The Director of Development – Scandinavia is responsible for leading Leonardo Hotels’ expansion strategy across key Nordic markets, including Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland.
This senior leadership role focuses on originating, structuring, and executing hotel development and conversion opportunities in a region characterised by institutional ownership, long-term lease structures, and strong ESG considerations. The role requires strategic thinking, strong financial expertise, and the ability to operate credibly at C‑suite and investor level.
Main tasks
Development & Growth Strategy
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Identify and originate hotel development, conversion, and repositioning opportunities across the Scandinavian region.
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Focus on capital cities and high-performing urban destinations aligned with Leonardo Hotels’ brand positioning.
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Build and manage a long-term, sustainable development pipeline in line with regional growth objectives.
Market Intelligence & Strategic Positioning
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Monitor and analyse market fundamentals including demand drivers, RevPAR trends, competitive supply, and development pipelines.
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Assess macroeconomic, regulatory, and ESG factors impacting hotel investment in the Nordic region.
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Advise senior leadership on market entry strategies, risk profiles, and competitive positioning.
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Ensure strong brand fit and operational alignment for each opportunity within the Leonardo portfolio.
Deal Origination & Execution
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Lead end-to-end deal execution from initial sourcing through to signing.
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Prepare and review feasibility studies, financial models, and investment cases.
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Structure and negotiate commercial terms, with a strong focus on lease-based and hybrid models common in the region.
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Coordinate due diligence processes, including legal, technical, financial, and ESG-related assessments.
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Prepare board-level investment proposals and decision documents.
Relationship Management
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Establish and maintain senior relationships with: Institutional investors and real estate funds, Developers and long-term asset owners and Advisory firms, brokers, and financial institutions.
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Act as Leonardo Hotels’ senior representative at Nordic industry events and conferences.
Internal Coordination & Governance
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Partner closely with internal stakeholders (operations, finance, legal, technical services, brand) to ensure project alignment.
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Lead internal approval processes and present investment opportunities to executive management.
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Oversee the handover from development to operations, ensuring.
LEONARDO HOTELS BENELUX
Leonardo Hotels Benelux is part of the Leonardo Hotels Group and manages a portfolio of 29 hotels across the Netherlands and Belgium.
At Leonardo Hotels, we believe in growing together, making an impact, and creating meaningful connections. Our colleagues stay with us for an average of four years - something we’re very proud of - thanks to the opportunities we offer to develop and grow.
You’ll be working closely with the marketing team, gaining exposure to real campaigns and strategies within an international hospitality brand.
Skills & Qualities
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Significant experience in hotel development, real estate investment, or advisory within Scandinavia.
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Strong understanding of Nordic hotel markets, institutional ownership models, and lease structures.
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Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Real Estate, or Hospitality; MBA is preferred.
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Demonstrated success in negotiating and closing complex hotel transactions.
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Strong financial modelling, feasibility, and investment analysis skills.
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Solid knowledge of: Hotel operating models and P&L structures, Lease-heavy and long-term investment frameworks and Conversion and repositioning projects
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Excellent communication and presentation skills in English, Swedish and Danish. Fluency in Norwegian is a strong advantage.
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Your homebase can be Amsterdam or Stockholm
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Strategic, analytical, and commercially driven mindset.
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Comfortable working independently across multiple countries and stakeholders.
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Willingness to travel extensively within the Nordic region.
What do we offer?
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Bonus per deal
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Car lease option
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Access to training through development programs
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Opportunities for personal growth and career development
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Access to a global employee discount program
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A unique experience including an overnight stay with dinner and breakfast during your “Know Where You Work” moment
Important Notes
Deadline of application is until 14 April 2026
Fluency in Swedish or Danish and English languages is a MUST
JOIN US FOR A COFFEE SOON?
Let us know if you would like to strengthen our team! We look forward to receiving your motivation and CV. You can apply via the application form. Questions? Contact our recruitment department: [email protected]
