Operations Director

Company Description

About Orient Express

Orient Express embodies the refined and nomadic spirit of travel. Its exceptional portfolio includes experiences such as The Orient Express, featuring iconic carriages reimagined as a modern-day tribute to French luxury; Orient Express Sailing Yachts, including the Orient Express Corinthian—the world’s largest sailing yacht; La Dolce Vita Orient Express, a train celebrating the elegance of Italian art de vivre, developed in partnership with the ARSENALE Group; and a collection of luxury hotels, including Orient Express La Minerva in Rome and the soon-to-open Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice.

While redefining the future of luxury hospitality, Orient Express places particular emphasis on the employee experience, development, and engagement.

As a symbol of ultra-luxury hospitality, the brand is currently undergoing an ambitious phase of rebirth and expansion accelerated since 2024 as a Joint Venture between ACCOR and LVMH.

Now, as Orient Express grows under the steam of its 140-year own glorious reputation and brand, it stands unique and identifiable from the other luxury brands under the ACCOR brands, aiming to become a pioneer of contemporary luxury hospitality, creating immersive experiences that combine exceptional design, impeccable service, culinary excellence, wellness offerings, cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and authentic local experiences, while also actively engaging in local community initiatives and support social causes, making a positive contribution to the destinations its properties operate in. What remains distinctly Orient Express is its spirit of adventure, sublime service and enchanting storytelling. Refreshing and reinvigorating, Orient Express is loved by those with an adventurous spirit and a taste for the very best, linking travel and destinations as part of the same journey.

Job Description

As Director of Operations, you will play a critical leadership role in the delivery of operational excellence, financial, brand consistency, and growth across our global portfolio of Orient Express ultra-luxury properties — including hotels and trains. Reporting directly to the SVP Operations you will act as both a strategic advisor and hands-on operator, overseeing the daily performance of properties, supporting pre-openings, and shaping the long-term development of the business. You will embody and champion the values of our luxury brand culture, and ensure all stakeholders — from hotel teams to ownership groups — are aligned behind a shared vision of excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Performance Management

• Assist the SVP Operations in the implementation of the company’s strategic vision and oversee operational strategic projects from concept to execution across multiple functions (technology, quality, sustainability, commercial alignment).
• Monitor and analyze operational data and business metrics to identify opportunities for performance improvement, revenue optimizations and cost control.
• Guide and support General Managers through regular performance reviews and clear action planning to ensure KPIs achievement related to service excellence, guest satisfaction, revenue optimization, and cost control.

Pre-Opening and Project Coordination

• Collaborate with the Development and Technical Services teams in new hotel openings, ensuring readiness, brand compliance, and strong commercial ramp-up.
• Manage pre-opening operational plans including hiring timelines, SOP alignment, OS&E, and training coordination.
• Participate in network expansion and regional development strategy, identifying new opportunities and facilitating successful market entry.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the main conduit between property operations and corporate functions including Sales, Revenue Management, Finance, HR and Marketing.
• Collaborative with SVP Operations to align with commercial strategies and drive profitability and long-term brand equity. Prepare and present business reviews, performance updates, and operational reports to SVP Operations.
• Represent the Operations function during owner meetings, brand audits, and project updates, when delegated by the SVP Operations.

Qualifications

• You are a leader with a track record of at least 10 years in hospitality in a corporate or multi-property role.
• You have a strong understanding of hotel operations, including Rooms, F&B, Finance, and Guest Experience. A prior experience in supporting pre-openings or hotel ramp-ups is preferred
• You are able to manage complexity and operate with a high level of autonomy.
• You have strong project management and organization abilities. You are data-driven with strong analytical skills; confident with KPIs, P&Ls, and performance dashboards.
• You have a demonstrated ability to lead and drive outcomes, of anticipating issues to implement creative solutions.
• You are fluent English.
• You are available to travel frequently in Europe. 

Additional Information

A real Work life balance

• Work from Everywhere: Personal access provided to over 500 coworking spaces, many of which are within our hotels.
• ALL - Heartist® Program: Unforgettable stays and experiences at all Accor locations and partner venues worldwide.
• And at our Issy les Moulineaux site: Collaborative workspaces, an employee restaurant, unlimited coffee, gaming and sports areas, a concierge service, and a park just across the street.

Attractive Finance benefits

• Sustainable Mobility Package up to €700 for the use of "green" transportation, or 75% coverage of Pass Navigo (public transportation pass). 

Learning & development

• Talent Management at the earth our of HR Accor strategy.
• We want you to feel free to dare and free to grow, by opening new doors to continuous learning and skills development. Challenge yourself and switch between jobs, brands, and career paths

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:
We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.