Director of Operations – Pre-Opening Hotel

About the role

Pullman Hamilton, a new 203-room luxury hotel opening in 2027 in Hamilton, New Zealand, is seeking an experienced Director of Operations. Working closely with the General Manager, the Director leads operational readiness and day-to-day performance, ensuring teams, systems and guest experience are ready from day one. This is a hands-on leadership role in a fast-paced pre-opening environment.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the operational pre-opening journey so all departments, systems and service standards are ready for opening.
• Partner with the General Manager and Executive Committee to drive operational strategy, performance and hotel objectives.
• Lead, coach and inspire operational teams across Rooms, Food & Beverage and key hotel functions.
• Drive guest experience, service excellence, productivity and consistency in line with Pullman brand standards.
• Work with Commercial, Finance and People & Culture to achieve financial, engagement and operational targets.
• Maintain standards in compliance, workplace health and safety, risk management and continuous improvement.

Required profile

• Proven senior hotel operations leadership experience, ideally in premium or luxury hospitality.
• Strong knowledge of Rooms, Food & Beverage and overall hotel operations.
• Commercially astute, with a strong focus on guest experience, performance and productivity.
• Inspirational and collaborative leader who builds high-performing teams.
• Pre-opening or major project experience highly regarded.
• Full working rights in New Zealand.

What we offer

• A key leadership role in one of Waikato's most exciting hotel openings, building operational culture, systems and service standards from the ground up.
• Access to Accor's Learn Your Way development programs and global career pathways.
• Accor Heartist benefits, including discounted accommodation and dining across Accor hotels worldwide.