Director of Special Projects (6-month Contract)

Job Description

The Director of Special Projects is a strategic leadership appointment, overseeing back-of-house and administrative functions, including Procurement, Receiving, Information Technology, Security, Facilities and Engineering, Administration and capital expenditure (CAPEX)administration.

Working closely with the Cluster General Manager, Sofitel & Raffles Sentosa Singapore, and fellow Cluster Executive Committee members, the incumbent ensures effective support operations, sound governance, regulatory compliance and efficient use of resources. The role drives operational improvements, contributes to transformation initiatives and oversees assigned strategic projects to strengthen organisational effectiveness and support business priorities.

Primary Responsibilities

Back-of-House Operations, Governance and Compliance

• Provide strategic oversight and leadership across Procurement, Receiving, IT, Security, Facilities and Engineering, and Administration.
• Establish clear departmental accountabilities, service standards and performance expectations to ensure reliable support for hotel operations.
• Review organisational structures and workflows with the Cluster General Manager, recommend improvements and oversee implementation within agreed timelines.
• Ensure compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, Accor policies, internal controls and relevant brand standards.
• Oversee the reorganisation, maintenance and upkeep of back-of-house areas and employee facilities to maintain a clean, orderly, safe and compliant environment.
• Oversee preventive maintenance planning and the prioritisation of facilities and engineering works to support asset reliability and operational continuity.
• Demonstrate Sofitel and Raffles brand values, uphold Accor’s Code of Ethics and ensure completion of mandatory and brand-required training within the designated functions.

Operational Performance and Resource Efficiency

• Set departmental priorities and action plans aligned with business objectives and agreed performance targets.
• Support departmental budget preparation, monitor expenditure and maintain effective cost controls.
• Oversee procurement governance, contracting and tender processes in accordance with established policies and approval requirements.
• Improve productivity through regular reviews of operational needs, resource allocation, work processes and external contract labour deployment.
• Lead forecasting and planning for support services, operating expenditure (OPEX) and CAPEX projects, subject to the required approvals.
• Identify opportunities to optimise costs and resources while maintaining service quality, asset condition, safety and compliance.
• Support Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), sustainability and other relevant compliance initiatives within the role’s scope.

Transformationand Change Initiatives

• Work with the Cluster General Manager and Cluster Executive Committee to identify and implement transformation initiatives aligned with business priorities.
• Review existing operating models, structures and processes to identify opportunities for simplification, integration, automation and digitalisation.
• Assess the feasibility, costs, benefits and operational implications of proposed changes, and develop recommendations for approval.
• Lead or support approved transformation projects, establishing clear objectives, responsibilities, milestones and measures of success.
• Partner with department heads to communicate changes, address implementation challenges and support employee readiness and adoption.
• Track project outcomes, validate expected benefits and embed sustainable improvements into day-to-day operations.

Strategic Projects and Stakeholder Liaison

• Translate the Cluster General Manager’s strategic priorities into practical project plans and oversee their execution.
• Coordinate with relevant departments, Cluster Executive Committee members and external partners to deliver assigned projects within agreed scope, timelines and budgets.
• Monitor project progress, manage dependencies and escalate material risks or decisions promptly.
• Represent the resort in procurement, governance, compliance and project matters within delegated authority.
• Participate in budgeting, commercial reviews and strategic planning, providing recommendations on operational improvements and investment priorities.
• Undertake other duties and special projects as assigned by the Cluster General Manager.

MainComplexity and Critical Issues in the Job

• Coordinate multiple support functions and stakeholders while maintaining continuity of hotel operations.
• Balance cost optimisation and transformation priorities with service standards, asset preservation, employee welfare, safety and compliance.
• Manage competing priorities, resource constraints and stakeholder expectations across concurrent projects.
• Secure stakeholder commitment and employee adoption to achieve lasting operational improvements.
• Deliver agreed project milestones and measurable outcomes within the appointment period.

Qualifications

• Relevant professional qualifications in business administration, hospitality management, operations or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 15 years of senior leadership experience in hospitality or a comparable operational environment, with responsibility for support services, operational improvement or special projects.
• Demonstrated experience in procurement governance, budget management, contract oversight and project delivery.
• Proven involvement in transformation initiatives, such as organisational restructuring, process improvement, digitalisation, automation or change management.
• Sound understanding of back-of-house operations, facilities and engineering oversight, regulatory compliance and internal controls.
• Strong commercial judgement, analytical ability and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, communication and organisational skills, with the ability to influence across functions.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver measurable results within agreed timelines and budgets.
• Fluency in English, with strong written and verbal communication skills.