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General Manager - Job Opportunity at The First Collection

Dubai, AE
Full-time
Executive
Posted: July 29, 2025
On-site
USD 120,000 - 180,000 per year plus performance bonuses and benefits package. This estimate reflects the executive nature of the role, Dubai's competitive luxury hospitality market, and the comprehensive operational scope including revenue management responsibilities. Total compensation likely reaches USD 200,000+ annually including incentives.

Benefits

Opportunity to lead operations at award-winning luxury urban lifestyle resorts in prime Dubai locations, providing exceptional career prestige and industry recognition
Access to cutting-edge guest facilities and exclusive partnerships including Soluna Restaurants and Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah, offering unique networking and hospitality experience opportunities
Leadership role within The First Group's innovative hospitality portfolio, providing exposure to groundbreaking investment opportunities and industry-leading practices
Position within Dubai's luxury hospitality landscape offering comprehensive market exposure and strategic business development opportunities

Key Responsibilities

Provide transformational leadership across all hotel operations while developing and executing strategic initiatives that directly impact market positioning, profitability, and long-term competitive advantage in Dubai's luxury hospitality sector
Drive operational excellence across Rooms Division, Food and Beverage, Maintenance, and Security departments while implementing innovative solutions that optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and establish industry best practices
Champion guest-centric culture transformation that exceeds luxury market expectations, implementing personalized experience strategies that build customer loyalty and enhance brand reputation in the competitive Dubai market
Lead comprehensive revenue optimization strategies across multiple streams including rooms, F&B, and ancillary services, working with commercial teams to maximize profitability while maintaining premium service standards
Develop and maintain strategic stakeholder relationships with owners, investors, suppliers, and local authorities while serving as brand ambassador to enhance hotel visibility and community engagement

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's preferred)

Experience

10+ years in hotel management, with at least 3 years in a GM role

Required Skills

Strong leadership communication financial acumen strategic thinking skills fluency in English is required
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Dubai's luxury hospitality sector is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by Expo 2030 preparations and the emirate's positioning as a global tourism hub, creating increased demand for experienced general managers who can navigate complex multi-cultural guest expectations and deliver world-class experiences. The integration of technology-driven personalization and sustainability initiatives has become critical for maintaining competitive advantage in the luxury segment. The Middle East hospitality market is witnessing a shift toward experiential luxury and lifestyle branding, where hotels are evolving into comprehensive lifestyle destinations rather than traditional accommodation providers. This trend is particularly pronounced in Dubai where properties must offer unique cultural experiences that blend international luxury standards with authentic local elements. Post-pandemic recovery has accelerated the adoption of flexible revenue management strategies and enhanced health and safety protocols, requiring general managers to demonstrate agility in operational planning while maintaining profitability. The focus on local and regional tourism has also intensified competition among Dubai's luxury properties.

Role Significance

Typically managing 150-300+ employees across multiple departments including rooms, F&B, maintenance, security, sales, and administration. Direct leadership team likely consists of 8-12 department heads and senior managers with responsibility for developing succession planning and talent management strategies.
Senior executive position with full P&L responsibility and strategic decision-making authority across all hotel operations. This role represents the highest operational leadership level with direct accountability to ownership groups and investors, requiring extensive industry expertise and proven track record of delivering measurable business results.

Key Projects

Implementation of comprehensive digital transformation initiatives including property management systems, revenue optimization platforms, and guest experience technologies that enhance operational efficiency and personalization capabilities Development and execution of major renovation or repositioning projects that maintain competitive advantage while minimizing revenue disruption and ensuring brand standard compliance Launch of new revenue streams and partnership opportunities including spa services, event hosting, retail concepts, and exclusive dining experiences that diversify income sources and enhance guest engagement

Success Factors

Demonstrated ability to build and maintain high-performing multicultural teams while fostering innovation and professional development in Dubai's competitive talent market, requiring strong emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity Proven expertise in luxury hospitality revenue optimization including dynamic pricing strategies, yield management, and ancillary revenue development that maximizes profitability without compromising service quality Deep understanding of Dubai's regulatory environment, business customs, and luxury consumer preferences combined with ability to maintain international brand standards while delivering locally relevant experiences Strong financial acumen with experience managing complex P&L statements, budget development, and cost control initiatives while identifying growth opportunities and operational efficiencies

