Hotel Development Director France & BeneLux

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

A vacant position, the Director Development France & BeNeLux will be primarily responsible for the development of Marriott International’s midscale, upper-midscale, upscale and upper-upscale brands in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, The Netherlands and the French speaking parts of Switzerland (as well as other areas as might be assigned from time to time). Those brands currently comprise Four Points Flex by Sheraton, Moxy, AC by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott, Aloft, Element by Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, Sheraton, Marriott, Le Meridien, Renaissance, Westin, Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, Delta, Design Hotels and any other such brands that may be acquired or developed by Marriott.

Together with the existing Director and Vice President Development France & BeNeLux, the Director of Development identifies and pursues new management, franchise and affiliation opportunities in the region, and coordinates a multidisciplinary, internal team involved in the review, approval and finalization of contracts for new hotels.  Success in the position demands a driving focus on the creation of shareholder value through the pursuit of new projects, a proactive disposition, strong relationship skills, a willingness to champion new business opportunities and an enthusiasm for working independently but as part of a small, focused team.

The addition of new hotels is one of the principal drivers of Marriott’s growth strategy and is important to maintaining and advancing the quality and brand equity of Marriott’s hotel estate.  The company’s organic growth strategy focuses primarily on franchise agreements, management contracts and affiliation agreements with third party owners and operators. The Director of Development performs a central, critical role in proactively identifying, generating and structuring deals and successfully closing on opportunities for new hotels, and building win-win relationships with new and existing hotel owners and franchisees as well as with the wider hotel development and investment community in the region. Such deals are expected to comprise a mix of new build, conversions and adaptive reuse opportunities. 

The direct reporting line is to the Vice President Development France & BeNeLux.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Experience:

·  Minimum of five years real estate development or hotel industry experience with at least two years of hotel development or hotel investment in France or BeNeLux.
·  Experience with managed and franchised hotel transactions in France preferable. 

Skills and Knowledge 

·  Strong organization and communication skills (verbal, listening, writing).
·  Excellent inter-personal skills and capability of building lasting and trusted relationships (both within Marriott and externally).
·  An ability to “sell” Marriott’s brands to third parties.
·  Demonstrated ability to effectively negotiate hotel transactions (primarily franchised and managed), to handle multiple projects on short timetables and to manage support resources efficiently.
·  Mature, professional demeanor, capable of expressing confident, entrepreneurial attitude.
·  Extensive contact base in the hotel and real estate development field.
·  Flexibility to travel extensively within secondary and tertiary cities in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, The Netherlands and Switzerland, often at short notice.  Willingness to travel further afield on a more occasional basis.

Education or Certification 

·  Undergraduate degree in Real Estate, Hotel Management or Business Administration.
·  Fluent English and French (written and spoken).  Fluent in Dutch is a plus.
·  Full time position based at Marriott’s development office in Paris, France. Marriott would consider someone based elsewhere in the region travelling at least once per week to Paris.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

The following are specific responsibilities and contributions critical to the successful performance of the position:

·  Together with the existing Director Development and Vice President Development France & BeNeLux, maintain and further develop a strong network of contacts in the local hotel and real estate investment sector.
·  Support the existing Director Development & Vice President Development in proactively pre-screening markets, market planning, generating new leads, preparing offers for tenders as well as qualifying and following-up on development leads.
·  Identify, review and analyze potential hotel conversion, new build, adaptive reuse or acquisition opportunities for integration into Marriott’s brand estate.
·  Develop the appropriate business relationship with potential owners and partners, in order to build loyalty and preference for our company and brands.
·  Coordinate all aspects of the Marriott internal development process, including presentations, site inspections, market feasibility studies and projections, design reviews, valuations, legal contract negotiations and presenting the opportunity for approval by the appropriate Marriott committees. 
·  Together with Marriott’s legal team, lead negotiations of franchise agreements, management agreements or other agreements with franchisee, owner or franchisee’s/owner's representatives.  Ensure that agreement terms and conditions are acceptable to Marriott and its senior leadership team. 
·  Work with Marriott's Treasury and Project Finance Departments to maximize returns on Marriott’s investment in hotel projects.
·  Attendance at (and presentation to) relevant hospitality and real-estate events and establishment/maintenance of a high profile within the industry in France & BeNeLux.
·  As needed, assist owners and developers to identify and tap sources of financing for hotel acquisition or construction, including Marriott sponsored financing programs.
·  As required, attend public hearings and meetings with regulatory agency officials to secure site plan, engineering and other approvals necessary for the project's successful development.
·  Performs other duties as appropriate related to enhancing Marriott’s growth and reputation in France, BeNeLux and EMEA.

OTHER

·  Performs other related tasks as assigned by management.
·  Complies with Marriott International Hotels Limited Continent Office policies and procedures.

 

Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.

Marriott International is the world’s largest hotel company, with more brands, more hotels and more opportunities for associates to grow and succeed. Be where you can do your best work,​ begin  your purpose,  belong  to an amazing global​ team, and  become  the best version of you.