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.
Prior pre-opening experience in a luxury hotel of similar positioning to Fairmont.
Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in luxury hospitality.
Strong understanding of luxury sales, distribution, and Indian & international markets.
Proven ability to build high-performing, service-driven teams.
Demonstrates emotional luxury, delivering personalized guest experiences.
Confident in engaging with domestic and international luxury guests.
Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Experience in luxury events, weddings, and banqueting operations.
Solid financial acumen, including budgeting and business performance management.
Creative, innovative, and an ambassador of the Fairmont brand values
Be part of the pre-opening journey of Fairmont Agra, a landmark luxury destination
Opportunity to build systems, teams, and culture from the ground up
Work with a globally renowned luxury hospitality brand
