Director of Expansion & Development - Spain & Portugal - Utrecht
Odyssey Hotel Group HQ
Utrecht
- Fulltime, 38 - 38 hour weekly
- MBO/HBO
- 2 - 5 Years of experience
- Language: EN
- Managing
- Management
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE PART OF A FAST – GROWING ORGANISATION?
JOIN US AS DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT FOR SPAIN & PORTUGAL
ABOUT ODYSSEY
We are The Odyssey Hotel Group, Europe's most ambitious hotel operator and the team behind many famous global hospitality names. We partner with Marriott, IHG, and Accor to develop exceptional properties across various brands, from Holiday Express to Marriott's Autograph Collection. Powered by over 700 employees and supported by ActivumSG as our major shareholder, our purpose is to create wonderful stories through a passion for unique and locally inspired hotel design and attention to every detail. We achieve this through a culture of enabling and empowering our teams to be masters of the art of hospitality.
ODYSSEY CULTURE
You’ll be joining a fast-moving, ambitious, and successful team that’s shaking up the industry we love. If you thrive on responsibility, share a passion for great service, and are a natural collaborator, we’ll be a good fit. We pride ourselves on a collaborative mindset.
THE POSITION
The Director of Development for Spain & Portugal will play a pivotal role in managing all phases of project development from concept to completion, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. This position requires a combination of strong project management and transactional skills, financial acumen, and the ability to work effectively with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in successfully managing development and/or transactional projects, with a keen eye for identifying and mitigating risks.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead development projects from planning to construction, including feasibility studies, design, permitting, and construction.
- Manage project budgets, schedules, and resources for efficient and effective delivery.
- Conduct market research to support site selection and project strategy.
- Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants to achieve project goals.
- Navigate and ensure compliance with regulatory approval processes.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including investors, government agencies, and community groups.
- Identify, evaluate, and mitigate project risks.
- Prepare and present project reports and updates to senior management and stakeholders.
- Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
- Lead negotiations of agreements; lease, purchase, joint venture, franchise with owners and their representatives, ensuring alignment with Odyssey’s standards.
- Collaborate with Odyssey’s departments to maximize investment returns.
- Represent Odyssey at hospitality events and maintain a high industry profile.
- Develop a strong network in the local hotel and real estate investment sector.
HOW YOU'LL DO IT
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders.
- Collaborative approach, but also able to work independently.
- Proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of thinking strategically and solving problems creatively.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management, Business, Real Estate, Construction Management, or related field.
Real Estate and Finance Expertise: Strong background in real estate finance, acquisitions, and development, with a thorough understanding of real estate valuation, hotel investment, and financing.
Minimum 5 Years of Hotel Experience: Proven track record with managed and franchised hotel transactions, including effective negotiation of hotel deals and knowledge of typical hospitality contract structures; franchise, management, lease, and JV.
Project Management: Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet tight deadlines, and efficiently allocate resources.
Financial Acumen: Strong financial and analytical skills, including budgeting, financial modelling, and risk analysis, with the ability to apply corporate finance principles.
Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with regulatory landscapes and experience navigating permitting and approval processes.
Industry Insight: Good understanding of geographic markets in Europe and preferably brand knowledge of major hotel brands; Marriott, IHG, and Accor, etc.
Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in project management software and tools as well as Microsoft 365.
Language Skills: Proficiency in English and Spanish as a native or mother tongue is required.
WHY THIS ROLE AT ODYSSEY?
The advantage of joining via Odyssey, a multi-brand operator, means that you’ll be empowered to be your very best. Together we grow. You get the opportunity to grow to our other brands and headquarters.
- Attractive benefits package.
- Employee discount rates in more than 8000 Marriott, IHG and Accor hotels, for you and your family.
- Your personal development taken seriously.
- Room for your ideas and creativity - your vision is important to us.
- Working from beautiful locations.
- Working in a dynamic and expanding work environment where no day is the same.
- A culture where great colleagues become true friends.
- Through Empowr. we strive to promote your personal well-being in various ways.
INTERESTED?
Apply through this vacancy, and we will contact you as soon as possible. We look forward to your application!
DISCLAIMER
Please submit your CV and/or motivation letter in English, as it is our primary language of communication. Kindly note that applications without a background in hospitality will not be considered.
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Director of Expansion & Development - Spain & Portugal
- Odyssey Hotel Group HQ Utrecht
