The General Manager will lead the end-to-end development and launch of Fairmont Agra, ensuring seamless transition from project stage to a fully operational luxury hotel. This role combines strategic planning, project execution, team building, and brand positioning to successfully establish the hotel as a market-leading luxury destination.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Pre-Opening Strategy & Project Leadership
- Lead the pre-opening phase, ensuring timely and successful hotel launch aligned with brand standards and ownership expectations.
- Work closely with ownership, project teams, designers, and corporate stakeholders on project progress, timelines, and critical milestones.
- Oversee pre-opening budgets, CAPEX planning, and resource allocation to ensure cost efficiency and financial discipline.
- Ensure readiness of all operational areas through structured pre-opening plans, checklists, and timelines.
Hotel Setup & Operational Readiness
- Drive development and implementation of all SOPs, service standards, and operational frameworks in line with Fairmont luxury positioning.
- Oversee procurement (OS&E, FF&E), vendor finalization, and operational setup across departments.
- Ensure all licenses, compliance, and statutory approvals are in place prior to opening.
- Lead pre-opening audits, mock runs, and soft launch readiness.
Commercial Strategy & Market Positioning
- Develop and execute pre-opening sales, marketing, and PR strategies to position Fairmont Agra as a leading luxury destination.
- Build strong business forecasts, pricing strategies, and revenue plans in collaboration with commercial teams.
- Establish key partnerships with travel trade, luxury consortia, corporates, and local influencers.
- Drive brand awareness and visibility ahead of opening.
Talent Acquisition & Culture Building
- Lead recruitment of the entire hotel leadership team and workforce in line with pre-opening timelines.
- Build a high-performance culture rooted in Fairmont’s luxury service philosophy and brand values.
- Oversee training programs, brand immersion, and service culture development for all Heartists.
- Foster an inclusive, engaged, and performance-driven environment from day one.
Guest Experience & Brand Delivery
- Define and embed the hotel’s guest experience philosophy, ensuring personalized, intuitive, and memorable luxury service.
- Ensure all guest touchpoints are aligned with Fairmont brand standards and emotional luxury positioning.
- Lead trial stays, VIP previews, and soft opening experiences to refine service delivery.
Stakeholder & Owner Relations
- Act as the primary liaison with ownership, ensuring transparency, alignment, and confidence throughout the pre-opening phase.
- Build strong relationships with local authorities, tourism bodies, and community stakeholders.
- Represent the hotel and brand in the market, establishing credibility prior to launch.
Opening & Post-Opening Stabilization
- Lead successful hotel opening, ensuring operational excellence from day one.
- Drive post-opening stabilization, focusing on guest satisfaction, revenue ramp-up, and team performance.
- Monitor KPIs closely and implement corrective strategies to achieve business targets.
