Regional Director, Franchise Openings

Accountabilities: Serve as the primary point of contact for franchisees, general managers, and internal stakeholders throughout new hotel openings, transitions, and related projects. Coordinate communication between franchise owners and cross-functional teams, including development, construction, risk management, revenue management, field services, quality, IT, sales, and operational support. Provide phone-based consultation and on-site guidance to franchisees, answering questions and coordinating activities across the hotel opening lifecycle. Manage a portfolio of upcoming hotel openings, proactively tracking critical milestones, identifying obstacles, and coordinating the appropriate specialists to resolve issues. Oversee opening schedules and critical-path activities, including groundbreaking, construction progress, permitting, life safety requirements, documentation, and readiness for opening. Develop and implement procedures, tracking tools, and reporting processes to monitor opening status, maintain accurate records, and ensure required paperwork is submitted on time. Prepare and analyze weekly and monthly reports to assess progress, identify risks and opportunities, and recommend improvements to opening strategies and processes. Partner with training, operations support, and field teams to review and enhance training programs, ensuring alignment with current legal requirements, operational standards, and organizational initiatives. Work with hotel owners, principal correspondents, general managers, and directors of sales to identify barriers to success and develop recovery plans where needed. Conduct consulting visits and prepare detailed recaps for hotel ownership and management, sharing relevant updates with internal stakeholders across operations, commercial, and revenue management. Respond to owner and hotel leadership inquiries regarding construction, financing, permitting, preliminary requirements, and opening readiness, coordinating with internal departments to resolve issues. Conduct proactive outreach to key hotel personnel to support construction milestones, groundbreaking activities, and timely execution of opening plans. Requirements: A bachelor's or master's degree in hotel management or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience. Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) credential preferred. 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in the hotel industry, with demonstrated proficiency across multiple relevant disciplines or processes. Experience managing teams, preferably cross-functional teams, including groups where team members do not report directly to you. Project management experience in a matrix organization, coordinating multiple business units and stakeholders; experience in an international or global organization is preferred. Demonstrated ability to plan and execute large-scale hotel projects from conception through implementation, managing multiple priorities with strong follow-through and attention to detail. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with hotel general managers, principal correspondents, owners, vendors, senior management, and internal teams. Strong relationship management, negotiation, persuasion, and conflict resolution skills. Comprehensive knowledge of hotel operations, including the ability to assess performance and develop strategic tools to improve results. Knowledge of construction processes and procedures, with the ability to evaluate progress, challenge contractors when necessary, and communicate realistic timelines. Familiarity with training principles and experience preparing, implementing, and delivering training programs. Proficiency with Property Management Systems (PMS) and Revenue Management Systems (RMS). Willingness and ability to travel approximately 75–80%. Location requirement: Candidates must reside in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Although the position is remote, extensive travel is required. Benefits: Annual salary: $106,000–$117,000, depending on applicable factors. Bonus compensation: Eligibility for additional bonus pay, where applicable. Paid time off: Time away from work to support personal needs and work-life balance. Medical insurance: Health coverage options for eligible employees. Dental and vision insurance: Coverage options to support dental and vision care. Retirement savings: Access to a 401(k) plan. Additional benefits: Other employee benefits are available as part of the overall compensation package, subject to applicable eligibility and plan terms. Remote work arrangement: The position is designated as remote, provided the candidate resides in the Charlotte, NC area. Professional impact: Opportunity to lead complex hotel openings, collaborate with diverse teams, and contribute to improved operational readiness and hotel performance.