Manager, Openings and Transitions (Operations) (18 Month FTC)

Manager, Openings & Conversions (Operations)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Manager, Openings & Conversions (Operations) is responsible for supporting Select and Premium brand conversion and new build openings across Europe and the Middle East. The role plays a critical part in supporting Marriott's unit growth ambitions by leading hotel opening, conversion, and transition activities while ensuring compliance with brand standards, operational requirements, and company initiatives.

In addition to managing hotel openings, the position is responsible for overseeing hotel transitions including Managed-to-Franchise conversions, deflags, and operator changes. Working closely with owners, franchisees, hotel teams, and internal stakeholders, the Manager provides both on-site and remote support to ensure successful project execution and operational readiness.

This role requires strong project management capabilities, analytical thinking, stakeholder management skills, and the ability to make sound decisions in a dynamic environment.

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES

Openings & Conversions

• Authorize the opening of hotels on behalf of Marriott International as well as prepare, follow up on and verify the completion of the Authority to Open letter.
• Multi-unit project management. Develop and execute comprehensive project plans, including project scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resource allocation.
• Monitor pre-opening status using the pre-opening website and communicate progress with Director, Openings and Conversions (Operations), relevant discipline leads and other stakeholders.
• Partner with Director, Openings and Transitions, Area Teams to assess and agree the level and cost of pre-opening support required.
• Support brand equity and ensure continued growth.
• Conduct ATO visits of opening hotels.
• Provide on-site support during the conversion period of the hotel.
• Direct all facets of brand growth, including architecture and design, executive orientation, opening timeline and opening authorization.
• Run Business Hours/Calls concerning all operational needs that need to be covered by opening hotels.
• Assist Franchisee/Hotel Team in achieving brand standards for service, product and financial success, pertaining to all opening hotels.
• Execute, communicate and ensure compliance with ongoing brand programs and initiatives.
• Responsible for conversion/opening process including product quality, training, guest service, opening supplies and conversion criteria to ensure the hotel has met Brand Standards.
• Analyze various measurement reports and assist field operations in improving opening hotel performance.
• Participate in Kick-off Meetings for new accounts.
• Participate in, and occasionally host, Executive Orientation Meetings.
• Host regular conference calls with the Franchisee/Hotel Teams to provide general pre-opening guidance and ensure the pre-opening tasks are being carried out effectively and in a timely manner.
• As necessary, plan and lead ad hoc additional calls with the property team, Owner/Franchisee/Hotel Teams, and any Marriott stakeholders involved in the opening process.
• Work closely with the Franchisee/Hotel Team, Director, Openings and Transitions, Area Team, Global Design, IT, and other departments to align on, and communicate, first sell dates and opening dates.
• Ensure Marriott goals for opening and converting hotels are met or exceeded.
• Ensure positive opening survey results are achieved.
• Inform, update and highlight concerns to Director, Openings and Transitions regarding opening projects.
• Manage hotel transitions including Managed to Franchise conversions, deflags and operator changes.
• Ensure hotels complete Critical Path requirements before opening.
• Partner with the wider Support Organization to ensure effective handovers take place within 45 days of opening.

Account Management

• Participate in Executive Orientation for new owners/franchisees.
• Act as liaison for hotel ownerships between brand and market.
• Develop relationships with multiple Owner/Franchisee organizations or GM/Hotel Teams.
• Provide direction to GM/Owner/Franchisee through policy interpretation and make recommendations on policy revisions of brand standards.
• Responsible for developing strong relationships with assigned owners, franchisees or General Managers.
• Manage relationships with owners, which will improve adherence to standards and foster a desire to grow Marriott Hotel brands.
• Attend and participate in meetings and task force committees representing the LPO community.

Administration

• Maintain, distribute, and update all electronic documents and websites pertaining to the CLS, brand and franchise systems, specific to hotel openings.
• Identify ongoing brand training needs and act as liaison to hotel teams, owners and franchisees.
• Champion brand directives and strategies and educate all applicable stakeholders.
• Execute and communicate annual revisions to brand standards and the Quality Assurance program.
• Handle project work assigned by the Lead Manager.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned to meet business needs.
• This position is office or field based.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Job Requirements

• Negotiate issue resolution.
• Possess excellent owner relationship skills.
• Complete working knowledge of Marriott systems: PMS, Email, etc.
• Demonstrate technical skills; must be computer literate and familiar with all Microsoft applications.
• Maintain a working knowledge of brand standards across all Marriott brands, job descriptions and culture.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of pricing and yield management.
• Understand Quality Assurance, Marriott Bonvoy programs, etc.
• Exhibit an excellent analytical capability in operations and customer research data.
• Integrate and interpret various sources of information.
• Exhibit effective public speaking and presentation skills.
• Present ideas, expectations and information in a concise, well-organized way.
• Actively support the development, training and mentoring of associates.
• Manage the quality process in areas of guest service and associate satisfaction.
• Establish, measure and monitor associate learning processes.
• Ability to manage upward and lead and influence change.
• Effectively communicate to several levels of the organization.
• Exhibit excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Exhibit effective listening skills and willingness to resolve issues in a positive manner; encourage diversity of ideas.
• Skills to negotiate a win-win outcome.
• Demonstrate account management skills across an organization.

Education & Experience

• Multiple Operations Manager and/or Full Service team member experience preferred.
• Leadership experience required at least 1 Year
• Strong relationship building skills.
• Ability to travel approximately 60% of the time.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Location: Germany
• Travel Requirement: Approximately 60% business travel required
• Position Type: Office or field based

RIGHT TO WORK

At the time of application, applicants must have the legal right to work in Germany. Unfortunately, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship or relocation assistance.

For consistency with your other EMEA postings, I would recommend continuing to use this exact wording for all Germany-based roles.

WHY JOIN MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL?

Marriott International has been recognized as one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For in Europe 2025 by Great Place to Work.

This is a reflection of our people-first culture, commitment to wellbeing, and collaborative workplace. This accolade joins a growing list of regional honors, reinforcing our dedication to creating an exceptional environment where associates thrive.

At Marriott International, we are dedicated to being an equal opportunity employer, welcoming all and providing access to opportunity. We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated.Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent, and experiences of our associates. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status, or other basis protected by applicable law.

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Marriott International is the world's largest hotel company, with more brands, more hotels and more opportunities for associates to grow and succeed. Be where you can do your best work, begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global team, and become the best version of you.