Vice President Development, France and Benelux

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Vice President will oversee a small team of development executives based in Paris and will be responsible for leading the development of all Marriott's brands in France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg as well as for the development of a strategic development/action plan for the France and Benelux markets.

Encompassing both the management of a team and working on transactions, the Vice President will oversee the identification and pursuit of new business opportunities and will coordinate a multi-disciplinary team involved in the review, approval and finalization of contracts for new hotels.

Success in the position demands a driving focus on creation of shareholder value through the pursuit of new projects, a proactive disposition, a willingness to champion new business opportunities, exemplary relationship skills, an enthusiasm for overseeing a small, focused team and a passion for the work we do.

SCOPE / BUSINESS CONTEXT

• Full time position based at Marriott's Paris development office.
• The addition of new hotels is one of the principal drivers of Marriott's earnings growth and an important element in progressing the product quality, operating excellence, distribution power and brand equity of Marriott's lodging system. The company's unit growth strategy in Europe focuses on management contracts and, primarily, on licensing our hotel brands to third party owners and operators under franchise agreements. The Vice President of Development performs a central, critical role in overseeing a small team responsible for identifying, generating and structuring deals and successfully closing on opportunities (newbuild, conversion and adaptive reuse) for new hotels, and building win-win relationships with new and existing hotel owners and franchisees.
• The Vice President will be Marriott's most senior development representative in the France and Benelux market and will be a critical ambassador for the company.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Experience

• Ten years of business experience in the real estate or hotel industries with at least five years of hotel advisory/development or related experience.
• Experience with managed and franchised hotel transactions in France and Benelux.
• Strong contact base and excellent reputation in the hotel investment and development sector.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively structure and negotiate complex transactions, handle multiple projects on short timetables, and manage staff resources efficiently and effectively.

Skills and Knowledge

• Best in class management capability, with a focus on building and maintaining a trusted relationship with the current team of France and Benelux development executives.
• Excellent organisation, communication (verbal, listening, writing), coaching, mentoring, negotiation and mediation skills.
• Long established working knowledge of the France and Benelux hotel market.
• Exemplary inter-personal skills and capability of both building lasting and trusting internal/external relationships and "selling" Marriott's brands to third parties.
• Demonstrated track record and ability to effectively understand hotel transactions (both franchised and managed); handle multiple projects on short timetables; and manage team members and other resources efficiently.
• Enthusiastic, energetic, proactive outlook and approach to professional life is essential.
• An ability to work in a team environment with a small but diverse team is critical.
• Flexibility to travel within France, Benelux and elsewhere, often at short notice.
• Mature, professional demeanour, capable of expressing confident, independent judgment.

Education or Certification

• University degree in Real Estate, Hotel Administration, Business Administration or similar (MBA or other advanced degree preferred but not essential).
• Fluency in French and English (written and spoken). Dutch would be a plus.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

The following are specific responsibilities and contributions critical to the successful performance of the position:

• Manage and motivate a small team of development executives based in Paris and responsible for the growth of Marriott's brands in Benelux.
• Oversee the Paris development office (supplies, lease renewals, discussions with landlord etc).
• Work closely with other groups within Marriot in order to gain the necessary internal support for the team's projects.
• Develop and maintain a strong network of contacts in the France/Benelux/international hotel and real estate development and investment sector.
• Proactively identify, initiate, and assess potential owners, investors, white label operators, developers and local authorities for branding opportunities.
• Continue to help drive the brand marketing and awareness of MI's brands across France and Benelux to ensure Marriott's brands are increasingly established in the marketplace over the short to mid-term.
• Review and analyse potential hotel conversions and new build opportunities, for integration into Marriott's brands.
• Develop the appropriate business relationship with potential owners, capital providers and partners and local authorities, in order to build loyalty and preference for our company and brands.
• Coordinate all aspects of the internal development process at Marriott, including presentations, site inspections, market feasibility studies, valuations, legal contract negotiations and presenting opportunities for approval by the appropriate Marriott committees.
• Lead negotiations of management, franchise and/or other agreements with owner/owner's representatives.
• As needed, assist owners, white label operators and developers to identify sources of financing for hotel acquisition or construction.
• Attendance at (and presentation to) relevant hospitality events and establishment/maintenance of a high profile within the industry in France and Benelux and internationally.
• Performs other duties as appropriate related to enhancing Marriott's growth in France and Benelux and EMEA.

OTHER

• Performs other related tasks as assigned by management.
• Complies with Marriott International Hotels Limited Continent Office policies and procedures.

At Marriott International, we are dedicated to being an equal opportunity employer, welcoming all and providing access to opportunity. We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated. Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent, and experiences of our associates. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status, or other basis protected by applicable law.

#LI-EF1

About the Team

Marriott International is the world's largest hotel company, with more brands, more hotels and more opportunities for associates to grow and succeed. Be where you can do your best work, begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global team, and become the best version of you.