Director, Restaurant & Bars Partnerships EMEA
Reporting to the Managing Director of Restaurant & Bar Partnerships EMEA, this role is responsible for supporting the EMEA Development, Openings & Operations teams, Managed Estate Hotel General Managers, and Hilton owners’ representatives to source world-class restaurant brands and celebrity chefs. The Director will work in close collaboration with Hilton’s Development, Legal, Finance, Food and Drink Operations, and Brand teams, to deliver best-in-class restaurant and bar partnerships. On occasion, support may also be required for franchise hotel owners in providing innovative partnership solutions for their properties.
Having strong, proven and global experience in sourcing restaurant brands and chefs is essential for this role to secure world-class partnerships. This role requires a dynamic, flexible individual who can work independently and drive commercially relevant deals that deliver owner returns. The candidate must possess strong relationship-building skills and be comfortable representing multiple stakeholders, including Hilton properties, investors, and third-party restaurant and bar operators, in complex contractual negotiations.
A wide network of restaurant, bar and chef contacts, suitable for the hotel sector, is essential, alongside the ability to remain ahead of emerging market trends. The Director of Restaurant & Bar Partnerships, EMEA will support the Managing Director in executing a clear plan to deliver innovative, best-in-class restaurant and bar solutions that elevate Hilton’s hotel portfolio and guest experiences.

POSITION SUMMARY:

• Supporting the Managing Director of Restaurant and Bar Partnerships in delivering the EMEA Restaurant and Bars Partnership Strategy.
• Sourcing suitable brands and investors for the F&B spaces in existing properties and new properties under development (which shall include Franchise, Lease and Chef-Led Deals).
• Researching latest restaurant trends, customer trends, franchises, operators, and market research using the key successful markets e.g., New York, London, Dubai, …
• Working and identifying reputable restaurant brands and celebrity chefs to grow Hilton’s global restaurant and bar partnership portfolio.
• Preparing market reviews and partnership opportunity presentations for internal and external use.
• Collaborating with the development, and operations teams in the review, selection and implementation process of restaurant and bar partners across different markets, hotel brands and locations.
• Work with Hilton’s legal department on the contractual phase of restaurant commercial agreements, leading the process from initial negotiations with partners to the signing of agreements.
• Work with the relevant finance and feasibility teams across all open properties and developing properties on the outsourced restaurant solution ROI / P&L model to demonstrate the impact of a branded restaurant or lease operation into the determined spaces of the hotel.
• Support Hilton and owners if the agreement is unsuccessful and a negotiated exit or legal case is required. This will involve strong negotiating, commercial, and interpersonal skills to limit damage to Hilton and its owners.
• Coordinate and track the status of new F&B project development across EMEA.
• Coordinate and track the contracts for all outsourced venues across EMEA.
• Ensure continued communication and regular meetings with F&B Operations team, Hotel Operations, and other internal stakeholders.
• Ensure continued communication with Luxury & Lifestyle, Full Service, and Focused Service brand management teams.
  Direct Reports: N/A

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• University Degree or significant work experience in lieu thereof
• Demonstrate extensive experience in the hospitality industry, preferably in hotels, with a proven track record in franchising and leasing of restaurants
• Proven track record of signing deals with brands, restaurant groups and chefs
• Highly numerical, analytical with strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship management skills
• Proficient in MS Office Suite, including PowerPoint
• Ability to travel across the EMEA region, estimated at 30%
• Fluency in English
• Additional language skills would also be advantageous.

• Strong communication skills to work with owners, owners’ representatives, Hilton leadership, and third parties (brands, chefs, restaurant groups), real estate agencies and landlords.
• Strong commercial skills and an understanding of real estate commercials and contractual arrangements.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to navigate complex contract deal-making, resolve stalemates, and present innovative solutions.
• Interpersonal communicators who positively influence stakeholders and Hilton’s partners at all levels.
• Self-starters who take initiative, operate under time constraints, and adapt to change.
• Strategic thinkers with the ability to formulate long-term goals, objectives, and priorities.
• Individuals who keep up with industry trends and leverage them for Hilton’s advantage