Founding Partner — Market Development
Mandala Hospitality Group · Lisbon, Portugal
You apply off-site, with the employer or the job board. I never handle applications.
ABOUT MHG GLOBAL
MHG Global is a hospitality infrastructure platform for independent hotels. Most hotels worldwide operate outside the major brands — strong local identity and guest relationships, but without the technology, distribution, capital and talent infrastructure that large groups take for granted. MHG Global provides that infrastructure without requiring a brand trade, through an integrated technology stack spanning procurement, CRM, HRM, PMS, CRS, distribution and booking.
Rather than expanding solely through traditional employment structures and large corporate teams, MHG is building a Partner-led growth model that brings together experienced hoteliers, hotel owners’ representatives, commercial leaders, acquisition specialists, General Managers and hospitality entrepreneurs to develop new markets. MHG is now expanding into new markets, through this partnership-based operating model, which complements its direct employment structure.
ROLE OVERVIEW
MHG is recruiting Founding Partners to lead market development in Europe. Candidates may apply for one functional focus area below or be considered across several, depending on experience and network.
- Country / Market Partner — overall responsibility for building the MHG business in-market, including owner relationships, market strategy and coordination across functions
- Hotel Acquisition Partner — identifying and securing hotel management, franchise and co-branding agreements with independent hotel owners
- Commercial Partner — developing corporate accounts, MICE, travel trade and distribution business for hotels in the MHG network
- Procurement Partner — building supplier and vendor relationships to support hotel operations across the network
- Originating GM Partner — introducing independent hotels to the MHG platform; open to current General Managers, subject to their employer’s conflict-of-interest policy
- Strategic Advisor — providing senior-level guidance on operations, owner relations and market entry
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Identify and engage hotel owners, investors and developers to bring properties into the MHG network through management, franchise or co-branding agreements
- Build and maintain relationships with corporate accounts, MICE organisers, travel trade and distribution partners
- Represent MHG in market meetings, negotiations and industry events
- Provide market intelligence on competitor activity, pricing and business opportunities
- Support hotel pre-opening work, operational assessments and brand standard implementation where relevant to the role
- Contribute to supplier and procurement relationships that benefit the wider MHG network
- Report regularly on pipeline, activity and outcomes to MHG leadership
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum 10 years’ experience in hotel operations, hotel development, commercial or acquisition roles
- Established relationships with hotel owners, investors or developers in Europe
- Experience with hotel openings, brand transitions, or franchise/management agreements is an advantage
- Strong working knowledge of the local hospitality market
- Entrepreneurial, self-directed working style; comfortable operating without a full corporate structure in the early stages of market entry
- Fluent English; local language proficiency is an advantage
ENGAGEMENT & COMPENSATION
This is a partnership-based engagement rather than standard employment. Partners may begin part-time alongside an existing role, transitioning to full-time as the market develops. Compensation is structured as a combination of a monthly retainer, success fees for hotels successfully brought into the MHG network, and long-term Partner economics — a share of the value generated in the market you help build. Full terms are discussed during the interview process and set out in an individual Partner Agreement.
CAREER PATH
Founding Partner → Country / City Partner → Regional or Senior Partner, with the option to move into a full-time leadership role as the market scales.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit a CV or professional profile, indicating the functional focus area of interest, to anhnn@apec.com.vn.
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person