Are you a master of craft? Do you thrive in a team that succeeds together, demonstrating integrity and respect while acting responsibly? Do you embrace a growth mindset? We invite you to become a fan of the exceptional. 

Mandarin Oriental is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences located in prime destinations around the world, with a strong development pipeline. Increasingly recognized for creating some of the world’s most sought-after properties, the Group provides legendary service inspired by Asian heritage whilst representing the very cutting-edge of luxury experiences.

Job Description

Position Title: Development Director, South Asia

Department: Development
Reports To: Vice President, Development, Asia Pacific
Location: Preferably Hong Kong, with regular travel across South Asia
Geographical Scope: Primarily South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal), with potential support across the wider Asia Pacific region

The Development Director will play a pivotal role in expanding Mandarin Oriental’s footprint across South Asia. As part of the global development team, the individual will collaborate closely with regional colleagues in Asia Pacific, EMEA, and The Americas. This role requires a seasoned hotel real estate and development professional with a strong background in sourcing, evaluating, and executing hotel and branded residence projects. Mandarin Oriental grows its portfolio through management contracts, focusing on both new-build and conversion opportunities in city and resort destinations.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic & General Responsibilities

• Define and implement strategic plans to grow Mandarin Oriental’s presence in South Asia.

• Build and maintain a robust network of industry contacts to source new development opportunities.

• Represent the brand at industry events and maintain a high profile within the sector.

• Monitor market trends and identify opportunities for brand evolution (e.g., homes, trains, safaris).

• Support the Vice President, Development in other Asia Pacific markets as needed.

• Coordinate effectively with internal departments to ensure alignment and progress.

Development Deal Execution

• Lead the full lifecycle of development deals—from sourcing to execution.

• Generate and assess new leads; engage internal stakeholders across technical services, brand, operations, finance, and sales & marketing.

• Prepare development materials including brand presentations, RFPs, projections, and deal memos.

• Build and maintain relationships with owners, partners, lenders, and investors.

• Collaborate with feasibility and operating teams on forecasts, staffing plans, and P&Ls.

• Negotiate Letters of Intent and Definitive Agreements (hotel and residential) with legal counsel.

• Produce internal documentation including market analysis, due diligence reports, and deal overviews.

• Provide regular updates on project status and negotiation progress.

Performance Measures:

• Delivery of signed LOIs and HMAs contributing to company growth targets.

• Negotiation of deal terms with NPVs typically ranging from US$5–25 million.

• Development and maintenance of strategic relationships in target markets.

Communication Requirements:

Internal:

• Collaborate with executive leadership including CEO, CFO, and department heads.

• Communicate development strategies and updates across internal teams.

• Ensure cross-functional engagement throughout the deal lifecycle.

External:

• Negotiate with investors and partners, balancing brand interests with stakeholder expectations.

• Present complex financial and strategic concepts clearly and persuasively.

• Adapt communication style to diverse cultural and business contexts.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s or MBA preferred.

• Proven expertise in hotel development, real estate finance, or hospitality consulting.

• Experience with hotel brands, developers, brokers/investors, or consultancy firms.

• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills.

• Track record of successful real estate investment or development deals.

• Existing network and experience in South Asia markets preferred.

• Fluent in English; additional languages a plus.

Values:

• High credibility and respect within hospitality and real estate sectors.

• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.

• Natural brand ambassador with affinity for luxury hospitality.

• Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and results-driven.

• Creative problem solver with a flexible, “can-do” attitude.

• Excellent negotiation, interpersonal, and communication skills.

• Culturally sensitive and experienced in cross-cultural environments.

• Team player with confidence to contribute constructively across all levels.

Our commitment to you

Learning & Development. Your success is our success. We craft unique learning and development programmes for various stages in your career so that you grow, continuously. MOstay. When you work as hard as our colleagues do, it’s important to take time off. As a member of the #MOfamily, you can stay with us wherever you go in the world. The MOstay programme offers complimentary nights and additionally attractive rates on rooms for you and your loved ones. Heath & Colleague Wellness. Finding the right work-life balance is important. Your wellbeing matters to us. A variety of health benefits and wellness programmes are offered to all our colleagues, globally. Retirement Plans. When you show commitment to us, we reciprocate. We offer different retirement plans depending on the length of your service and your role.

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