Report line: Area Director of Operations
Our client is a five‑star luxury lifestyle hospitality group headquartered in Rome, Italy. They are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Hotel Director to oversee hotel operations (50+ room keys + multiple F&B outlets) and be based full‑time in Cortina. The role is responsible for driving operational excellence, supporting financial performance, and delivering exceptional guest experiences in line with luxury hospitality standards.
Requirements
- Minimum 8 years of experience in luxury hospitality operations, with at least 3 years in a senior operational leadership director role
- Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred
- Proven background in internationally recognised luxury 5* hotels, lifestyle resorts, or boutique hospitality brands
- Available to be based fully in Cortina all year round (not seasonal property)
- Strong expertise across Rooms Division, Food & Beverage, guest experience, and overall hotel operations
- Demonstrated ability to oversee multi‑department operations while maintaining exceptional service standards
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, payroll, cost control, and revenue optimisation
- Experience leading, mentoring, and developing high‑performing multicultural teams
- Ability to implement operational strategies that improve efficiency, guest satisfaction, and profitability
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- Strong understanding of luxury lifestyle hospitality trends and guest expectations
- Pre‑opening, repositioning, or renovation experience would be considered an advantage
- Fluency in English and Italian; Spanish language skills are an advantage
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the overall operational performance of the property, ensuring seamless coordination across all departments
- Drive operational excellence and maintain exceptional guest experience standards aligned with luxury hospitality expectations
- Lead and support department heads in achieving operational, financial, and service quality objectives
- Monitor and optimise financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, labour management, and cost control
- Ensure consistent implementation of company standards, policies, and operational procedures
- Collaborate closely with commercial teams to maximise revenue opportunities and overall business performance
- Develop and execute operational strategies to improve efficiency, guest satisfaction, and profitability
- Maintain strong relationships with guests, stakeholders, owners, and external partners
- Support talent development, employee engagement, and succession planning initiatives
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, security, and local regulatory requirements
- Identify opportunities for operational improvements, innovation, and long‑term business growth
- Act as a key operational representative of the property and uphold the company's service culture and brand positioning
