GENERAL MANAGER – PRE-OPENING
5STAR HOTEL/KUWAIT
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced General Manager to lead the full launch of a new luxury hospitality property. This is a strategic leadership role requiring deep expertise in pre-opening operations, vendor management, team recruitment and training, and flawless execution of soft and hard opening phases. The successful candidate will partner closely with ownership and corporate stakeholders to deliver the property on time, on brand, and within budget.
Key Responsibilities
- Pre-Opening Operations: Develop and execute comprehensive pre-opening plans covering all departments (F&B, Rooms, Engineering, Housekeeping, Security, Finance). Establish timelines, resource allocation, and accountability frameworks.
- Vendor and Supplier Management: Source, negotiate, and contract with all vendors (POS systems, uniforms, equipment, food and beverage distributors). Manage delivery schedules and enforce quality standards.
- Recruitment and Team Building: Build the entire management structure and key staff. Recruit, interview, and hire department heads and critical roles. Establish competitive compensation aligned with market and brand positioning.
- Training and Operational Readiness: Design and deliver comprehensive training programs across all departments. Conduct soft-opening simulations and ensure operational excellence before public launch.
- Quality Assurance and Brand Standards: Enforce brand standards across all operations. Conduct regular audits of facilities, service quality, and product delivery. Ensure full compliance with local regulations and licensing requirements.
- Soft and Hard Opening Execution: Plan and lead phased openings (soft opening, staff familiarization, public launch). Manage media relations, VIP guest experiences, and initial market feedback.
- Financial Stewardship: Monitor pre-opening budgets with precision. Control costs without compromising quality or brand standards. Forecast operating costs and establish robust financial controls for the launch phase.
- Stakeholder Communication: Maintain regular, transparent communication with ownership, developers, corporate leadership, and local authorities. Identify and escalate risks early.
Required Experience
- Minimum 15+ years of progressive hospitality management experience, with at least 3 pre-opening or repositioning roles at upper-midscale or luxury properties
- Proven track record successfully launching properties on time and within pre-opening budgets
- Strong GCC/Middle East market knowledge and experience (UAE, KSA, Qatar preferred)
- Demonstrated expertise in vendor negotiation, team recruitment and development, and comprehensive training program design
- Strong financial acumen and P&L management at the executive level
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills across all levels
Qualifications
- Hospitality degree or equivalent professional certification (Hotel Management, Business Administration, or related field)
- Fluency in English; Arabic a strong advantage
- Valid work authorization for UAE, KSA, or host country
Core Competencies
- Strategic Planning and Complex Project Management
- Executive Leadership and Talent Development
- Quality Assurance and Brand Compliance
- Vendor and Supplier Relationship Management
- Crisis Management and Problem-Solving Under Pressure
