Head of Operations (Fixed-term contract) (F/M/X)

Job Description

The SVP Operations will, on a fixed-term contract basis, provide the strategic and operational leadership to accelerate transformation and drive profitable growth globally across all hotels and trains . He/she will foster a growth-oriented culture focused on delivering a superior guest experience while meeting clear financial and operational metrics.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Vision

• Act as the ultimate leader of the operations division, architecting and executing 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 to maximize portfolio synergies while safeguarding absolute compliance with all corporate policies, financial guidelines, and management contracts.

Pre-opening & Assets Launch

• Spearhead end-to-end pre-opening phases for OE assets by coordinating cross-functional teams (Design, Finance, P&C…) to ensure operational readiness on OE assets (hotels and trains).
• Develop bespoke operational plans, budgets, and SOPs in alignment with General Managers and owners to secure on-time delivery and maximize investment outcomes.

Guard the guest experience by championing LQA standards across all assets and providing strategic direction for signature F&B, wellness, and on-board concepts.

Hold full accountability for global operational profitability and long-term asset value, delivering on EBITDA targets, CAPEX plans, and manning guides in close collaboration with finance directors and investors, while ensuring a flawless balance between ultra-luxury service standards and proactive cost management.

Foster high-impact collaboration with Commercial, Revenue, and Marketing divisions to design growth-focused strategies and accelerate booking velocity.

Lead the recruitment of high-profile operational leaders (General Managers and Train Managers).

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive leadership in the ultra-luxury hospitality and railway sector
• Successful history of directing complex, high-profile pre-opening projects from construction/design phases through to launch and stabilization
• Solid experience collaborating directly with institutional investors, asset owners, and board members
• Deep understanding of LQA standards and important attention to detail
• Exceptional negotiation and influencing skills to manage complex relationships
• Strong leadership and management skills
• Strong sense of urgency
• Professional fluency in English is mandatory. Italian would be a plus.