Regional Openings & Conversions Project Lead (Remote)

Hyatt; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive plan

Job summary

Hyatt is seeking a Regional Openings & Conversions Project Lead to drive end-to-end project management for hotel openings and conversions across the Americas. You will manage pre-opening roadmaps, establish key milestones, and coordinate cross-functional workstreams with owners, operators, and Hyatt stakeholders to ensure on-brand openings.

You will guide teams through risk assessment, provide on-site opening week training, and ensure readiness for operational ramp.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive management experience in hotel operations or related disciplines.
• Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives with strong emphasis on owner and operator relationships.
• Experience overseeing owners’ and operators’ expectations at property, regional, or corporate levels.

Responsibilities

• Oversee complete project management lifecycle for hotel openings, conversions, managed to franchise transitions, and de-flag efforts.
• Act as primary contact for owners, developers, operators, and Hyatt stakeholders during pre-opening.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with owners and operators for repeat business and growth.
• Develop and communicate comprehensive pre-opening plans with milestones and interdependencies.
• Deliver on-site training and guidance during opening week.
• Provide operational guidance to owners and operators during pre-opening and transition phases.
• Monitor progress, adjust timelines, and escalate risks for senior decision-making when needed.
• Apply independent judgment to mitigate risks and drive execution within governance frameworks.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Owner relations

Cross-functional coordination

Communication

Remote work

Time management

Education

Hospitality certification

Project Management certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Organization – Hyatt Corporate Office

Summary

The Regional Openings & Conversions Project Lead executes end to end project management for hotel openings and conversions across the Americas region. With a strong focus on owner and operator relations, this role is accountable for driving projects from execution through operational handover at opening.

From deal execution through opening, the Regional Lead develops and delivers comprehensive pre-opening roadmaps, establishes and manages critical timelines, and coordinates complex cross functional workstreams to ensure hotels open on time, on brand, and fully prepared to ramp operationally and commercially. The role builds and sustains strong partnerships with owners, operators, and internal Hyatt stakeholders, to support successful openings and long term growth across the region.

The successful candidate uses independent judgment to lead complex projects, manage risk, and drive cross functional execution within established Hyatt policies and frameworks. You will be part of a team that is passionate about our purpose, committed to nurturing curiosity and new skills, and building connections across the organization with colleagues, customers, and guests.

Who We Are

At Hyatt, we believe in the power of belonging and creating a culture of care, where our colleagues become family. Since 1957, our colleagues and our guests have been at the heart of our business and helped Hyatt become one of the best and fastest-growing hospitality brands in the world. Our transformative growth and the addition of new hotels, brands, and business lines can open the door for exciting career and growth opportunities for our colleagues.

As we continue to grow, we never lose sight of what’s most important: People. We turn trips into journeys, encounters into experiences, and jobs into careers.

Why Now?

This is an exciting time to be at Hyatt. We are growing rapidly and are looking for passionate changemakers to be a part of our journey. The hospitality industry is resilient and continues to offer dynamic opportunities for upward mobility, and Hyatt is no exception.

How We Care For Our People

What sets us apart is our purpose—to care for people so they can be their best. Every business decision is made through the lens of our purpose, and it informs how we have and will continue to support each other as members of the Hyatt family. Our care for our colleagues is the key to our success. We’re proud to have earned a place on Fortune’s prestigious 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the last ten years. This recognition is a testament to the tremendous way our Hyatt family continues to come together to care for one another, our commitment to a culture of inclusivity, empathy, and respect, and making sure everyone feels like they belong.

We’re proud to offer exceptional corporate benefits which include:

• Annual allotment of free hotel stays at Hyatt hotels globally
• Flexible work schedule
• Work-life benefits including wellbeing initiatives such as a complimentary Headspace subscription, and a discount at the on-site fitness center
• A global family assistance policy with paid time off following the birth or adoption of a child as well as financial assistance for adoption
• Paid Time Off, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K with company match

Who You Are

As our ideal candidate, you understand the power and purpose of our culture of care, and embody our core values of Empathy, Inclusion, Integrity, Experimentation, Respect, and Wellbeing. You enjoy working with others, are results-driven, and are looking for a variety of opportunities to develop personally and professionally.

The Role

• Oversee the complete project management lifecycle for hotel openings, conversions, managed to franchise transitions, and de flags, ensuring both operational and commercial readiness from initial execution through hotel opening.
• Act as the primary point of contact for owners, developers, operators, and internal Hyatt stakeholders, throughout pre opening period.
• Build and maintain strong, long term relationships with owners and operators, with a focus on repeat business and future growth opportunities.
• Develop, implement, and communicate comprehensive pre opening plans, including establishing key milestones, managing interdependencies, and ensuring effective cross functional coordination and communication.
• Delivery on-site training and guidance during opening week, providing support and guidance as required.
• Provide operational guidance to owners and operators during pre opening and transition phases, ensuring alignment with brand standards and readiness requirements.
• Monitor project progress and readiness, making informed recommendations on timelines, opening readiness, and mitigation strategies; escale risks or issues requiring senior level decisions when appropriate.
• Apply independent judgment to identify and mitigate risks, resolve issues, and drive successful execution within defined governance frameworks.

Scope & Project Load

• Average portfolio of approximately 17 active projects
• Approximately 12 additional projects in design at any given time
• Ability to travel regularly to support projects across the Americas (approx. 50%)

Qualifications

Experience Required

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive management experience in hotel operations or related disciplines, with a proven track record of successful project delivery.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi ‑ stakeholder initiatives with a strong emphasis on owner and operator relationships.
• Experience in directly overseeing and managing owners’ and operators’ expectations at the property level or in a regional or corporate function.

Experience Preferred

• Certification in Hospitality or a related field preferred.
• Professional certification in Project Management preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with Hyatt operational systems and ability to learn new applications quickly.
• Advanced project management, planning, and execution skills across multiple concurrent initiatives.
• Strong communication, influence, and stakeholder ‑ management capabilities.
• Ability to synthesize inputs, identify risks, and translate insights into actionable plans.
• Self-starter and ability to work remotely.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to communicate effectively, holding difficult conversations with Owners and Operators, to achieve the desired outcome.
• High level of organization, time management, and adaptability in a fast ‑ paced environment.

The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all-encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.

We welcome you

Research shows that individuals tend to apply to jobs only if they meet all the listed job qualifications. Unsure if you check every box, but feeling inspired to enhance your career? We’d love to consider your unique experiences and how you could make Hyatt even better.

The salary range for this position is $120,000 to $160,000. This position is also eligible for an annual incentive plan.

The final pay rate/salary offered to the successful candidate will depend on experience, skill level and other qualifications for the role, as well as the location of the performance of work. Pay for the successful candidate will meet local requirements, including the local minimum wage rate.

We value our relationships with recruitment partners and require that agencies contact us first before submitting any candidates. Hyatt will not be responsible for any fees and obligations associated with unsolicited submissions unless a formal agreement is in place.