Description
Hilton is one of the largest and fastest growing hospitality companies in the world, with more than 7,061 properties with more than 1.1M rooms in 123 countries and territories. In the 100 years since our founding, we have defined the hospitality industry and established a portfolio of 18 world-class brands, with the emergence of the Tempo brand and including our flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand, which is the most recognized hotel brand in the world. We have more than 146 million members in our award–winning customer loyalty program, Hilton Honors.
Position Summary
This role will support the Vice President AD&C Europe in providing design, technical services and project management to owners and developers of all new-build, conversion, and renovation projects for the Hilton Family of Brands. With complete accountability you will also be responsible for the strategic planning and team member management of the CEE & Turkey team. Key responsibilities will include:
Supporting the Hilton development department in order to facilitate the delivery of the Hilton growth plans, through the development and delivery of excellent hotels across the region;
Ensuring adherence to design and construction standards and monitoring construction activities for new-build and conversion hotel projects from the signing phase or PIP phase through to hotel opening;
Liaising with the respective Brand Support Teams and/or Operations teams to ensure their requirements are met; and
Collaborating with the design team to review and provide assistance to owners undertaking major capital improvements at existing hotels and monitoring construction activities.
The successful candidate will promote a leadership image for the function among internal and external audiences to create a favourable environment for optimal performance. Maintaining positive relationships with owners, operators and other interested parties is critical.
The role is responsible for achieving construction excellence, ensuring that systems, policies, and programs are in place to support the project direction and that all team members have proper tools to implement projects.
More specifically, you will:
Assist the Vice President AD&C Europe with the development, implementation, and ongoing management of a commercial development management strategy.
Develop strategies and directions for construction project management processes, procedures, and reporting
Execute strategic plans and supports communications of key messages internally and externally
Develop plans to implement long term goals for construction project management and design standards
Create appropriate objectives for construction project management and design standards and directs their achievement
Establish procedures and processes in relation to construction project management and design standards
Develop the strategic planning and coordination of AD&C to advance Company goals, while communicating key messages to internal and external stakeholders
Partner with Regional leadership to ensure the overall strategic direction of the AD&C teams is consistent with and supported by these areas, as well as providing them with the support required to achieve their business goals.
Manage the cross-functional links between AD&C and other departments, ensuring effective business partnering takes place and building successful relationships.
Implement plans to ensure overall strategic direction of construction project management and design standards is consistent and supported by other areas
Provide business metrics to ensure effectiveness of construction project management and design standards
Direct development and administration of construction project management and design standards
Conduct effective management of third parties, identifies vendors and monitors costs and quality of service
Provide direction and leadership to team members within the AD&C function, as well as being a leadership figure for team members outside of the department
Manage the regional team (6 Project Directors) including workload planning, resource management, undertaking regular informal and formal reviews and agreeing personal development plans, as well as performance managing staff as appropriate to drive business success
Ensure project management and design standards works effectively across cultures and markets
Work within approved budgets and adjusts activities and expenses to ensure optimal financial results
Liaison with other Hilton AD&C regions to ensure that best practice is being shared globally.
Review design and construction standards periodically and contribute to the process of maintaining brand standards within the region
Prepare and provide presentations to owners, company management and other ‘project services’ groups outlining the scope of Architecture Design and Construction services, company Brand initiatives and the like
Oversee all development projects to ensure that the projects are delivered successfully and in a compliant manner both internally and externally.
Conduct competitor and industry analysis and produce reports and recommendations to enhance Hilton’s project management processes, procedures and standards.
Requirements
What are we looking for?
Applicants must have significant experience of managing hotel development and construction projects including experience of managing a team. Ideally you will have a proven track record from an international hotel group, hotel owner or consulting background specialising in hospitality / hotel projects. This role will be responsible for managing key relationships with developers, owners, and other corporate clients on an international scale and will require significant travel within the region (approx. 50%)
Essential skills / experience:
Must be able to read and understand design and construction standards and all other criteria established by Hilton to determine the physical requirements of all brands.
Must be able to read and understand architectural and engineering construction documents, specifications, construction submittals, etc. to ensure that the design and construction of projects are in compliance with established standards.
Excellent general and detailed knowledge of design and construction materials and construction management and specific knowledge pertaining to the design and construction of full service and focused service hotels.
Knowledge of the hotel franchising business is desirable. One of the challenging aspects of this position is the need to communicate openly and honestly with Hilton’s partners, maintain a good working relationship with them, but be able to deal with problems when confronted with a design and construction issue which does not meet Hilton requirements.
Ability to direct collaboration among cross-functional teams including external resources
Ability to analyse departmental financial data to make strategic and tactical decisions
Lead by example to resolve conflicts, introduce change and ensure collaboration among others
Budget development and management skills
Capable of conversing with both technical and non-technical parties
Must be fluent in English (a second language is advantageous)
Experience of working in Central and Eastern Europe is preferable
Relevant experience in lieu of a university degree in architecture, engineering or a construction related discipline
Recognised professional qualification in architecture, engineering or a construction related discipline
In-depth knowledge of construction projects and track record of successful project delivery
Demonstrate clear leadership skills and the capability to motivate and manage a team
