Director of Operations

Company Description

As a pioneer in the art of responsible hospitality, the Accor Group brings together more than 45 brands, 5,600 hotels, 10,000 restaurants and lifestyle destinations across 110 countries. While each brand has its own distinct personality, they share one ambition: to continually innovate, challenge the status quo and create meaningful experiences for guests and Heartists alike.

Pullman Hamilton is set to redefine premium hospitality in the heart of the Waikato. Opening in 2027, this landmark property will bring Pullman’s contemporary style, energetic spirit and premium guest experience to New Zealand’s fourth largest and fastest-growing city - creating a destination where business, leisure and lifestyle connect seamlessly.

Featuring 191 elegantly designed guestrooms, a signature restaurant and bar, executive lounge, ballroom and event studios, and a dedicated wellbeing floor, Pullman Hamilton will become a leading destination for travellers, corporates and the local community.

We are now seeking an experienced and inspiring

Director of Operations to play a pivotal role in the pre-opening and ongoing success of Pullman Hamilton.

Working closely with the General Manager, the Director of Operations will lead the operational readiness and day-to-day performance of the hotel, ensuring our teams, systems and guest experience are ready to deliver from day one.

This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on operational leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, builds high-performing teams and is passionate about creating exceptional guest experiences.

Job Description

• Lead the operational pre-opening journey, ensuring all departments, systems and service standards are ready for opening.
• Partner with the General Manager and Executive Committee to drive operational strategy, performance and hotel objectives.
• Lead, coach and inspire operational teams across Rooms, Food & Beverage and key hotel functions.
• Drive guest experience, service excellence, productivity and consistency in line with Pullman brand standards.
• Work collaboratively with Commercial, Finance and People & Culture to achieve financial, engagement and operational targets.
• Maintain strong standards across compliance, workplace health and safety, risk management and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Proven senior hotel operations leadership experience, ideally within premium or luxury hospitality.
• Strong knowledge of Rooms, Food & Beverage and overall hotel operations.
• Commercially astute, with a strong focus on guest experience, performance and productivity.
• Inspiring and collaborative leader who builds high-performing teams.
• Pre-opening or major project experience highly regarded.
• Full working rights in New Zealand.

Additional Information

• Play a key leadership role in one of Waikato’s most exciting hotel openings.
• The opportunity to build operational culture, systems and service standards from the ground up.
• Access to Accor’s Learn Your Way development programs and global career pathways.
• Incredible Accor Heartist benefits, including discounted accommodation and dining across Accor hotels worldwide.
• Be part of a global hospitality group with extensive opportunities for development and career progression.

Accor is an equal opportunity employer. We endeavor to select, place, train, and promote the best qualified individuals based upon job-related factors such as ability, work quality, suitability, experience, and potential.