Openings & Transition

Purpose of the Role:

The Bright Hospitality is seeking a Director of Pre-Opening & Transition who will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of new hotel openings, property transitions, and brand conversions to ensure a seamless and successful launch. This role requires strategic planning, operational expertise, and cross-functional collaboration to execute projects on time, within budget, and aligned with brand standards. 

As a key leader, the Director will work closely with ownership groups, corporate leadership, hotel management teams, and third-party vendors to drive operational readiness, implement brand guidelines, and deliver exceptional guest experiences from day one. 

Responsibilities:

Pre-Opening Strategy & Planning 

• Develop and execute detailed pre-opening and transition project plans, ensuring alignment with brand and ownership expectations. 

• Coordinate with stakeholders on licensing, permits, staffing, procurement, and pre-opening budget management. 

• Define critical paths, milestones, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for successful pre-opening execution. 

• Oversee compliance with local regulations, brand standards, and operational policies. 

Operational Readiness & Execution 

• Lead recruitment, hiring, and training efforts to ensure the hotel team is prepared for opening. 

• Work closely with department heads to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and service protocols. 

• Oversee procurement and installation of FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment) and OS&E (Operating Supplies & Equipment). 

• Conduct operational testing and trial stays to ensure all departments are fully functional before launch. 

Financial & Budget Management 

• Develop and manage pre-opening and transition budgets, ensuring cost efficiency and adherence to financial goals. 

• Partner with finance and procurement teams to optimize resources and negotiate vendor contracts. 

• Monitor expenditures and provide regular financial reporting to leadership. 

Brand & Guest Experience Implementation 

• Ensure the hotel’s service culture, design, and operations align with brand identity and guest expectations. 

• Lead pre-opening marketing and sales efforts in collaboration with commercial teams. 

• Implement training programs focused on guest engagement, quality service, and brand standards. 

• Monitor guest feedback post-opening to ensure a smooth transition into full operation.  

Stakeholder & Team Collaboration 

• Serve as the primary liaison between corporate offices, ownership, and hotel management teams. 

• Work cross-functionally with HR, Sales & Marketing, IT, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure smooth execution. 

• Provide leadership and mentorship to pre-opening teams, fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork. 

Qualifications, Skills, Abilities and Experience:

• 8-10+ years in hotel operations leadership, with a strong background in pre-openings, transitions, or brand conversions. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. 

Skills & Knowledge: 

• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple openings simultaneously. 

• Deep understanding of hotel operations across all departments. 

• Financial acumen with experience managing pre-opening budgets. 

• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. 

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines. 

• Preferred Experience: Previous experience with luxury or lifestyle hotel brands is a plus. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience). 

• Experience: 8-10+ years in hotel operations leadership, with at least 3 years in pre-opening, transitions, or brand conversion roles. 

• Proven track record of successfully opening and transitioning hotel properties. 

• Experience managing multi-department teams and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders. 

• Strong project management and organizational skills. 

• Ability to develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for new properties. 

• Financial acumen, including budget planning and cost control. 

• Excellent communication and leadership skills to manage diverse teams. 

• Proficiency in hotel property management systems (PMS), revenue management systems, and other hospitality-related software. 

• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously. 

• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is a plus. 

• Brand certification or previous brand pre-opening experience is preferred. 

*Please note, due to the requirements of this position, responses may automatically disqualify you from moving forward in the application process. Please review minimum qualifications thoroughly before applying.  

Schedule / Travel Requirements:

• Must be available for a flexible schedule, including extended hours, weekends, and holidays as needed to meet pre-opening deadlines. 

• Ability to work in fast-paced environments with shifting priorities and timelines. 

Travel Requirements: 

• Frequent Travel (50-75%) required, including domestic and international locations. 

• Must be able to travel on short notice for site visits, pre-opening setup, and operational transitions. 

• Ability to stay on-site for extended periods (e.g., 2-6 weeks) during critical pre-opening phases. 

• Must have a valid passport and be eligible to travel internationally if required.