Whether you're starting out or stepping up, you'll find support, purpose
and the chance to grow through every challenge at IHG Hotels &
Resorts.
We're seeking a General Manager for our new
flagship property, InterContinental Colombo, opening January
2028. Based in Colombo, Sri Lanka's commercial and financial capital, this is
a rare pre-opening leadership opportunity with InterContinental's first-ever
partnership in Sri Lanka.
As General Manager, you'll lead InterContinental
Colombo from the ground up — shaping the culture, building the team
and establishing the hotel as one of Sri Lanka's most prestigious hospitality
destinations. This 307-room property, which includes 47 service apartments, sits
at the heart of Colombo's diplomatic and business district, drawing demand
from corporate, diplomatic, government, MICE and high-net-worth leisure guests.
You'll oversee an extensive food and beverage offer — all-day dining, a lobby
lounge, two speciality restaurants, a pool bar and a rooftop restaurant —
alongside 12,000 sq ft of conference and banqueting space, working closely
with ownership to deliver a landmark luxury asset from day one.
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Key
responsibilities
class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Lead all
aspects of pre-opening, brand activation and operational readiness, ensuring
full compliance with InterContinental brand standards.
class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Drive
commercial performance across RevPAR, ADR and GOP, maximising market share
across corporate, diplomatic, MICE, government, airline and leisure
segments.- Build and lead a high-performing team in a competitive luxury talent
market, embedding a strong service culture from the outset.
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the guest experience end-to-end, delivering personalised luxury service
to international travellers, diplomats and high-net-worth guests.
class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Position
the hotel as a preferred venue for luxury food and beverage, destination dining
and high-profile social events.- Manage complex stakeholder relationships,
including ownership, government authorities, diplomatic missions and tourism
bodies. - Balance disciplined financial management with premium service delivery,
supporting long-term asset value. - Act as the visible, ambassadorial face
of the hotel at industry, government and diplomatic events across
the region. - Partner closely and transparently with ownership to align
expectations, brand requirements and long-term commercial goals.
class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Establish
robust talent pipelines and succession planning to support the hotel's ongoing
growth.
On a daily basis, you'll shape a brand-new
luxury hotel's identity from the ground up — building the team, the service
culture and the market position that will define InterContinental's re-entry
into Sri Lanka for years to come.
What we're looking for
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Proven General Manager experience in luxury or upper-upscale
international hotels.Experience within InterContinental, IHG Luxury & Lifestyle
brands, or comparable global luxury operators strongly preferred.
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demonstrated track record leading hotel pre-openings, repositionings
or large-scale operational transitions.
Strong commercial acumen, with a deep
understanding of luxury market segmentation and revenue optimisation.
class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Excellent
stakeholder management skills, ideally including experience with government,
diplomatic or high-profile corporate audiences.
class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Strong food
and beverage and social/events pedigree.
class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Proven
people leadership skills, with experience developing and retaining talent
in competitive markets.
Fluency in English required; knowledge
of Sinhala and/or Tamil is an advantage.
class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Prior
exposure to Colombo or the wider South Asian hospitality market
is beneficial.
Comfortable representing the brand as a visible, ambassadorial
leader within the local and international community.
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What
we offerWe provide a wide range of benefits designed to help you live
your best work life. Including:
class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">An
expatriate package with relocation support
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benefits that include discounted room rates and food & beverage
class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">The
opportunity to lead a flagship, ground-up luxury opening with a global
brand
