General Manager-Fairmont Agra

Job Description

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.

Qualifications

• 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

Additional Information

• 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