Position Overview
The General Manager will lead the overall strategy, pre-opening execution, and long-term operational success of the luxury hotel in Phuket, Thailand. This role requires a seasoned leader with proven successful pre-opening experience in luxury or upper-upscale properties, capable of building the hotel from concept to stabilized operations while delivering exceptional financial and guest performance.
Key Responsibilities
Pre-Opening Leadership (Critical Requirement)
- Lead the hotel pre-opening phase from development handover to grand opening.
- Develop and execute the full pre-opening critical path timeline.
- Oversee recruitment of the management and pre-opening team.
- Establish SOPs, service culture, and operational standards aligned with brand positioning.
- Coordinate with project, design, and technical teams to ensure operational readiness.
- Prepare and manage pre-opening budget and working capital requirements.
- Drive sales ramp-up strategy prior to opening.
- Ensure successful soft opening and grand opening execution.
- Achieve stabilized GOP within agreed ramp-up timeline.
Strategic & Commercial Leadership
- Develop and execute business strategy aligned with ownership objectives.
- Position the hotel within the luxury market segment.
- Drive ADR, RevPAR, and market penetration from Day 1.
- Identify revenue optimization and cost control opportunities.
Financial Management
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning.
- Manage P&L performance and drive EBITDA growth.
- Ensure strong cost discipline during ramp-up phase.
- Deliver owner returns in line with agreed investment targets.
Operations Excellence
- Oversee all operational departments
- Ensure luxury service culture is embedded from recruitment stage.
- Maintain compliance with brand standards and audit requirements.
- Drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
Guest Experience & Brand Positioning
- Establish service DNA aligned with luxury positioning.
- Monitor guest satisfaction metrics and reputation management platforms.
People & Culture
- Build the leadership team from pre-opening phase.
- Implement training and service culture programs.
- Develop succession planning and long-term talent pipeline.
- Drive employee engagement and retention.
Owner & Stakeholder Management
- Act as primary liaison with ownership and investors.
- Provide structured reporting on pre-opening progress and financial performance.
- Protect and enhance asset value through long-term strategic planning.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management or related field.
- Minimum 10-15 years in hotel operations.
- At least 5 years as Hotel Manager or General Manager in luxury/upscale properties.
- Proven successful pre-opening experience in at least one full-cycle luxury hotel opening to stabilized operations.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen.
- Experience working with international luxury brands preferred.
Success Profile
The ideal candidate:
- Is entrepreneurial and comfortable building from zero.
- Has strong project coordination capability.
- Balances operational detail with strategic vision.
- Understands luxury guest psychology and brand positioning.
We offer a unique opportunity for candidates to make a significant impact on multiple brands within our group. Join our team and be part of an exciting journey where you can bring your expertise and creativity to drive the success of our diverse businesses.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development.
- A dynamic and supportive work environment
