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
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  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)
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  Strong expertise across Rooms Division, Food & Beverage, guest experience, and overall hotel operations
  
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  Demonstrated ability to oversee multi-department operations while maintaining exceptional service standards
  
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  Strong commercial and financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, payroll, cost control, and revenue optimisation
  
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  Experience leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing multicultural teams
  
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  Ability to implement operational strategies that improve efficiency, guest satisfaction, and profitability
  
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  Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
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  Strong understanding of luxury lifestyle hospitality trends and guest expectations
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  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
  
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  Drive operational excellence and maintain exceptional guest experience standards aligned with luxury hospitality expectations
  
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  Lead and support department heads in achieving operational, financial, and service quality objectives
  
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  Monitor and optimize financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, labor management, and cost control
  
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  Ensure consistent implementation of company standards, policies, and operational procedures
  
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  Collaborate closely with commercial teams to maximize revenue opportunities and overall business performance
  
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  Develop and execute operational strategies to improve efficiency, guest satisfaction, and profitability
  
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  Maintain strong relationships with guests, stakeholders, owners, and external partners
  
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  Support talent development, employee engagement, and succession planning initiatives
  
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  Ensure compliance with health, safety, security, and local regulatory requirements
  
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  Identify opportunities for operational improvements, innovation, and long-term business growth
  
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  Act as a key operational representative of the property and uphold the company's service culture and brand positioning