Corporate Director- Development

IHCL and its subsidiaries bring together a group of brands and businesses that offer a fusion of warm hospitality and world-class service. These include Taj – the iconic brand for the most discerning travellers, and ranked as ‘World’s Strongest Hotel Brand’ and ‘India’s Strongest Brand’ across sectors as per Brand Finance Hotels 50 and India 100 reports 2024 respectively; SeleQtions, a named collection of handpicked, storied hotels; Vivanta, a chain of contemporary upscale hotels that celebrate joie de vivre; Ginger, a brand that is revolutionizing the lean-luxe segment, and amã Stays & Trails, a charming portfolio of private bungalows and villas set in picturesque locales. Along with our varied and latest offerings like Gateway, The Claridges Collection, Tree of Life, The Clarks Hotels and Resorts and TajSATs, IHCL has evolved from a Branded House to a House of Brands, offering a diverse portfolio across luxury, upscale, lean luxe, and homestay segments.Reporting To: Vice President – DevelopmentFunction / Department: RE&DSub‑Department: DevelopmentLocation: New DelhiJob ObjectiveTo execute the Company’s development plans for assigned regions, ensuring IHCL achieves the targeted number and mix of hotels within approved investment parameters and timelines.Key Roles & Responsibilities1. Strategy Development & PlanningConduct market, city and competitor analysis using multiple data sources to develop master plans for hotels, cities and regions.Identify development opportunities aligned to the approved brand and regional strategy.Undertake site visits with internal and external stakeholders to evaluate potential opportunities.Benchmark competitor brands to identify white spaces and brand‑fit opportunities.Prepare detailed site evaluation reports and assess opportunities against defined financial, operational and brand criteria.2. Project Management & Deal StructuringNegotiate and finalize term sheets for new build and conversion projects.Prepare detailed project facility programs to maximise returns and align with brand and market requirements.Drive adherence to approved project timelines and milestones from contract signing through hotel opening.Structure deals across management contract, lease and operating lease models to optimise owner returns and IHCL profitability (NPV of fees, ROCE).Facilitate due diligence, negotiate agreements, and secure approvals from relevant internal committees.Track real‑time intelligence on pricing trends, regulatory changes and market developments impacting projects.3. Account & Stakeholder ManagementMonitor project budgets and address issues related to design development, value engineering and cost control.Participate in periodic project review meetings to resolve cross‑functional issues.Prepare business cases and presentations for approvals related to cost variations or budget overruns (owned projects).Ensure structured and timely handover of project documentation to the Projects team for design development and execution.Key InterfacesInternalExecutive CommitteeCEO / Managing DirectorFinance & TreasuryProjects / Engineering / ConstructionBrand, Design & MarketingLegal & ComplianceOperations (Pre‑opening & Existing Hotels)ExternalLandowners, Developers & Asset OwnersMarket, Feasibility & Valuation ConsultantsArchitects, Designers & Project ConsultantsFinancial Institutions & InvestorsGovernment & Regulatory AuthoritiesIndustry Bodies & Strategic AdvisorsRequired Qualifications & ExperienceQualificationsPost Graduate degree in any discipline (Finance preferred)Work ExperienceExperience: 5–8 years (Finance / Sales / Operations from any industry)Exposure: Lease, operating lease and management contract modelsDomain Knowledge: Tourism drivers, demand segmentation and seasonalityPreferred BackgroundIndustries: Hospitality, Real Estate, Hospitality Consulting, Investment Banking / Private Equity (Real Estate focus)Organisations: Domestic & international hospitality brandsReal estate developers with hospitality verticalsConsulting firms (hospitality / real estate advisory)IB / PE firms with hospitality exposureMust HaveDeal sourcing capability and strong industry contactsCommercial negotiations and contract closing skillsFinancial modelling and feasibility analysisStrong understanding of hotel P&L and business driversExcellent written and verbal communication, including senior management interactionGood to HaveExperience in hotel openings / pre‑opening phaseExposure to brand standards and positioningInternational market exposureFamiliarity with legal and contract structuringLanguage RequirementsEnglish (mandatory)Additional Indian or foreign languages an advantageDesired Competency ProfileBehavioural CompetenciesResults Orientation: Deliver outcomes through effective management of internal and external stakeholdersDrive & Ownership: Independent, proactive, and driven to close dealsCollaboration & Enablement: Strong cross‑functional collaboration with Sales & Marketing, Finance, Operations and Projects teamsFunctional / Technical CompetenciesBusiness Acumen: Strong understanding of hospitality business models, market segments, competition and product portfoliosCore Skills: Commercial negotiations, financial modelling, feasibility assessment and contract managementProject & Investment Management: Financial investment analysis and efficient deal closure within stipulated timelinesAdditional AttributesStrong network with real estate developers, hospitality consultants, brokers, banks, NBFCs, HNIs and the broader hotel development ecosystem

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