Chief Hotel Development and Operations Officer (FOUNDING EXECUTIVE)

Chief Hotel Development and Operations Officer (FOUNDING EXECUTIVE) Chief Hotel Development & Operations Officer (FOUNDING EXECUTIVE) | Permanent | Hybrid |

About the Company We are partnering with a bold new hospitality venture, fully funded and primed for rapid growth, to build one of Australia’s next‑generation hotel brands. This is a unique opportunity to join the founding executive team and influence every aspect of the brand’s creation. The business will launch with a flagship property that will set the benchmark for guest experience, prove the commercial model, and pave the way for swift expansion across Australia and the broader APAC region through franchise and management agreements.

Founding executive team role

with the ability to shape the brand’s DNA

High‑impact leadership position

driving strategy, growth and operational excellence

Legacy‑building opportunity

as you help create and scale a new franchise brand

Dynamic, entrepreneurial environment, greenfield opportunity

backed by strong financial support

About the Role We are seeking an outstanding senior executive, a visionary, commercially sharp and operationally exceptional leader, to step into the role of Chief Hotel Development & Operations Officer and join the founding team.

In this pivotal position, reporting directly to the CEO, you will drive the end‑to‑end execution of the strategic growth plan: from securing and launching the flagship property to designing a scalable, franchise‑ready operating system that will underpin rapid expansion across Australia and the APAC region.

Your leadership will be critical in meeting ambitious timelines, achieving cost efficiencies and delivering strong long‑term commercial performance.

This is a rare opportunity to help build a hotel brand from the ground up and shape every foundational aspect of its identity, operations and future scale.

Skills & Experience

Extensive senior‑level experience in hotel development and operations within franchised hotel environments : Demonstrating strategic leadership and operational excellence.

Proven track record in successful hotel openings and conversions : Demonstrated success managing multiple hotel projects from inception to operational launch, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are consistently met.

Strong expertise in financial and operational management and commercial acumen : Extensive experience in feasibility studies, P&L management, capex planning, and end‑to‑end property development, with the ability to implement operational improvements and technology to enhance performance and drive profitable and sustainable hotel operations.

Strong knowledge of franchising and management models : solid familiarity with both franchising frameworks and management agreements, with the ability to navigate contractual, operational, and brand requirements effectively.

Technology ecosystem leadership : Proven capability in designing and implementing end‑to‑end technological infrastructure, including PMS, RMS, POS, CRM and channel management systems, as well as guest‑facing technologies, automation tools, IoT solutions, digital access, and integrated platforms that enhance operational efficiency, scalability and the overall guest experience.

Startup mindset and agility : Thrives working in low‑bureaucracy, high‑autonomy environments, building operations and teams from the ground up while implementing scalable processes.

Team leadership & talent development : Skilled at recruiting, mentoring, and retaining high‑performing teams across multiple properties.

Brand development and scaling : Experience in creating, launching, or expanding hotel brands or sub‑brands, with a focus on operational excellence, market positioning, and long‑term growth.

Relationship management & communication : Entrepreneurial, progressive, and innovative, with exceptional stakeholder management, presentation, and organisational skills.

Sustainability & ESG awareness : Knowledge of sustainable practices and the ability to integrate environmentally responsible initiatives.

Understanding of guest‑centric innovation : Knowledge of lifestyle/wellness, acoustic design, and room‑product innovation is highly valued, contributing to differentiated and innovative guest experiences. (Highly desirable).

Education MBA degree qualified AND/OR relevant executive and industry credentials in hotel development and operations.

How to Apply For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity, please apply and/or email ****@createcareers.com.au with your updated CV!

We respect your privacy and will handle all applications and discussions in complete confidence.

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