Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Luxury Hospitality Group

Portugal

Highly competitive executive package

Performance-related bonus

Healthcare for family*

Relocation support (where required)

Accommodation for initial six months

Long-term growth and equity-aligned incentives

The opportunity to shape and scale an exceptional luxury resort portfolio

*unfortunately support with schooling is unavailable

We're proud to be partnering with a luxury hospitality business that sets the benchmark for what truly world-class resort operations look like.

This is a business defined by exceptional guest experiences, strong commercial discipline and a culture that empowers leaders to think and act like owners.

Following sustained growth, increasing international recognition and ambitious plans for its next phase of expansion, the business is now seeking an outstanding Chief Operating Officer to lead operations in Portugal.

This is a hands-on, visible leadership opportunity for a commercially astute operator who thrives in complex, multi-disciplinary luxury environments.

You'll be a strategic thinker with deep operational credibility, someone who can translate vision into flawless execution, inspire large teams, and drive both top-line growth and bottom-line performance across the portfolio.

If you are passionate about luxury hospitality, operational excellence and building high-performing cultures, this role will excite you.

The opportunity

As COO, you will hold end-to-end responsibility for daily operations, working closely with the CEO, central and operational teams.

You'll act as the critical bridge between strategy and delivery, ensuring brand standards are upheld, resources are optimised, and every guest experience reflects the quality and consistency expected of a leading luxury brand.

With ambitious development and growth plans ahead, this role offers genuine influence, autonomy and the chance to leave a lasting operational legacy.

Who this role is for

This role will suit a senior hospitality leader (COO, Operations Director, General Manager or equivalent) who brings the following
essential
requirements:

• Proven executive-level experience within luxury hospitality or resort environments
• Fluency in Portuguese and English
• Experience living and working in Portugal and an understanding of the local market
• Eligibility to work in Portugal
• Deep understanding of multi-disciplinary, complex resort and hotel operations
• Strong financial acumen and commercial decision-making capability
• A track record of scaling operations and driving sustainable growth
• Exceptional leadership presence, emotional intelligence and communication skills
• Calm, confident decision-making in high-pressure environments

You'll be someone who balances strategic vision with operational detail - leading with clarity, authority and humanity.

What you'll be accountable for

Operational Excellence

• Oversee all resort operations including Accommodation, Food & Beverage, Events, Housekeeping, Engineering and Guest Services
• Ensure seamless, high-quality service delivery across all departments
• Drive continuous improvement in operational processes, standards and efficiency

Financial & Commercial Performance

• Full responsibility for operational budgets, cost control and profitability
• Drive revenue growth, margin improvement and EBITDA performance
• Analyse performance data, identify opportunities and take decisive action

Strategy & Execution

• Translate the company's strategic vision into clear, actionable operational plans
• Lead the implementation of new initiatives, concepts and systems
• Support expansion, refurbishment and development projects where required

Leadership & Culture

• Build, lead and retain high-performing executive and operational teams
• Foster a strong service-led culture aligned to luxury brand values
• Develop succession plans, leadership capability and long-term talent pipelines

Guest Experience & Brand Standards

• Ensure consistent, exceptional guest experiences across all touchpoints
• Uphold brand positioning, service rituals and quality benchmarks
• Act as a visible ambassador for the brand internally and externally

Resource Optimisation & Compliance

• Optimise utilisation of people, facilities and resources for maximum productivity
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, health & safety and company standards
• Protect the brand, guests and teams through robust governance and controls

What success looks like in this role

You'll be measured by:

• Guest satisfaction, loyalty and brand advocacy
• Cost efficiency, productivity and margin performance
• Leadership strength, engagement and talent retention
• Consistency of standards, audits and compliance outcomes

Values & how you show up

This business believes outstanding results come from strong leadership, clear standards and genuine care for people. You'll make excellence feel effortless - for guests, teams and stakeholders alike.

You will:

• Lead with integrity, warmth and high expectations
• Create a culture of accountability, collaboration and pride
• Champion innovation, continuous improvement and excellence
• Remain hands-on, visible and connected to both teams and guests
• Always represent the brand with professionalism and passion

If you're an accomplished hospitality executive ready to step into a defining COO role within a growing luxury brand in Portugal, we'd love to hear from you.

Closing date for applications: Friday 30th January 2026

Please note: Due to anticipated high levels of interest, all applications will be reviewed and responded to following the closing date.