General Manager

DELANO Dubai

Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle and leisure hospitality company, is bringing the iconic Delano brand to the UAE for the first time. When Delano South Beach arrived on the Miami scene in 1995, it introduced an entirely fresh take on 5-star luxury and marked the inception of lifestyle hospitality. Delano was celebrated for its blend of timeless elegance, modern design, and vibrant energy; it became the social hub, bringing together the who’s who of the fashion and entertainment world. Guided by the same principles that propelled the original Delano to icon status, Delano Dubai will usher in a new era of sophisticated style and elevated service to the UAE.

Located on the pristine shores of Bluewaters Island, the Delano Dubai resort will boast an array of luxury rooms and suites, four exceptional culinary and mixology experiences, an ocean front swimming pool and a wellness studio. 

Under the general guidance of the Chief Operating Officer, Ennismore MEAIT, the General Manager will lead and inspire the Delano Dubai team to successfully achieve company and property business objectives across operations, guest experience, sales, and brand positioning.

This role requires ensuring all departments operate seamlessly and efficiently, overseeing administrative, financial, marketing, and business management affairs. The General Manager will be responsible for driving the ongoing success, profitability, and smooth operation of Delano Dubai while maintaining the distinctive Delano ethos of understated luxury, creativity, and impeccable service.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain a clear and effective focus on day-to-day business objectives while contributing to the strategic development and leadership of Delano Dubai, aligned with Ennismore’s regional and global goals.

• Take full accountability for the people, product, and profit of the property—delivering exceptional guest experiences, maximising revenue through sales and yield management, and identifying opportunities for sustainable, long-term growth.

• Champion innovation and creativity to meet both short- and long-term strategic objectives while preserving the unique brand DNA of Delano.

• Provide inspirational leadership by motivating, engaging, and developing all team members to contribute to the overall success and culture of the property.

• Monitor and action guest feedback, including mystery guest programmes, social media sentiment, and internal surveys, to ensure continuous improvement and service excellence.

• Maintain regular communication with the Chief Operating Officer to align on performance results and influence the strategic direction of the property.

• Ensure full compliance with company reporting standards, financial controls, and operational policies, maintaining transparency and accountability at all levels.

• Lead, develop, and empower department heads and teams to deliver operational best practices, recommending process improvements to enhance efficiency, service quality, and alignment with Delano brand standards.

• Ensure the property is staffed with skilled, motivated, and brand-aligned team members capable of meeting Delano’s elevated standards of personalized service.

• Continuously review and update health, safety, and risk management systems, ensuring a consistently safe, compliant, and welcoming environment for guests, employees, and partners.

• Act as a visible ambassador for Delano Dubai within the local community and broader hospitality market, positioning the property as a flagship of design, innovation, and refined luxury.

• Minimum of 7-10 years’ progressive leadership experience as a General Manager in ultra-luxury, lifestyle, or experiential hospitality brands, with a proven record of delivering exceptional operational and financial results.

• Experience working in culturally diverse environments, with a strong preference for Middle East experience.

• Proven track record of driving operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and financial performance within a highly competitive market.

• Strong understanding of luxury brand positioning and the ability to balance creative vision with commercial acumen.

• Demonstrated experience in team leadership, talent development, and fostering a culture of empowerment, inclusivity, and innovation.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage and influence diverse internal and external stakeholders.

• Solid financial management expertise, including budgeting, forecasting, and P&L accountability.

• Strong familiarity with the Dubai and GCC hospitality markets and an understanding of regional business dynamics is an advantage.

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field; a postgraduate qualification is preferred.

• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, including local community and government relations.

• Leadership skills that inspire, unify, and drive teams to deliver excellence in guest experience and business performance.

• A passion for purpose-driven hospitality. 

What awaits you...

• The opportunity to join an international and innovative and fast-growing group, committed not only to building new hotels, but to creating a global brand.
• The ability to challenge the norm and work in an environment that is both creative and rewarding.
• Be part of a team that is very passionate about creating great hospitality experiences and exploring new locations with every opportunity.
• A competitive package and plenty of development opportunities.