General Manager - Fairmont Al Khobar (Pre-Opening)

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts; Al Khobar; On-site; SAR 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury hotel brand is seeking an experienced General Manager to lead the pre-opening of a new location in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in luxury hotel management and a proven track record of building strong, inclusive teams. This role requires a strategic thinker with exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, committed to providing an unparalleled guest experience and driving operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Prior experience as a General Manager in a luxury hotel.
• Experience in a pre-opening environment.
• Fluent in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre-opening efforts for Fairmont Al Khobar.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Ensure guest satisfaction and uphold luxury service standards.

Skills

Luxury hotel management

Team-building

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Relationship management

Education

Professional qualifications in hospitality management

Job description

Company Description

Fairmont hotels is a renowned luxury hotel brand with a global presence and a commitment to creating lasting memories for our guests. With over 30,000 employees worldwide, we are dedicated to providing exceptional service, embracing innovation, and fostering a culture of excellence.

Join us as the pre-opening General Manager for Fairmont Al Khobar. Set to open in early 2027.

Job Description

You will embody the essence of luxury hospitality. Your dynamic and hands‑on approach is fueled by a deep passion for developing people and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit. A true brand and guest ambassador, you will challenge conventions, consistently seek solutions, and infuse innovation into every facet of the hotel experience and every function of the business.

Your seasoned leadership style will blend diplomacy with relationship‑building prowess, cultivating strong connections with both internal and external stakeholders, including Owners and the Community. Your ability to engage with ownership and strategise revenue enhancements will be coupled with an innate talent for envisioning the hotel's long‑term trajectory.

A refined sense of finance and business acumen will be at the core of your decision‑making, grounded in an unwavering commitment to delivering a world‑class product and service. By seamlessly weaving local heritage and culture into our offerings, you will not only create an authentic guest experience but also drive excellence across all dimensions of our operations.

In your role as a catalyst for exceptional service, you will uphold the highest standards, infusing every interaction with the kind of genuine care that leaves an indelible mark on our guests. Nurturing an environment of continuous growth and skill development, you will inspire our colleagues to consistently exceed expectations, turning moments into memories for every visitor.

As a visionary leader, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our strategic direction. Your involvement in goal setting and objective communication will propel business growth and solidify the hotel’s reputation as a distinguished luxury destination. Your ability to foster positive relationships with ownership will ensure a harmonious partnership that aligns with our overarching strategy while enhancing the hotel’s performance and prestige.

Your leadership will be synonymous with setting industry benchmarks and redefining luxury hospitality. Your commitment to excellence, coupled with your innovative approach, will leave an enduring mark on our iconic brand and create a legacy of unparalleled guest memories.

Key Behaviours And Responsibilities

Act with an open mindset

Embrace innovative ideas, adapt to change, and encourage a culture of innovation and continuous learning.

Demonstrate explicit knowledge and awareness of company standards as an integral role model.

Build quality relationships with the management team.

Create an environment that encourages innovation, challenges traditional thinking, and fosters a "speaking‑up" culture.

Create positive impact working with others

Foster an inclusive and collaborative work environment, empowering colleagues to contribute their best and building strong relationships based on trust and respect.

Create a collaborative and inclusive environment where all colleagues are encouraged to provide input.

Actively listen to team members' ideas, concerns, and feedback and incorporate their input into decision‑making processes.

Recognise and appreciate the contributions and well‑being of colleagues.

Strive for guest/client satisfaction

Exhibit a deep understanding of the luxury hospitality landscape and guest expectations, ensuring that the guest experience consistently exceeds industry standards.

Maintain product and service quality standards by conducting ongoing evaluations.

Handle VIP guests and understand international protocols for government officials and royalty.

Monitor guest/client feedback, address concerns promptly, and implement improvements to optimise satisfaction.

Consistently deliver excellence

Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of ownership group’s investment objectives and formulate strategic business plans that align with those objectives; ensuring preservation and maximisation of the hotel’s assets.

Set high performance standards, lead by example, and drive a culture of continuous improvement and quality across the hotel.

Exhibit expertise in sales, marketing, and revenue management, driving the hotel’s performance in the luxury hospitality market.

Maximise financial performance, control costs, and execute marketing and operational activities that produce results meeting or exceeding the hotel’s business plan.

Recognise and reward outstanding performance and celebrate achievements within the organisation.

Enable team success

Support the professional growth and development of colleagues through coaching, mentoring, and providing opportunities for learning.

Encourage individuals to take on challenging assignments and stretch their capabilities.

Provide regular feedback and guidance, recognising achievements and offering constructive suggestions for improvement.

Create a safe and empowering environment where individuals feel comfortable taking risks, expressing their ideas, and learning from failures.

As applicable, bring experience in working with labour unions, maintaining constructive relationships and ensuring harmonious teamwork.

Create clarity

Articulate a clear and comprehensive vision for the hotel, aligning goals and objectives with ownership group’s investment strategy.

Effectively communicate organisational vision, goals, and expectations, fostering a shared sense of purpose and direction among team members.

Demonstrate adeptness in overseeing renovation projects, maintaining transparency and open communication throughout the process.

Address ambiguity and navigate complex situations with transparency, fostering an environment of clear direction and effective problem‑solving.

Inspire for top performance

Lead with passion and integrity, motivate and inspire others to achieve their best.

Market plans and ideas successfully, reducing key and complex ideas and messages to clear, memorable, and compelling statements.

Embodies an entrepreneurial spirit, inspiring innovative thinking and fostering a culture that encourages taking calculated risks.

Recognise and reward outstanding performance, cultivating an atmosphere of achievement and recognition.

Promote continuous development and growth, offering resources and guidance to nurture professional skills and talents.

Champion a "speaking‑up" culture, creating an environment where diverse opinions are valued, and individual contributions are celebrated.

Convince others, negotiate, debate, and find win‑win solutions.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in a luxury hotel General Manager position.
• Experience managing in a pre‑opening and opening environment.
• Strong educational background with professional qualifications and a continuous learning mindset.
• Fluent in English.
• Proven track record of building a strong service, and quality culture.
• Strong people skills and a track record of fostering positive, inclusive, high‑performing cultures.
• Experience in managing owner relations.
• Demonstrated leadership, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinker with excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Displays a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
• Bottom‑line oriented with a focus on quality guest service and team‑building.
• Creative and innovative mindset.
• Ability to collaborate and work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent sense of prioritisation and time management.
• Professional demeanour and strategic orientation.
• Engaging, friendly, and charismatic with a natural ability to connect with guests.
• Passionate about creating memorable experiences and turning moments into special memories.