Director, Operations

Company Description

Fairmont The Palm is a luxury, world-class resort located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah Island in Dubai. The hotel features 391 guest rooms and suites with dedicated Fairmont Gold rooms and lounge. A total of 11 food and beverage outlets on property offer international dining options including Michelin Guide recommended 2022 and 2023 Little Miss India, Frevo - Brazilian Churrasco experience, Seagrill Bistro, Ba Restaurant and Lounge, Blowfish, Flow Kitchen, The Cigar Room, Vuvuzela and others. Fairmont The Palm also features an expansive pool and beach area with a health club, Serenity Spa Dubai - The Art Of Well Being and the Fairmont Falcons Kids’ Club.

Job Description

• Lead, coordinate, and oversee all hotel operations, ensuring smooth functioning and alignment with business objectives.
• Develop and execute operational strategies to deliver innovative, guest-centric experiences.
• Ensure compliance with brand standards, legal requirements, and operational policies.
• Monitor competitor activities and international trends, ensuring the hotel remains ahead of the market.
• Act as a key ambassador of the brand, maintaining a strong presence on the floor.
• Champion a culture of luxury, personalization, and continuous improvement in service delivery.
• Regularly engage with guests, ensuring feedback is acted upon promptly and effectively.
• Drive the implementation of guest experience initiatives, ensuring consistency across all departments.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Revenue teams to support upselling, guest loyalty, and reputation management.
• Oversee departmental budgets, payroll, and operational expenses, ensuring alignment with financial targets.
• Set and achieve profit margin goals through effective cost management, resource optimization, and revenue enhancement strategies.
• Identify opportunities for reinvestment, innovation, and efficiency to maximize overall profitability.
• Support revenue growth through operational excellence, cross-selling, and collaboration with commercial teams.
• Inspire, mentor, and develop Department Heads to achieve high levels of performance and engagement.
• Partner with the Director of People & Culture on workforce planning, recruitment, succession, and performance management.
• Conduct regular progress reviews and annual performance appraisals for leadership team members.
• Foster a culture of empowerment, accountability, inclusivity, and well-being among all colleagues.
• Ensure training, coaching, and career development initiatives are implemented across departments.
• Lead the implementation of the hotel’s sustainability initiatives in line with Accor’s Sustainability Program commitments.
• Ensure high standards of hygiene, safety, and security in all areas of operation.
• Promote responsible resource management (energy, water, waste) and eco-efficient practices throughout the property.
• Serve as a role model for integrity, confidentiality, and compliance with all corporate and statutory requirements.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management or related field.
• Proven senior leadership experience as Director of Operations or Executive Assistant Manager in luxury hotels.
• Strong background in Food & Beverage operations at senior leadership level.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in luxury hospitality, with significant exposure to the UAE market strongly preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication in English (additional languages an advantage).
• Commercially astute with strong financial and business acumen.
• Culturally agile, dynamic, and approachable leader with exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Creative thinker with a passion for excellence, guest personalization, and continuous innovation.
• Flexible to work varied schedules based on operational demands.