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 Worlds Strongest Hotel Brand and Indias 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 am 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 Development

Function / Department: RE&D

Sub?Department: Development

Location: New Delhi

Job Objective

To execute the Companys development plans for assigned regions, ensuring IHCL achieves the targeted number and mix of hotels within approved investment parameters and timelines.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

1. Strategy Development & Planning

• Conduct 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 Structuring

• Negotiate 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 Management

• Monitor 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 Interfaces

Internal

• Executive Committee
• CEO / Managing Director
• Finance & Treasury
• Projects / Engineering / Construction
• Brand, Design & Marketing
• Legal & Compliance
• Operations (Pre?opening & Existing Hotels)

External

• Landowners, Developers & Asset Owners
• Market, Feasibility & Valuation Consultants
• Architects, Designers & Project Consultants
• Financial Institutions & Investors
• Government & Regulatory Authorities
• Industry Bodies & Strategic Advisors

Required Qualifications & Experience

Qualifications

• Post Graduate degree in any discipline (Finance preferred)

Work Experience

• Experience: 58 years (Finance / Sales / Operations from any industry)
• Exposure: Lease, operating lease and management contract models
• Domain Knowledge: Tourism drivers, demand segmentation and seasonality

Preferred Background

• Industries: Hospitality, Real Estate, Hospitality Consulting, Investment Banking / Private Equity (Real Estate focus)
• Organisations: Domestic & international hospitality brands
• Real estate developers with hospitality verticals
• Consulting firms (hospitality / real estate advisory)
• IB / PE firms with hospitality exposure

Must Have

• Deal sourcing capability and strong industry contacts
• Commercial negotiations and contract closing skills
• Financial modelling and feasibility analysis
• Strong understanding of hotel P&L and business drivers
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including senior management interaction

Good to Have

• Experience in hotel openings / pre?opening phase
• Exposure to brand standards and positioning
• International market exposure
• Familiarity with legal and contract structuring

Language Requirements

• English (mandatory)
• Additional Indian or foreign languages an advantage

Desired Competency Profile

Behavioural Competencies

• Results Orientation:
• Deliver outcomes through effective management of internal and external stakeholders
• Drive & Ownership:
• Independent, proactive, and driven to close deals
• Collaboration & Enablement:
• Strong cross?functional collaboration with Sales & Marketing, Finance, Operations and Projects teams

Functional / Technical Competencies

• Business Acumen:
• Strong understanding of hospitality business models, market segments, competition and product portfolios
• Core Skills:
• Commercial negotiations, financial modelling, feasibility assessment and contract management
• Project & Investment Management:
• Financial investment analysis and efficient deal closure within stipulated timelines

Additional Attributes

• Strong network with real estate developers, hospitality consultants, brokers, banks, NBFCs, HNIs and the broader hotel development ecosystem