Are you a master of craft? Do you thrive in a team that succeeds together, demonstrating integrity and respect while acting responsibly? Do you embrace a growth mindset? We invite you to become a fan of the exceptional. 

Mandarin Oriental is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences located in prime destinations around the world, with a strong development pipeline. Increasingly recognised for creating some of the world’s most sought-after properties, the Group provides legendary service inspired by Asian heritage whilst representing the very cutting-edge of luxury experiences.

Mandarin Oriental is seeking a dynamic and experienced Development Director to join its global development team and lead strategic growth initiatives across the EMEA region. This role is pivotal in expanding the brand’s footprint through equity investments and management contracts for both new-build and conversion hotel projects in city and resort destinations.

The Development Director will be responsible for sourcing, evaluating, structuring, and negotiating hotel development opportunities, while collaborating closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure successful project execution through to hotel opening.

Department: Development
Reports to: VP Development, EMEA
Location: London
Geographical Scope: Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA)

Strategic Development

• Define and implement strategic plans to grow Mandarin Oriental’s presence in target EMEA markets.

• Identify acquisition and management opportunities aligned with brand strategy.

• Monitor industry trends and assess their impact on development strategy.

• Represent Mandarin Oriental at industry events and maintain a high profile within the sector.

Project Sourcing & Evaluation

• Build and maintain a strong network of industry contacts to generate qualified leads.

• Screen and assess potential projects for strategic and financial feasibility.

• Coordinate with internal departments (Design & Construction, Finance, Operations, Sales & Marketing) to evaluate project viability.

• Produce internal development reports and status updates.

Deal Structuring & Negotiation

• Prepare investment proposals, financial models, and deal memos for senior management.

• Lead negotiations from Heads of Terms through to contract execution.

• Manage due diligence processes and ensure alignment with internal approval protocols.

• Maintain strong relationships with owners, investors, and brokers throughout the deal cycle.

Project Oversight

• Monitor project progress and compliance with approved investment parameters.

• Collaborate with internal teams to manage technical, financial, and operational aspects of development.

• Support hotel forecasting, staffing plans, and P&L development in coordination with relevant departments.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Real Estate, or related field; MBA or Master’s degree preferred.

• 5+ years of experience in hotel development, real estate finance, or hospitality consulting.

• Proven track record of successful hotel investment or development deals.

• Strong financial modeling and analytical skills.

• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.

• Fluent in English, proficiency in an additional languages is a plus.

• Familiarity with luxury hospitality and experience working across diverse cultures.

• High credibility and recognition within the hospitality and/or real estate industries.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen.

• Relationship-driven with excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills.

• Highly self-motivated, results-oriented, and adaptable.

• Collaborative team player with a “can-do” attitude.

• Creative problem solver with the ability to manage multiple projects.

• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work across geographies.

Our commitment to you:

• Learning & Development. Your success is our success. We craft unique learning and development programmes for various stages in your career so that you grow, continuously.

• MOstay. When you work as hard as our colleagues do, it’s important to take time off. As a member of the #MOfamily, you can stay with us wherever you go in the world. The MOstay programme offers complimentary nights and additionally attractive rates on rooms for you and your loved ones.

• Heath & Colleague Wellness. Finding the right work-life balance is important. Your wellbeing matters to us. A variety of health benefits and wellness programmes are offered to all our colleagues, globally.

• Retirement Plans. When you show commitment to us, we reciprocate. We offer different retirement plans depending on the length of your service and your role.

We’re Fans. Are you?