Director of Operations - UK & Ireland

Whether you're starting out or stepping up, you'll find support, purpose and the chance to grow through every challenge at IHG Hotels & Resorts.

We're seeking a Director of Operations, Managed & Leased Hotels to join our UK & Ireland leadership team. In this role, you'll lead operational performance across a diverse portfolio of managed and leased hotels spanning Luxury & Lifestyle and Premium, Essentials & Suites brands. You'll work closely with hotel leaders, ownership groups and senior stakeholders to deliver exceptional guest experiences, sustainable profitability and support the future growth of the portfolio.

In this role, you'll provide strategic and operational leadership across a growing hotel estate, helping hotels perform at their best while building strong relationships with owners, colleagues and stakeholders. You'll drive operational excellence, champion high-performance teams and ensure consistent delivery of IHG's brand and guest experience standards.

Key responsibilities

• Lead operational performance across the UK & Ireland managed and leased hotel portfolio.
• Drive guest experience, quality, loyalty and reputation performance across all hotels.
• Deliver sustainable profitability through strong financial and commercial performance.
• Build trusted relationships with owners, asset managers and key external stakeholders.
• Lead performance reviews and governance routines, ensuring timely action and support where needed.
• Partner with hotel leadership teams to develop high-performing, engaged and accountable teams.
• Drive continuous improvement, operational efficiency and transformation initiatives.
• Provide strategic oversight for hotel openings, transitions and portfolio growth opportunities.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Finance, Revenue, HR and Brand teams to achieve business objectives.
• Act as a senior ambassador for IHG across industry, owner and stakeholder forums.

You'll play a key role in shaping the performance and future direction of IHG's managed and leased business across the UK & Ireland, driving results for owners, guests, colleagues and the wider organisation.

What we're looking for
 

• Significant senior leadership experience in hotel operations, ideally across multi-site, regional or portfolio environments.
• Strong operational expertise across hotel performance, guest experience, commercial delivery and quality standards.
• Experience working with multiple ownership groups and managing complex stakeholder relationships.
• Proven ability to lead large, geographically dispersed teams through influence and collaboration.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, profitability and business performance.
• Experience driving operational change, transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proven ability to drive operational excellence, guest satisfaction and financial performance across a complex hotel portfolio.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational leadership.

What we offer

We provide a wide range of benefits designed to help you live your best work life. Including:

• Travel benefits including discounted room rates and food & beverage
• Recharge Days
• Volunteering Days
• Competitive annual bonus opportunity
• Pension and wellbeing support
• Professional development and leadership learning opportunities
• AA global career with one of the world's leading hospitality companies