Country Development Manager - UHM India

Job Title: Country Development Manager UHM India

Location: Gurgaon, India

About UHM

United Hospitality Management (UHM) is an international hotel management company with a growing portfolio across the Middle East, Europe and now India. Following our strategic expansion into India, UHM is building a strong, performance-driven leadership team to support our growth and operational excellence across the country.

Role Overview

The Country Development Manager UHM India will lead the Development function for UHM India, driving strategic growth initiatives while ensuring a strong pipeline of hotel management agreements, partnerships, and expansion opportunities across the country.

This role will be instrumental in identifying market opportunities, conducting feasibility assessments, supporting deal structuring, and driving UHM's expansion strategy.

Key Responsibilities

1. Development Strategy & Leadership

Develop and execute the development strategy for UHM India aligned with global objectives.

Act as a strategic partner to Country Leadership and senior stakeholders.

Support business expansion, market entry strategies, and growth opportunities across key cities and leisure destinations.

2. Business Development & Pipeline Growth

Identify and pursue new hotel management, franchise, lease, and acquisition opportunities.

Build and maintain strong relationships with hotel owners, investors, developers, and strategic partners.

Drive pipeline growth across corporate and property-level expansion opportunities.

3. Market Research & Feasibility

Conduct in-depth market research across Indian cities and leisure destinations.

Analyze demand drivers, competitive supply, and market performance benchmarks.

Prepare feasibility studies and commercial assessments for new opportunities.

4. Deal Structuring & Commercial Analysis

Lead financial feasibility and investment analysis for new projects.

Support deal structuring, contract negotiations, and commercial terms.

Partner with Finance, Legal, and Operations on transaction evaluation and risk assessment.

5. Stakeholder & Owner Relations

Build strong relationships with property owners, developers, consultants, and investors.

Act as the key point of contact for development discussions and partnership opportunities.

Ensure alignment between owner expectations and UHM's business strategy.

6. Project Integration & Pre-Opening Support

Support handover and integration of newly signed properties into operations.

Partner with Operations, Technical Services, and HR during pre-opening phases.

Ensure seamless transition from deal closure to operational launch.

7. Reporting, Governance & Analytics

Maintain development pipeline dashboards and reporting frameworks.

Provide market intelligence and commercial insights to leadership.

Ensure data accuracy, confidentiality, and governance standards.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Finance, Real Estate, or related field (Master's preferred).

10 12 years of progressive business development / hotel development experience, with at least 35 years in a leadership role.

Hospitality/Hotel industry experience is a must.

Strong knowledge of hotel management agreements, feasibility analysis, and commercial negotiations.

Experience in multi-property or regional development leadership is an advantage.

Key Competencies

Strategic thinking with operational execution capability

Strong stakeholder management

High integrity and ethical standards

Change management and transformation mindset

Excellent communication and influencing skills

Why Join UHM India

Opportunity to be part of a fast-growing international hospitality group

Lead expansion and growth in a dynamic development phase