About the Role

The Development Director plays a critical role in driving the strategic expansion of the company’s luxury hospitality portfolio across the Italian market. The position is responsible for originating, evaluating, structuring and closing development opportunities across a different range of contract structures and asset typologies. This role requires a strong blend of commercial acumen, real estate expertise, financial sophistication and relationship management, combined with a deep understanding of luxury positioning and brand-driven development.

Key Responsibilities

Development & Growth

• Proactively identify, source and pursue new development opportunities for the company in line with brand growth strategies.
• Evaluate potential projects across multiple formats, including hotels, resorts, residences and mixed-use developments.
• Analyze market dynamics, destination performance, demand generators, competitive supply and emerging opportunities.

Market Intelligence & Strategy

• Continuously monitor market conditions, regulatory environments and competitive landscapes.
• Provide strategic insights to senior leadership on pipeline development, brand positioning and growth priorities.
• Identify new business models, partnership structures and innovative development concepts within the luxury segment.

Deal Origination & Execution

• Lead the end-to-end deal-making process, from initial opportunity assessment through to contract execution.
• Structure and negotiate development agreements.
• Prepare development proposals, brand pitches and investment rationales tailored to owners, developers and investors.
• Conduct feasibility studies and support financial modeling, including pro forma P&Ls, cash flow projections and return analyses.

Internal Coordination

• Collaborate closely with internal teams to ensure alignment and smooth execution of development projects.
• Coordinate internal approvals and contribute to investment committee and senior management presentations.
• Support pre-opening and transition phases to ensure projects are delivered in line with brand standards and owner expectations.

Qualifications & Experience

What We’re Looking For

• Significant experience in hospitality development, real estate investment or hotel advisory, ideally within the luxury or lifestyle segment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, Finance, Real Estate or a related field; MBA or advanced degree is an advantage.
• Strong understanding of hotel accounting principles, management agreements, franchise models and branded residential structures.
• Proven ability to lead complex negotiations and close high-value transactions.
• Advanced financial modeling and feasibility analysis skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation and relationship-building capabilities.
• Strategic mindset with strong entrepreneurial drive and commercial orientation.
• High level of cultural sensitivity and experience working in multicultural, international environments.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the italian region.

Location: Florence, Milan or Rome