Director Development CIS and Caucasus (Based in Turkey, Remote)
Hotel Brand:
Location: Turkey, Istanbul
Hotel: Corp Turkey, Eski Büyükdere Cd. Park Plaza No:14 K:4 Maslak , Sarıyer
Job number: 158571
Build the future of hospitality. Shape markets. Close landmark deals.
At IHG, growth isn’t accidental - it’s strategic, bold, and driven by people who know how to turn opportunity into world-class hotels. We’re looking for a Director of Development, Europe to lead expansion across a high-potential territory, driving franchise and management agreements that strengthen our brands and create long-term value.
If you thrive on deals, relationships, and shaping skylines, this role puts you right where strategy meets execution.
Your Mission
You’ll grow IHG’s footprint across your territory by originating, negotiating, and closing Franchise License Agreements (FLA) and Hotel Management Agreements (HMA) - from first conversation to signed contract. You’ll own the pipeline, influence the strategy, and represent IHG with credibility and confidence at every table.
What You’ll Do
Own the growth strategy: Develop and execute a territory-wide development plan, optimizing brand distribution, earnings, and long-term value - refreshed annually with a sharp competitive lens.
Create opportunity: Build and maintain a powerful network of investors, developers, banks, asset managers, and operators across the territory.
Lead the deal: Source, assess, negotiate, and close franchise and management agreements aligned with IHG’s strategic priorities.
Be the connector: Coordinate cross-functional teams (Brand, Operations, Design & Engineering, Investment Analysis, Legal) to deliver seamless, professional pitches and executions.
Drive feasibility & value: Partner with Investment Analysis to assess financial viability and with Design & Engineering to define PIP and capex requirements.
Own the process: Manage approvals, committee presentations, contracting, and handover to New Hotels Opening - ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Lead when needed: Depending on territory size, manage and mentor a small team of Managers / Senior Managers.
Stay visible: Represent IHG in the market with a strong public profile - this role involves significant travel and relationship-building on the ground.
Who You Are
A senior development professional with 8+ years’ experience closing hotel deals independently (managed and/or franchised).
Skilled at managing complex negotiations, not only for new deals but also managing existing relationships and retention/renewal discussions.
Deeply fluent in real estate finance, hospitality development, and hotel contract structures (FLA, HMA, Lease).
Commercially sharp, negotiation-strong, and relentlessly results-driven.
Comfortable juggling multiple high-value deals while prioritizing what will close.
A confident networker with an established network base in CIS & Georgian markets.
Strong understanding of the hotel lifecycle, capex, feasibility modelling, and operational implications of deal structures.
Proven ability to influence stakeholders - externally and internally - and bring consensus across complex organizations.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Real Estate, Hotel Management, or equivalent experience.
Fluent in English and Russian language is essential / highly desirable
Why IHG
At IHG, you won’t just sign deals - you’ll shape destinations, work with globally iconic brands, and partner with owners who share our ambition for quality and long-term success. We offer the platform, credibility, and scale.
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Don't quite meet every single requirement, but still believe you'd be a great fit for the job? We'll never know unless you hit the 'Apply' button. Start your journey with us today.
