Regional Director, Franchise Openings [Dallas, Little Rock, OKC or Detroit]

Act as the primary point of contact to support all field processes related to future hotel openings, a select portfolio openings or transitions, and the team in development/execution of projects to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and performance of hotel openings to ensure hotels open on time in accordance to the brand. Possesses project management skills to include managing key target dates and coordination of organizational specialists (AD&C, CaRM, etc.) as well as owner relationship management skills to drive opening pace. 

Through in-depth consultation by phone and on-site visits build key relationships with franchisees while executing components necessary for the opening of the hotel. Consulting emphasis will be placed on ensuring the critical milestones for ground-break construction, and life safety requirements are met along with critical path elements required to open the hotel. In partnership with the CaRM specialists, ensure the hotel meets critical milestones that provide a fast ramp up for the hotel. In conjunction with Operations Support and IHG Training continuously update the IHG systems to incorporate all the company's current legal requirements, initiatives, and goals. 

Travel - 80%; candidate must live near a major airport 

Location – Remote: **Candidate should reside in one of the following cities:  Dallas, TX, Little Rock, AR, Oklahoma City, OK, or Detroit, MI**

Your day to day 

• Act as the primary liaison between the Franchisee/General Manager and all related internal personnel {i.e. NHOP Program and Support teams, Franchise Sales, Franchise Revenue Management, Field Services, Property Improvement Consultants, Quality Consultants, Sales Development Regional Directors, IT, HSS, etc.) to ensure a consistent line of communication during the opening process.
• Provide phone consultation throughout the New Hotel Opening Process, answering questions and coordinating details or relaying information as needed.  Proactively manage pipeline portfolio to ensure critical milestones are met. Identify obstacles, triage, and work cross-functionally with IHG partners to deploy specialists as needed.
• Develop and execute procedures for New Hotel Opening date parameters for all new hotels. Provide details necessary to the tracking system for critical task list activities to include but not limited to all visits and actions outlined in the critical path. The tracking systems would also maintain information on opening statuses and ensure all paperwork is completed and submitted in a timely manner. Generate and analyze weekly/monthly reports to assess NHOP activities and the areas of opportunity, concern, etc. Monitor, identify, and implement needed changes to existing tactical and strategic New Hotel Opening plans. 
• In conjunction with IHG Training, Operations Support and field staff, review, and/or enhance training programs on a regular basis to ensure training needs are accurately addressed, and incorporate current company legal requirements, goals, and initiatives.
• Consult with key managerial groups and applicable personnel {Principal Correspondents, General Managers, and Directors of Sales} to identify barriers to success, and paths to recovery. Maintain solid client relationships with Principal Correspondents and with managers at each assigned hotel.
• Prepare and submit recaps of consulting visits to hotel ownership and management. Make information available to internal key stakeholders including FPS management staff, FPS field staff, Commercial and the Revenue Management staff.
• Monitor and identify needed changes to existing tactical and strategic plans for the hotels.
• Answer inbound inquiries and requests from owners and hotel leadership in portfolio across all areas of the hotel opening process (e.g., permitting, financing, prelims, construction milestones, and opening} Work with internal departments to bring resolution.
• Contact key hotel personnel on outbound call activity to support ground-break activities and construction milestones.
• Stay abreast of all lHG interactions with hotels and owners/management companies in assigned portfolio.

What we need from you

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Hotel Management or a relevant field of work, or an equivalent combination of education and work-­related experience. CHA (Certified Hotel Administrator) preferred. 
• 5 to 7 years progressive work-related experience in the hotel industry, with demonstrated proficiency in multiple disciplines/processes related to the position