Senior Manager, Brand Portfolio, APAC – Design Hotels

Senior Manager, Brand Portfolio, APAC

We are seeking a visionary Senior Manager, Brand Portfolio, APAC to drive expansion of Design Hotels' member portfolio with a focus on South Asia. This role involves developing and executing strategy to strengthen Design Hotels' market presence, collaborating with Marriott International APEC teams to support overall portfolio growth and deal execution, and building strong networks with existing and potential hotel owners, developers, operators, architects, designers, and brand partners in the independent hospitality space.

This position centers on proactive business development and portfolio expansion within the team under the Director, Brand Portfolio, APAC. You love hospitality, think strategically, and are passionate about forging impactful connections in emerging markets like South Asia.

Tasks & Responsibilities

Strategy

• Develop a strategic plan to increase Design Hotels overall portfolio and presence across South Asia

Portfolio Development & Growth

• Execute market-specific strategies for portfolio expansion
• Build strong pipeline and leads of qualified on-brand hotels through active sourcing, networking, site inspections, and brand-fit assessments
• Conduct brand fit assessment for new potential members in alignment with Design Hotels Global Brand Portfolio strategy. This includes: collecting and reviewing relevant hotel information, exchange with owners and representatives, pitching Design Hotels value proposition, preparing tailored presentations, creating case studies
• Review membership applications, evaluate the potential for Design Hotels and approve together with responsible teams
• Engage prospective on-brand hotels and identify their needs, opportunities, and goals to connect them with our value proposition and services
• Demonstrate a solution driven approach to the overall development process
• Collaborate closely and partner with Marriott International APEC Development Team and Legal Team to support overall deal signing and execution

Partnerships & Engagement

• Establish strong relationships and grow network of hotel owners, developers, architects, interior designers and industry stakeholders
• Act as a trusted brand advisor and ambassador for Design Hotels in South Asia

Market Expansion & Insights

• Identify high-potential growth markets in South Asia and monitor competitor and industry trends
• Conduct frequent travel (40–60%) for site visits, existing and potential owner engagement

Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate closely with Design Hotels APAC team and Global Team
• Align with all relevant departments within Design Hotels to ensure smooth workflow and stay updated on new services and developments
• Build strong relationships & engagement with the existing and potential Design Hotels owner community
• Act as a brand partner and collaborator to APEC Marriott International Team including Development Team
• Ensure transparent pipeline tracking and reporting via CRM

Experience & Mindset

• 7+ years of experience in business development, commercial, brand partnerships or owner relations in travel, hospitality or interior design sectors
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality or related field
• Fluent and effectively bilingual in English and Hindi (spoken and written)
• Strong market knowledge of South Asia boutique and independent hotel sectors

Skills & Competencies

Portfolio and Business Development

• Formulating, implementing and driving a market specific strategy to create value through the pursuit of new projects, a strong proactive disposition required
• Excellent knowledge of the South Asia hospitality markets and its key players in the different subregions and countries within the boutique and independent hotel market
• Understanding of Brand Equity and well-versed in both, the creative and commercial side of a business organization
• Strong business acumen and deep hotel commercial and distribution knowledge
• In-depth understanding of the regional business landscape in travel / hospitality
• Established rolodex of architects, designers, independent hotel developers and operators

Competencies

• Creative, design-oriented, culturally aware, understanding of local and global aesthetics, aware of key trends / at the pulse of the time
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, strong ability to adjust to various audiences - corporate environment and creatives, independently minded individuals
• High performing, collaborative solution provider and proactive decision maker
• Strong negotiation skills and acute commercial acumen
• Strong interpersonal skills, empathetic, enthusiastic, collaborator, excels in building new relationships and instilling trust

Other skills and prerequisites

• Fluent in spoken and written Hindi and English
• Additional language skills will be a plus
• Strong presentation skills
• Willing to travel as needed up to 40-60%

Business Understanding

• Passion for Design Hotels' ethos and a solid understanding of the business
• Knowledge of the independent hotels landscape in Asia and especially in South Asia
• In-depth understanding of Hotel commercials and distribution

Perks & Benefits

• A great experience in the niche market of luxury boutique hotels
• Hybrid mobile working options
• Working with a motivated and international team from over 39 countries at the global Headquarters of Design Hotels™
• Great benefits at member hotels, brand partners and other employee discounts and special offers, including Marriott Explore rates
• Career development opportunities in an international company

About Design Hotels™ Design Hotels GmbH (www.designhotels.com) is a full-service hospitality consultancy, offering customized services to its member hotels. Under the brand Design Hotels™ the company represents and markets a curated selection of currently more than 300 luxury hotels in over 60 countries. These member hotels are independently owned but united by a commitment to individuality, progressive design, and cultural authenticity. Design Hotels™ embodies the most advanced ideas in the hospitality industry and offers discerning travelers new opportunities and inspiration for both a more conscious travel and lifestyle.

The company has its headquarters in Berlin and branches in Los Angeles, New York, London and Singapore. Since March 2021, Design Hotels GmbH is part of the Marriott International portfolio.

Design Hotels is an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate diversity and practice inclusivity. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and our business needs only.

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