Country Managing Director

GuestReady is a leading short-term rental and hospitality services management company, operating in the UK, France, Portugal, Spain, and the UAE. Since our founding in 2016, we've aimed to revolutionise the short-term rental industry through innovative technology and a dedication to exceptional hospitality.

We're looking for a highly experienced and entrepreneurial Country Managing Director to lead and scale its Dubai business.

This role carries full responsibility for P&L performance, portfolio growth, operational excellence, and team leadership across the UAE market. The successful candidate will combine strong commercial acumen with hands on operational execution and deep understanding of Dubai's short-term rental and holiday homes ecosystem.

This is not a corporate only role - we are looking for a leader who has personally built, scaled, and managed distributed property portfolios, driven new property acquisition, and operated within complex regulatory environments.

Key Responsibilities Market Leadership & Strategy

• Own and execute the country strategy for Dubai and the wider UAE.
• Drive sustainable growth across portfolio size, revenue, and profitability.
• Represent GuestReady in the local market with partners, regulators, and key stakeholders.
• Ensure alignment with Group objectives while adapting strategy to local market dynamics.

Portfolio Growth & New Property Acquisition

• Lead hands on acquisition of new property owners and portfolio partnerships.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with landlords, developers, brokers, and investors.
• Design scalable acquisition pipelines and onboarding processes.
• Demonstrate consistent success in growing a distributed asset portfolio (not hotel based).

P&L Ownership & Financial Performance

• Full responsibility for country P&L and commercial performance.
• Drive revenue growth, margin improvement, and cost control.
• Set targets and KPIs across operations, sales, and portfolio growth.
• Prepare budgets, forecasts, and performance reviews.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee day to day operations across property management, guest experience, housekeeping, maintenance, and compliance.
• Ensure service quality, efficiency, and scalability across a multi location portfolio.
• Build systems and processes that support growth without compromising standards.

Sales & Commercial Leadership

• Balance operational execution with commercial sharpness.
• Identify new revenue streams and market opportunities.
• Lead pricing, yield management, and performance optimization strategies.
• Work closely with central marketing and revenue teams.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Build, manage, and inspire a multi functional local leadership team.
• Create a performance driven, accountable culture.

Compliance & Local Market Expertise

• Ensure full compliance with Dubai DET and holiday home regulations.
• Navigate the complexities of UAE labour law, licensing, and local partnerships.
• Act as the senior point of accountability for regulatory and risk matters.

What We're Looking For

7+ years of professional experience with at least 3 years of experience in the UAE, preferably in:

• Holiday homes / short term rental operators
• Serviced apartments
• Property management platforms
• Multi location hospitality or real estate businesses

Proven Track Record Of

• New property acquisition and owner onboarding
• Scaling a distributed portfolio across multiple locations
• Full P&L ownership

Experience managing teams of employees across operations and commercial functions.

Strong understanding of Dubai's real estate, holiday homes, and regulatory landscape.

Why You'll Love Working With Us

• Hybrid work flexibility (3 days office work).
• Join a fast growing company in the booming travel industry.
• Work in a dynamic, multicultural team.
• Opportunities for learning and career development.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Focus on wellbeing with supportive activities.

Diversity and Inclusion

At GuestReady, we celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our global team thrives on mutual respect and inclusion, valuing unique talents and perspectives. We warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, or culture.