Market Demand

High demand driven by Dubai's expanding luxury hospitality sector and limited pool of qualified candidates with both international luxury experience and deep Dubai market knowledge. The combination of strategic leadership requirements and operational expertise makes this a highly sought-after position.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Strategic financial management capabilities are essential given the role's P&L responsibility and Dubai's high-stakes luxury market where revenue optimization directly impacts property valuation and investor returns. Understanding of complex revenue streams including rooms, F&B, events, and partnerships is crucial for maximizing profitability. Cross-cultural leadership and communication skills are fundamental for success in Dubai's international hospitality environment where teams typically represent 20+ nationalities and guests span global demographics. Ability to inspire and develop diverse teams while maintaining service consistency is critical. Market intelligence and competitive analysis expertise enable positioning against Dubai's numerous luxury competitors while identifying opportunities for differentiation and growth. Deep understanding of local business customs, regulations, and consumer preferences is essential for operational success.

Beneficial Skills

Digital innovation and technology integration skills become increasingly valuable as luxury hospitality adopts AI-driven personalization, mobile-first guest services, and data analytics for operational optimization and enhanced guest experiences Sustainability and ESG expertise provides competitive advantage as luxury travelers increasingly prioritize environmentally responsible properties, while Dubai's Vision 2071 emphasizes sustainable development and green hospitality practices Partnership development and relationship management capabilities offer significant value given Dubai's business environment where strategic alliances with local businesses, government entities, and international brands can drive revenue growth and market positioning

Unique Aspects

Integration with exclusive Soluna Restaurants and Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah creates unique selling proposition and additional revenue opportunities while providing guests with premium amenities typically available only at the most exclusive Dubai properties
Focus on 'urban lifestyle resorts' represents innovative positioning that combines city convenience with resort-style amenities, requiring specialized management expertise in balancing business traveler needs with leisure guest expectations
The First Group's comprehensive approach including property development, asset management, and hotel operations provides general manager with exposure to multiple aspects of hospitality business beyond traditional hotel management
Dubai market positioning requires navigation of extremely competitive luxury segment while maintaining cultural sensitivity and international appeal, demanding sophisticated understanding of diverse guest demographics and preferences

Career Growth

Career advancement to regional or corporate roles typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing general managers, particularly in Dubai's rapidly expanding hospitality market where successful operators are highly valued and actively recruited.

Potential Next Roles

Regional General Manager overseeing multiple properties within The First Group's expanding portfolio, providing opportunity to influence brand development and operational standards across the region Vice President of Operations for luxury hospitality groups, focusing on strategic planning, brand development, and multi-property performance optimization Hotel Owner/Investor transitioning to ownership side of the business leveraging operational expertise and industry relationships to develop independent luxury properties

Company Overview

The First Collection

The First Group represents a significant player in Dubai's luxury hospitality and real estate development sector, with a two-decade track record of innovation and growth. The company's integrated approach combining hotel operations, asset management, and investment services positions it as a comprehensive hospitality solutions provider rather than a traditional hotel operator.

Established as a premium brand within Dubai's competitive luxury hospitality landscape, with award-winning properties and strategic locations that command premium positioning. The company's focus on urban lifestyle resorts and exclusive amenities like Soluna Beach Club demonstrates commitment to differentiation and experiential luxury.
Strong Dubai-focused presence with prime locations across the emirate's key districts, providing deep local market knowledge and established relationships with key stakeholders. The company's concentration in Dubai allows for operational synergies and brand consistency while capitalizing on the city's tourism growth.
Innovation-driven environment that emphasizes creativity, excellence, and entrepreneurial thinking within the luxury hospitality framework. The company's emphasis on capturing 'the essence of urban living' suggests a dynamic, forward-thinking culture that values both tradition and modernization.
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