Director Hospitality

Macdonald & Company; Dammam; On-site; SAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality management firm in Dammam is seeking a Director of Hospitality to oversee the operations of a new integrated resort. This role involves managing pre-opening activities, planning, and stakeholder engagement while ensuring exceptional guest experiences. Candidates should have a strong background in hospitality management, with a minimum of 15 years experience in recognized hotel brands and expertise in operational management and design.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in hospitality management with a focus on pre-opening activities.
• Proven experience in planning and design for hotels and integrated resorts.
• In-depth knowledge of hospitality industry trends and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the pre-opening phase for the resort’s hospitality services.
• Oversee planning and design of hospitality facilities.
• Develop operational strategies for all hospitality services.

Skills

Leadership and team management

Operational management

Financial acumen

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Hospitality management software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Summary

Job Overview

The Director of Hospitality for an integrated resort is responsible for overseeing the hospitality operations of a newly developed resort, which includes 5‑star hotels, a theme park, a water park, restaurants, and other amenities. This role requires extensive experience in pre‑opening activities for major hotels operated by recognized hotel brands, as well as expertise in planning, design, and back‑of‑house operations. The Director of Hospitality will ensure the successful launch and ongoing excellence of all hospitality services within the resort.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Opening Activities

• Lead the pre‑opening phase for the resort’s hotels and other hospitality services, ensuring all preparations are completed on time and to the highest standards.

Planning and Design

• Oversee the planning and design of hospitality facilities, including guest rooms, public areas, dining venues, and back‑of‑house spaces.
• Work closely with architects, designers, and contractors to ensure designs meet brand standards, operational requirements, and guest expectations.
• Ensure that all hospitality areas are designed for efficiency, functionality, and guest satisfaction.
• Implement systems and processes to optimize back‑of‑house operations and support front‑of‑house services.
• Develop and promote a guest‑centric culture throughout the resort.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including hotel operators, contractors, suppliers, and regulatory authorities.

Operational Management

• Develop and implement operational strategies and standards for all hospitality services, ensuring excellence in guest experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in hospitality management, with a focus on pre‑opening activities for major hotels operated by recognized hotel brands.
• Proven experience in planning, design, and back‑of‑house operations for hotels and integrated resorts.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a track record of building and leading high‑performing teams.
• Excellent operational management skills, with a focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• In‑depth knowledge of hospitality industry trends, best practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in hospitality management software and Microsoft Office Suite.