# Director of Operations

> PHĀEA · Heraklion, Greece · Full-time · Posted 2026-07-16

**Workplace:** on_site

**Department:** General

## Description

As **Director of Operations**, you are responsible for supporting the Chief Operating Officer in driving operational excellence across the company's portfolio of hotels and hospitality assets. The role works closely with General Managers to implement and maintain operational structures, standards, and performance measures that ensure consistency, profitability, cost efficiency, and exceptional guest experiences.

The position focuses on revenue optimization, payroll management, productivity improvement, cost control initiatives, and operational standardization across all properties. In addition, the Director of Operations plays a key role in new hotel development, overseeing project critical paths, pre-opening planning, budgeting, and operational readiness.

**About Phāea**

PHĀEA is a leader in the Greek hospitality industry, bringing an authentic approach to experiential travel and luxury – one that is inspiring yet effortless, elevated yet conscious, highly curated yet understated.

Born in Crete, PHĀEA comprises a collection of properties – Phāea Blue, a member of SLH, Phāea Cretan Malia, a member of Design Hotels, Village Heights Resort and Koutouloufari Village Holiday Club. These properties blend bold design, responsible living, and authentic experiences, immersing visitors in the genuine Greece. PHĀEA is expanding to introduce undiscovered Greek destinations into its portfolio.

Together, we are on a journey of learning and evolution, where every day is an opportunity to develop new skills, to embrace new experiences, and to take another step forward towards our vision of an altogether kinder hospitality.

At PHĀEA, we apply principles of equal treatment and equal opportunities and are committed to creating a working environment that promotes respect, diversity, and inclusion.

PHĀEA is proud to be Great Place To Work® – Certified™, reflecting our commitment to an inclusive, welcoming and people-centered work environment.

**Culture Fit**

-   Contribute to the curation of extraordinary, guest-centric, luxury and meaningful travel experiences that tell the story of a truer, more timeless Greece.
-   Contribute to a culture of collaboration by crafting authentic relationships and encouraging personal and professional growth.
-   Engage with and support the values of PHĀEA – Consciousness, Innovation and Community – through your day-to-day work and your interaction with team members and guests.

 **Job Fit - Responsibilities**

-   Assist the COO in developing and implementing operational strategies across all hotels and business units.
-   Ensure consistency in service delivery, operational practices, and guest experience standards across all properties.
-   Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and develop action plans to improve operational results.
-   Collaborate with Revenue Management and Commercial teams to maximize hotel revenues and profitability.
-   Support General Managers in implementing revenue-driving initiatives while maintaining service quality standards.
-   Oversee payroll performance and labor productivity across all properties.
-   Work with General Managers and Department Heads to control labor costs while maintaining operational effectiveness.
-   Develop and implement cost-saving programs across all hotels.
-   Conduct property visits and operational reviews to ensure company standards are consistently achieved.
-   Participate in the planning and development of new hotel projects.
-   Work closely with new hotels’ project teams, consultants, owners, and operators to ensure operational readiness.
-   Assist in the preparation of annual operating budgets and business plans.
-   Develop, implement, and oversee operational training programs across all properties.
-   Coach and mentor General Managers and operational leaders.

## Requirements

-   Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
-   Proven senior leadership experience in hotel operations, ideally within a multi-property hospitality environment.
-   Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, payroll management, labor productivity, cost control, and operational performance.
-   Experience in supporting hotel openings and renovations.
-   Strong leadership skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders across multiple properties.
-   Excellent communication skills.
-   Willingness to travel regularly across the company's hotel portfolio.

**Nice to Have**

-   Experience within luxury hospitality or international hotel brands.

-   Strong understanding of sustainability practices.

## Benefits

**What we offer**

-   Comprehensive hospitality and department-specific training.
-   Qualification-linked compensation package.
-   Opportunities for career advancement within a growing hospitality group.
-   Supportive and collaborative working environment.
-   A wide variety of employee benefits.

## Apply

[Apply at PHĀEA](https://apply.workable.com/phaea/j/F5EDD89703/apply)

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