General Manager - Pre-Opening Hotel

Over the past two decades, The First Group has forged a reputation as one of the hospitality industry’s leading innovators, providing groundbreaking investment opportunities to clients and partners, while delivering exceptional, memorable experiences to hotel and leisure guests. Our corporate ethos and unique vision for the future of hospitality is encapsulated in our fast-growing portfolio of award-winning hotels and residences, exciting F&B outlets and lifestyle venues, and delivered through our array of complementary third-party hotel and asset management services.

Core to our vision for the future of hospitality is The First Collection, our award-winning hotel brand that reflects the rich culture, innovative spirit, and unparalleled refinement for which Dubai is famous for. The First Collection’s urban lifestyle resorts, situated in prime locations across Dubai, are renowned for their unique blend of world-class hospitality and modern flair, as well as their cutting-edge guest facilities and services, which include exclusive access to the stunning Soluna Restaurants and Beach Club, located on the world-famous Palm Jumeirah.

Every hotel in our fast-growing portfolio reflects our ambition to capture the essence of urban living, blending it seamlessly with the tranquillity of a serene getaway. The First Collection echoes the city’s heartbeat, ensuring all our guests are made to feel a part of the magnificent tapestry of Dubai, the world’s most exciting metropolis.

As the General Manager, you will lead all aspects of hotel operations, ensuring exceptional service standards, maximizing profitability, and fostering a culture of excellence. You will be responsible for driving the hotel's performance, implementing strategic initiatives, enhancing the guest experience, and leading a high-performing team.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Strategic Management:

• Provide visionary leadership to the team, aligning goals with the company's mission, values, and financial objectives
• Develop and implement strategic plans to elevate the hotel's reputation, market position, and profitability
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive work environment that encourages teamwork and professional development

Operational Excellence:

• Oversee all hotel operations, including Rooms Division, Food and Beverage, Maintenance, and Security, ensuring seamless service delivery and operational efficiency
• Collaborate with key functions such as Human Resources, Finance, Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Management to achieve common goals
• Implement best practices and innovative solutions to optimize operations, cost-effectiveness, and service delivery
• Establish and maintain preventative maintenance programs to safeguard hotel assets and ensure a high-quality guest experience

Guest Experience and Satisfaction:

• Champion a guest-centric culture, ensuring personalized, exceptional service and exceeding guest expectations
• Monitor and address guest feedback, concerns, and reviews promptly to maintain high levels of satisfaction and loyalty
• Continuously innovate to enhance guest amenities, services, and facilities, ensuring a memorable experience

Revenue Management and Financial Performance:

• Develop and execute strategies, in collaboration with the Commercial Team, to drive revenue growth across all areas of the hotel, including room sales, food and beverage, and ancillary services
• Maximize revenue through efficient space utilization and cost-effective management of hotel outlets, including rental and other services
• Partner with TFG Hospitality’s corporate office to optimize productivity across all departments and hotel operations
• Monitor financial performance, manage budgets, track expenses, and implement corrective actions to ensure financial targets are met
• Identify opportunities to optimize revenue and reduce costs while maintaining high-quality standards
• Prepare annual budgets, business plans, and recommendations for capital improvements that enhance hotel assets and strengthen brand loyalty

People Development:

• Foster a positive work environment for all team members, offering formal and informal feedback, guidance, and mentorship
• Establish and maintain a proactive HR function to ensure colleague motivation, training, and compliance with policies and labour regulations
• Develop and implement training programs that enhance the skills and performance of hotel staff
• Provide leadership in talent development, ensuring career growth opportunities and succession planning
• Promote an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and empowers all employees to reach their potential

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):

• Represent the hotel within the local community and hospitality industry, participating in events and partnerships that raise the hotel's visibility and enhance its reputation
• Ensure the hotel’s operations are aligned with corporate social responsibility initiatives, supporting sustainable practices and community involvement
• Actively engage in CSR programs that contribute to the well-being of the local community and the environment
• Collaborate with government authorities to ensure compliance with local regulations and industry standards regarding sustainability and CSR

Safety, Security, and Environmental Responsibility:

• Oversee the security function, ensuring a safe and secure environment for guests, employees, and hotel assets
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental policies, protecting the well-being of all stakeholders and promoting sustainable practices
• Promote a safe working environment by adhering to environmental, health, and safety standards

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, Business Administration, or related field
• Extensive hotel pre-opening experience.
• Proven experience in senior leadership roles within the hospitality industry, with a track record of success in managing upper upscale operations.
• Strong business acumen and financial management skills, with the ability to drive revenue growth and optimize profitability.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve excellence.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, solve complex problems, and make data-driven decisions.
• A passion for hospitality and a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Flexibility to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment, with a hands-on approach to leadership.