DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS – LONDON HQ

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Director of Operations to lead operational performance across a growing portfolio of hotels in the UK and Europe. Based at our London headquarters, this is a senior leadership role with strategic oversight and hands-on engagement across multiple properties.

Reporting to the Vice President Operations, you will be responsible for driving operational excellence, guest satisfaction, profitability, and brand standards across diverse markets, while supporting and developing high-performing on-property leadership teams. The position is based full-time at our London Bridge Head Office, with occasional property

THE STAGE IS SET

The stage is set for something different. We don’t run conventional hotels; we build places with character and intent.

What began as a small UK aparthotel portfolio has grown into a European collection recognised for design and atmosphere - and we’re now entering a new chapter. As we redefine the brand and evolve our identity, we’re focused on creating spaces that feel compelling, contemporary, and truly distinctive. Locke leads with bold expression; Cove by Locke refines that same spirit into a quieter, more streamlined approach.

Guests come to rest, work, or escape. Comfort is a given - great beds, hot showers, genuine service. But we aim to create moments that feel memorable and a little unexpected, bringing back the sense of mood hospitality often lost.

This is our backdrop. We’re on an exciting journey step on stage and play your part.

THE WORK IN YOUR HANDS

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across the hotel portfolio in the UK and Europe
• Drive consistent delivery of brand standards, service quality, and guest experience
• Oversee hotel performance against KPIs including revenue, profitability, guest satisfaction, and cost control
• Partner closely with General Managers, supporting performance management, coaching, and succession planning
• Own and drive end-to-end Food & Beverage performance across the portfolio, ensuring consistent delivery of revenue growth, margin optimisation, and guest experience standards.
• Hold overarching accountability for P&L performance across venues, with a strong focus on sustainable profitability, cost discipline, and revenue optimisation.
• Lead operational initiatives, efficiency improvements, and best-practice sharing across regions
• Work collaboratively with central teams (Commercial, Finance, HR, Marketing, Development)
• Support new openings, refurbishments, and integration of new properties where required
• Ensure compliance with health & safety, legal, and regulatory standards across all markets

THE FIRE YOU CARRY

• Proven senior operational leadership experience within multi-site hotels or hospitality groups
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of improving performance and profitability
• Experienced in managing geographically dispersed teams across different markets
• Inspirational leader with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Comfortable balancing strategic thinking with hands-on operational involvement
• Willingness to travel regularly across the UK and Europe
• Experience working with branded or lifestyle hotel concepts is highly desirable

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

We’re here to rethink what a modern lifestyle hotel can be. That takes pace, creativity, and people who enjoy working with purpose.

If you’re comfortable with change, motivated by ideas, and focused on crafting meaningful guest experiences, you’ll do well here. We value individuals who can hold a vision, appreciate atmosphere, and want their work to have impact.

Skills can be taught. Mindset can’t. There’s no single template for success here - just the right approach and willingness to grow.