Analyst / Senior Analyst - Hotel Asset Management

Headquartered in Dubai, UAE, The First Group is a dynamic, integrated global property developer with a fast-growing portfolio of upscale hotels, residential properties, F&B brands and real estate asset management services. Since our launch in 2005, we have carved a highly successful niche offering unrivalled property investment opportunities in high-growth markets to clients from more than 70 countries worldwide.

We were among the first developers to identify the tremendous potential in providing private investors the opportunity to purchase hotel guestrooms, suites and serviced apartments in our collection of upscale properties located in highly popular locations across Dubai. We back up our success with a list of International Property awards along with strategic partnerships with companies such as Wyndham Hotel group, Millennium Hotels, Emirates Airlines and Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts.

To successful candidates, we offer a diverse progressive corporate working environment with clear growth potential along with award winning sales & marketing tools, a state of the art showroom featuring Dubai’s only virtual helicopter tour and endorsements from a number of international sporting celebrities.

The main task for this position will be to support the asset management team. The Analyst / Senior Analyst  is responsible for monitoring the financial and operational performance of the hotel assets, including during the pre-opening phases.

Responsibilities:

• Perform accurate and timely review of the submitted operational reports of Hotel Operators, and perform the required analysis of the operating results, while liaising with the Hotel Operators for inquiries and clarifications.
• Study the operational reports submitted by the hotel operators, consolidate them, and prepare input notes on any critical areas for the consideration of the Management. Provide both the reports and input notes to the Management.
• Conduct the required audits and inspections of the operated Hotels and arrange meetings with hotels’ management, to verify the status of operations against the submitted reports.
• Work with Hotels General Managers for identifying and implementing initiatives for the purpose of saving costs, increasing revenues, and enhancing customer experience.
• Ensure full compliance to Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) controls by Hotel Operators or Franchise Agreement (FA) and outline any breaches to the agreement to take the required actions.
• Provide the required pre-opening support and follow-up for newly operated hotels, to ensure the proper initiation of the hotels’ operations.
• Assist the Management in contributing to the Negotiation of the Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) and Franchise Agreement (FA) from an operational perspective during the contract preparation phase.
• Analyze and respond to capital and operational expenditure (CAPEX & OPEX) requests, to ensure that the requests address the current needs of the hotels and that no over-estimations are made.
• Review and analyze the submitted budgets by Hotel Operators and provide input to management, to challenge and debate the budgets and underlying assumptions.
• Review and benchmark the trading performance parameters relevant to hotel operations (i.e., ADR, RevPAR, Occupancy, etc.).
• Prepare financial projections and feasibility studies for new acquisition projects.
• Provide the required support to the Management to maintain the asset registers of operated Hotels.
• Provide follow-up input on the implementation of any planned strategic initiatives as required by the Management.
• Conduct ad-hoc research studies as instructed by the Management, whether related to the review of operated hotels or any other related topics of interest.
• Contribute to any other work required by the interest of the work

Qualifications:

• Proven and strong analytical and technical skills with high proficiency in Excel and other Microsoft Office programs.
• Possess IT skills with revenue management tools such as OTA insight, Hotel IQ, and others
• Strong organization, and project management skills; ability to juggle multiple concurrent high-priority projects while meeting deadlines, being a team player, and seeking continuous improvement.
• Excellent individual initiative and objective-oriented drive with a strong propensity for attention to detail.
• General understanding of hotel operations and the lodging industry, real estate markets, and trends, as well as the important metrics that define them.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal communication, organization, and time management skills
• Possess practical experience in an asset management function and exposure to the GCC markets.
• Must possess very good written and verbal communication skills.
• Be able to work well as part of a team as well as independently.
• Thrive on working to deadlines within a fast-paced environment.
• Be motivated to progress in their career.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years experience with practice in hospitality and asset management
• UAE work experience with Dubai market exposure as an advantage

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in hospitality administration, business management, or related field from a four-year college or university or equivalent experience required.
• MBA is preferred