Director of Operations

About the Hotel

Be part of the next chapter in Australian luxury hospitality.

The iconic Imperial Hotel Gold Coast, formerly Palazzo Versace, is embarking on an exciting transformation as it becomes Australia's first LXR Hotels & Resorts property. Combining the grandeur and elegance of a globally recognised destination with Hilton's renowned standards of hospitality, this is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of one of Australia's most distinctive luxury hotels.

Situated on a stunning waterfront location, the hotel showcases exceptional Italian craftsmanship, luxury accommodation, award-winning dining experiences, extensive event and conference facilities, a lagoon-style pool, marina access, and an unwavering commitment to personalised guest experiences.

About the Role

An exceptional opportunity exists for an accomplished and visionary hospitality leader to join our Executive Leadership Team as Director of Operations.

Reporting directly to the General Manager, you will provide strategic direction across all operational divisions, including Rooms, Food & Beverage, Security, and Engineering. As a key leader, you will be instrumental in driving operational excellence, commercial performance, guest satisfaction, and team engagement while helping to establish the hotel as a benchmark for luxury hospitality under the LXR brand.

This role requires a dynamic leader who can inspire high-performing teams, elevate service standards, and deliver memorable guest experiences while fostering a culture that reflects Hilton's purpose of spreading the light and warmth of hospitality.

About You

You are a sophisticated, commercially astute hospitality professional with a passion for luxury service, people development, and operational excellence.

You will bring:

• Proven senior leadership experience within a luxury hotel or resort environment.
• Strong operational expertise across Food & Beverage, Rooms Division, Engineering, or multi-department hotel operations.
• A demonstrated track record of delivering exceptional guest satisfaction, financial performance, and business results.
• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• The ability to translate strategic vision into operational execution and measurable outcomes.
• Experience leading teams through change, transformation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong commercial acumen with sound financial and business management skills.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with a natural ability to inspire and influence others.
• A genuine appreciation for personalised luxury service and creating memorable guest experiences.
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to work weekends, public holidays, and operationally critical periods as required.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal leadership role in one of Australia's most exciting luxury hotel transformations. As part of Hilton's prestigious LXR Hotels & Resorts, you will help shape the future of an iconic property.

Join us and help define the next chapter of the Imperial Hotel Gold Coast.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across all operational departments, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and operational excellence.
• Drive commercial performance through effective planning, financial management, and revenue optimisation.
• Embed a culture of luxury service, continuous improvement, and accountability throughout the hotel.
• Analyse guest feedback, operational data, and market trends to identify opportunities for innovation and enhancement.
• Lead and develop departmental leaders, building capability, succession pipelines, and future talent.
• Champion Hilton's values and create an engaged, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.
• Collaborate closely with the Executive Leadership Team to deliver strategic initiatives and business objectives.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, security, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead transformational projects and operational initiatives that enhance the hotel's competitive position and long-term success.
• Drive sustainable business practices while maintaining the highest standards of luxury hospitality.