Director of Development & Acquisitions

Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, since 2015 the VERTU Hospitality Group is developing a distinctive portfolio of hospitality services and brands, with

VERTU Hotels and Resorts at the core of its growth strategy alongside the Group’s other current and future brands.

As part of our continued expansion, we are opening applications for a

Director of Development & Acquisitions to lead and support the identification, evaluation, negotiation and execution of new development and acquisition opportunities across our portfolio.

This is a strategic role focused on the short-, mid- and long-term development of the Group’s brands

, with responsibility for building a strong pipeline and identifying opportunities that align with VERTU’s positioning, growth objectives and investment strategy.

The position may be structured either as a direct employment role or as a third-party consultant/advisory position

, depending on the candidate’s profile and the needs of the Group.

About VERTU Hospitality Group

Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, since 2015 the VERTU Hospitality Group is developing a distinctive portfolio of hospitality services and brands, with

VERTU Hotels and Resorts at the core of its growth strategy alongside the Group’s other current and future brands.

As part of our continued expansion, we are opening applications for a

Director of Development & Acquisitions to lead and support the identification, evaluation, negotiation and execution of new development and acquisition opportunities across our portfolio.

This is a strategic role focused on the short-, mid- and long-term development of the Group’s brands

, with responsibility for building a strong pipeline and identifying opportunities that align with VERTU’s positioning, growth objectives and investment strategy.

The position may be structured either as a direct employment role or as a third-party consultant/advisory position

, depending on the candidate’s profile and the needs of the Group.

Opportunity

The Director of Development & Acquisitions will be responsible for expanding the VERTU Hospitality Group portfolio through a combination of:

• Hotel development and new-build opportunities
• Hotel acquisitions and portfolio opportunities
• Conversions and repositioning projects
• Management and franchise opportunities
• Strategic partnerships and joint ventures
• Owner and investor relationships
• Potential expansion into new geographic markets
• Identification of opportunities suitable for VERTU Hotels and Resorts and the Group’s other brands

The successful candidate will play an important role in shaping the Group’s development strategy and building a high-quality pipeline of opportunities across Europe, Middle-East, Africa and, where appropriate, internationally.

Key Responsibilities

• Development & Acquisitions
• Develop and implement short-, medium- and long-term development strategies for VERTU Hotels and Resorts and other Group brands.
• Identify, originate and qualify potential hotel development and acquisition opportunities.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of potential projects and investment opportunities.
• Establish and manage relationships with hotel owners, developers, investors, brokers, advisors, lenders and other industry stakeholders.
• Source opportunities through direct relationships, market intelligence, industry networks and professional intermediaries.
• Evaluate potential acquisitions, developments, conversions and strategic partnerships.
• Lead or coordinate feasibility assessments, financial analysis, market studies and initial investment evaluations.
• Coordinate due diligence processes with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support negotiations relating to acquisitions, development agreements, management agreements, franchise agreements, leases, joint ventures and other relevant structures.
• Prepare investment and development proposals for senior management and relevant decision-makers.
• Work closely with legal, finance, operations, design, technical and other advisors throughout the development process.
• Monitor projects from initial identification through negotiation, signing and, where applicable, opening.
• Maintain accurate reporting on the development pipeline, project status, commercial terms and key milestones.
• Brand Development
• Ensure that development opportunities are aligned with the positioning and strategic objectives of each VERTU Hospitality Group brand.
• Identify markets and destinations where the Group’s brands can establish a competitive presence.
• Contribute to the evolution of the Group’s development strategy, brand standards and expansion priorities.
• Assess opportunities for new concepts, brands and hospitality products within the Group.
• Provide market intelligence and strategic recommendations to support long-term portfolio growth.
• Relationship & Market Development
• Represent VERTU Hospitality Group in relevant industry events, conferences and meetings.
• Develop a strong network across the European, Middle-Eastern and Africa hospitality and real estate sectors.
• Maintain ongoing awareness of hotel transactions, development pipelines, market trends and competitive activity.
• Identify emerging markets, investment trends and strategic opportunities relevant to the Group.
• Candidate Profile

We are looking for an entrepreneurial, commercially minded hospitality development professional who combines strategic thinking with strong execution capabilities

The ideal candidate will have most of the following competencies

• Proven experience in hotel development, acquisitions, investment, real estate or hospitality advisory.
• Strong understanding of the European hospitality and hotel investment market.
• Demonstrated ability to originate and develop business opportunities.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Experience evaluating hotel investment and development opportunities.
• Understanding of hotel feasibility, valuations, business plans and investment returns.
• Strong negotiation and deal-making skills.
• Excellent relationship-building and networking abilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with owners, investors, developers and senior executives.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking.
• Ability to manage multiple opportunities and projects simultaneously.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, initiative and ability to work independently.
• High level of discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to operate effectively in an international and multicultural environment.
• Willingness to travel regularly as required by the business.

Education & Professional Background

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in one or many of the following areas is preferred:
• Hospitality or Hotel Management
• Real Estate
• Business Administration
• Finance
• Economics
• Investment Management
• Architecture, Urban Planning or a related discipline

Relevant professional qualifications, postgraduate education or substantial equivalent industry experience will also be considered.

Candidates with a strong track record in hospitality development, acquisitions or investment may be considered regardless of their exact academic background.

Languages

Fluent English is mandatory.

Mastery of additional languages is a strong advantage, particularly languages relevant to the European hospitality and investment markets.

• Location & Working Model
• The position is based in
• Continental Europe / Switzerland

Depending on the candidate, role structure and business requirements, remote/home-office working may be available in accordance with VERTU Hospitality Group’s company policy

The role requires flexibility for travel within Europe and internationally when necessary.

Employment / Consultancy Structure

VERTU Hospitality Group is open to considering different engagement models for this position, including:

• Direct employment
• Executive/strategic advisory engagement
• Third-party consultancy
• Independent development and acquisitions consultant

What We Offer

• An opportunity to play a key role in the expansion of an international hospitality group.
• Direct influence on the development of the VERTU Hotels and Resorts (and Residences) portfolio and other Group brands.
• Exposure to acquisitions, developments, partnerships and strategic growth opportunities.
• A high level of autonomy and responsibility.
• An international and entrepreneurial working environment.
• Flexible working arrangements, including potential remote/home-office options in accordance with company policy.
• The opportunity to build and leverage a strong network across the European hospitality and real estate markets.
• A role with both immediate responsibilities and significant long-term strategic potential.
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