Wellness. Finding the right work-life balance is important. Your wellbeing matters to us. A variety of health benefits and wellness programmes are offered to all our colleagues, globally. Retirement Plans. When you show commitment to us, we reciprocate. We offer different retirement plans depending on the length of your service and your role.

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