Head of Operations
About the job
- At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in the ultra-luxury hospitality or railway sector.
- A successful history of directing complex, high-profile pre-opening projects from construction and design phases through launch and stabilization.
- Experience collaborating directly with institutional investors, asset owners, and board members.
- A deep understanding of LQA standards and strong attention to detail.
- Exceptional negotiation and influencing skills to manage complex relationships.
- Strong leadership and management skills.
- A strong sense of urgency.
- Professional fluency in English is mandatory.
- Provide strategic and operational leadership to accelerate transformation and drive profitable growth globally across hotels and trains on a fixed-term contract basis.
- Foster a growth-oriented culture focused on superior guest experience and clear financial and operational metrics.
- Act as the ultimate leader of the operations division and architect and execute the brand’s global operational roadmap under the direct guidance of the CEO.
- Partner with the Executive Committee to design short- to long-term organizational planning that maximizes portfolio synergies while safeguarding compliance with corporate policies, financial guidelines, and management contracts.
- Lead end-to-end pre-opening phases for assets by coordinating cross-functional teams, including Design, Finance, and P&C, to ensure operational readiness at hotels and trains.
- Develop bespoke operational plans, budgets, and standard operating procedures in alignment with General Managers and owners to ensure on-time delivery and maximize investment outcomes.
- Champion LQA standards across all assets and provide strategic direction for signature food and beverage, wellness, and on-board concepts.
- Hold full accountability for global operational profitability and long-term asset value, delivering on EBITDA targets, capital expenditure plans, and manning guides in close collaboration with finance directors and investors, while balancing ultra-luxury service standards with proactive cost management.
- Collaborate with Commercial, Revenue, and Marketing divisions to design growth-focused strategies and accelerate booking velocity.
- Lead recruitment of high-profile operational leaders, including General Managers and Train Managers.
- Italian language skills are a plus.
About the company
Accor operates a global portfolio of hotel brands spanning economy to luxury, providing hotel management and franchising services in the travel and tourism sector. Its revenue comes from room bookings, food and beverage services, and management fees earned from franchised properties. The company runs a loyalty program called A Club to boost guest retention and engagement. Growth is aided by strategic acquisitions, such as Adoria for corporate catering solutions and a stake in Squarebreak for upscale villa rentals. Accor pairs global expertise with local knowledge to deliver consistent hospitality experiences at scale, while pursuing sustainability and positive impact on guests, communities, and the environment. The overall goal is to offer reliable, high-quality experiences across markets and to grow responsibly through responsible expansion and sustainable practices.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
Founded
1967
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- September 2026: Treasure Island joined Handwritten Collection, giving Accor Las Vegas Strip entry.
- Accor is developing Sofitel Tangier for 2029 and a Risma tourism academy in Morocco.
- September 2026 OCEANEs issuance refinanced 2027 debt, lowering near-term maturity pressure.
What critics are saying
- The 2027 OCEANEs still leave €139 million outstanding, forcing another refinancing by December 2027.
- Treasure Island's 2027 restaurant plans face Vegas demand swings.
- A failed 2027 refinancing forces dilutive equity issuance and destroys investor confidence.
What makes Accor unique
- ALL Accor spans economy-to-luxury brands, locking travelers across segments.
- Handwritten Collection lets Accor add iconic independents like Treasure Island without heavy ownership.
- Accor's asset-light management and franchising scales globally while preserving local operator relationships.
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Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Meal Benefits
- Performance Bonus