Regional Director, Franchise Openings [Dallas, TX]

Act as the primary point of contact to support all field processes related to future hotel openings, a select portfolio openings or transitions, and the team in development/execution of projects to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and performance of hotel openings to ensure hotels open on time in accordance to the brand. Possesses project management skills to include managing key target dates and coordination of organizational specialists (AD&C, CaRM, etc.) as well as owner relationship management skills to drive opening pace. 

Build strong franchisee relationships through phone consultations and on-site visits while managing hotel opening requirements. Ensure critical milestones—construction, life safety, and key path elements—are met. Partner with CaRM specialists to drive fast ramp-up and collaborate with Operations Support and IHG Training to keep systems updated with current legal requirements, initiatives, and goals.

Your day to day 

• Act as the primary liaison between the Franchisee/General Manager and all related internal personnel {i.e. NHOP Program and Support teams, Franchise Sales, Franchise Revenue Management, Field Services, Property Improvement Consultants, Quality Consultants, Sales Development Regional Directors, IT, HSS, etc.) to ensure a consistent line of communication during the opening process.
• Provide phone consultation throughout the New Hotel Opening Process, answering questions and coordinating details or relaying information as needed.  Proactively manage pipeline portfolio to ensure critical milestones are met. Identify obstacles, triage, and work cross-functionally with IHG partners to deploy specialists as needed.
• Develop and implement procedures for New Hotel Opening (NHOP) timelines. Maintain tracking systems for critical tasks, visits, and actions, ensuring timely completion and submission of all paperwork. Generate and analyze weekly/monthly reports to evaluate NHOP progress and identify areas for improvement. Monitor and update tactical and strategic plans as needed.
• In conjunction with IHG Training, Operations Support and field staff, review, and/or enhance training programs on a regular basis to ensure training needs are accurately addressed, and incorporate current company legal requirements, goals, and initiatives.
• Consult with key managerial groups and applicable personnel {Principal Correspondents, General Managers, and Directors of Sales} to identify barriers to success, and paths to recovery. Maintain solid client relationships with Principal Correspondents and with managers at each assigned hotel.
• Prepare and submit recaps of consulting visits to hotel ownership and management. Make information available to internal key stakeholders including FPS management staff, FPS field staff, Commercial and the Revenue Management staff.
• Monitor and identify needed changes to existing tactical and strategic plans for the hotels.
• Answer inbound inquiries and requests from owners and hotel leadership in portfolio across all areas of the hotel opening process (e.g., permitting, financing, prelims, construction milestones, and opening} Work with internal departments to bring resolution.
• Conduct outbound calls with key hotel personnel to support ground-breaking and construction milestones.  Monitor all IHG interactions with hotels and ownership/management within assigned portfolio.

What we need from you

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Hotel Management or a relevant field of work, or an equivalent combination of education and work-­related experience. CHA (Certified Hotel Administrator) preferred. 
• 5 to 7 years progressive work-related experience in the hotel industry, with demonstrated proficiency in multiple disciplines/processes related to the position. 
• Experience of managing teams, preferably cross-functional/discipline teams as well as with and without direct hierarchical authority (i.e. external teams or teams from other functions with no direct line management authority)
• Project management experience in a matrix organization overseeing multiple business units.
• Previously worked within an international or global organization
• Experience in organizing, planning and executing large-scale projects from conception through implementation in a hotel environment. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and projects with effective follow-through and attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey information to clients, vendors, senior management, and staff. Ability to collaborate effectively with GMs and hotel contacts, build and manage relationships, and apply conflict resolution, negotiation, and persuasion skills.
• Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of hotel. Experience in assessing performance and in creating strategic tools to improve hotel performance.
• Knowledge of construction processes and procedures in order to assess building progress, challenge GCs and communicate realistic time tables.
• Knowledge of training principles and procedures. Experience in the preparation, implementation and delivery of training programs.
• Proficiency in Property Management Systems and Revenue Management Systems.

Travel – 80%

Location – Remote: **Candidate should reside in the Dallas, TX area**

The salary range for this role is $106,000.00 to $115,000.00.  This role is also eligible for bonus pay (as applicable). We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401K, and other benefits to employees.  

#LI-YM1