Director of Pre-Opening and Transition

Remote Full-Time

• Company Highlights:

The Bright Hotel is reimagining hotel operations by leveraging a tech-forward approach to the guest experience. Our goal is to personalize the stay for each guest driving stellar satisfaction rates. We are currently building out a portfolio of hotels focused on health and wellness called Vitality Hotels.

Perks:

• 100% company-paid premium for employee-only coverage on select Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans
• 401K program with up to a 4% match and full vesting from day one
• Generous Paid Time Off – 2 weeks annually to recharge and relax
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA) options for added financial flexibility
• Voluntary Life Insurance to provide additional coverage for you and your loved ones

Purpose of the Role:

The Bright Hospitality is seeking a Director of Pre-Opening & Transition who will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of new hotel openings, property transitions, and brand conversions to ensure a seamless and successful launch. This role requires strategic planning, operational expertise, and cross-functional collaboration to execute projects on time, within budget, and aligned with brand standards.

As a key leader, the Director will work closely with ownership groups, corporate leadership, hotel management teams, and third-party vendors to drive operational readiness, implement brand guidelines, and deliver exceptional guest experiences from day one.

Responsibilities:

Pre-Opening Strategy & Planning

• Develop and execute detailed pre-opening and transition project plans, ensuring alignment with brand and ownership expectations.
• Coordinate with stakeholders on licensing, permits, staffing, procurement, and pre-opening budget management.
• Define critical paths, milestones, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for successful pre-opening execution.
• Oversee compliance with local regulations, brand standards, and operational policies.

Operational Readiness & Execution

• Lead recruitment, hiring, and training efforts to ensure the hotel team is prepared for opening.
• Work closely with department heads to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and service protocols.
• Oversee procurement and installation of FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment) and OS&E (Operating Supplies & Equipment).
• Conduct operational testing and trial stays to ensure all departments are fully functional before launch.

Financial & Budget Management

• Develop and manage pre-opening and transition budgets, ensuring cost efficiency and adherence to financial goals.
• Partner with finance and procurement teams to optimize resources and negotiate vendor contracts.
• Monitor expenditures and provide regular financial reporting to leadership.

Brand & Guest Experience Implementation

• Ensure the hotel’s service culture, design, and operations align with brand identity and guest expectations.
• Lead pre-opening marketing and sales efforts in collaboration with commercial teams.
• Implement training programs focused on guest engagement, quality service, and brand standards.
• Monitor guest feedback post-opening to ensure a smooth transition into full operation.

Stakeholder & Team Collaboration

• Serve as the primary liaison between corporate offices, ownership, and hotel management teams.
• Work cross-functionally with HR, Sales & Marketing, IT, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure smooth execution.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to pre-opening teams, fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork.

Qualifications, Skills, Abilities and Experience:

• 8-10+ years in hotel operations leadership, with a strong background in pre-openings, transitions, or brand conversions.
• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple openings simultaneously.
• Deep understanding of hotel operations across all departments.
• Financial acumen with experience managing pre-opening budgets.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines.
• Preferred Experience: Previous experience with luxury or lifestyle hotel brands is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience:8-10+ years in hotel operations leadership, with at least 3 years in pre-opening, transitions, or brand conversion roles.
• Proven track record of successfully opening and transitioning hotel properties.
• Experience managing multi-department teams and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for new properties.
• Financial acumen, including budget planning and cost control.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills to manage diverse teams.
• Proficiency in hotel property management systems (PMS), revenue management systems, and other hospitality-related software.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is a plus.
• Brand certification or previous brand pre-opening experience is preferred.

*Please note, due to the requirements of this position, responses may automatically disqualify you from moving forward in the application process. Please review minimum qualifications thoroughly before applying. 

Schedule / Travel Requirements:

• Must be available for a flexible schedule, including extended hours, weekends, and holidays as needed to meet pre-opening deadlines.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environments with shifting priorities and timelines.

Travel Requirements:

• Frequent Travel (50-75%) required, including domestic and international locations.
• Must be able to travel on short notice for site visits, pre-opening setup, and operational transitions.
• Ability to stay on-site for extended periods (e.g., 2-6 weeks) during critical pre-opening phases.
• Must have a valid passport and be eligible to travel internationally if required.