R&D Manager

I. JOB DESCRIPTION

1. Market Research & Product Development Strategy

• Conduct comprehensive research on the international hospitality and resort market, analyzing industry trends, customer preferences, competitive landscapes, and existing and upcoming developments.
• Develop and maintain market intelligence databases covering hospitality products, brands, business models, and industry benchmarks to support project research and development.
• Prepare market assessment reports, identify investment and development opportunities, and recommend potential business models and product concepts aligned with the strategic direction of the Group and SHE Division.
• Recommend product positioning, target customer segments, product mix, and unique selling propositions (USPs) for individual projects.
• Provide market insights, strategic analysis, and recommendations to support senior management in formulating product development strategies and plans.

2. Project Feasibility & Financial Performance Assessment

• Participate in the evaluation of hospitality development projects during both pre-investment and post-investment decision stages, providing market intelligence and key assumptions for feasibility studies.
• Collaborate in developing revenue projections, operating cost estimates, and business scenarios to assess project financial viability and performance.
• Collect, benchmark, and analyze financial data and key performance indicators (KPIs) from comparable hospitality projects and business models.
• Support the development of pricing strategies and price positioning, assessing investment returns based on cost structures, product value propositions, and market demand.
• Identify potential risks, evaluate the suitability of proposed business models, and recommend adjustments to optimize overall project performance and investment efficiency.

3. Project Development Coordination & Operational Planning

• Act as a key liaison with the Group's functional departments, external consultants, hotel operators, and management partners throughout the project development lifecycle.
• Contribute to the preparation of project briefs covering product concepts, service offerings, functional requirements, and operational specifications from the pre-investment stage through design and construction.
• Collaborate in reviewing and recommending functional zoning and space allocation strategies aligned with business models and service concepts.
• Consolidate and provide operational input on design proposals, monitor the resolution of design-related issues, and ensure functional suitability, operational efficiency, and optimal asset utilization.
• Monitor cross-functional coordination activities, track project progress, and escalate key issues requiring management review or approval.

4. Partner Identification, Evaluation & Development

• Identify, engage, and establish a network and database of reputable domestic and international hospitality consultants, hotel management companies, and professional operators.
• Prepare project presentations and briefing materials, coordinate discussions, and solicit partnership proposals from potential partners.
• Assess prospective partners based on their capabilities, track records, brand equity, operating models, and strategic fit with individual projects.
• Prepare comparative assessments, evaluation reports, and recommendations for the selection of hospitality brands, management companies, and operating partners.
• Coordinate with relevant departments in negotiating commercial terms, reviewing contractual arrangements, and preparing documentation for internal approvals and contract execution.

5. Hotel Operator & Management Partner Performance Monitoring

• Monitor and periodically evaluate the performance of contracted management and operating partners across service quality, financial and operational performance, brand value, and asset maintenance and management standards.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to review compliance with contractual obligations under Hotel Management Agreements (HMAs) and other consultancy, management, and operating agreements.
• Identify and consolidate operational or contractual issues, and recommend improvement initiatives to enhance service standards, business performance, and partner collaboration.
• Maintain updated market intelligence and performance assessments of hospitality brands and management companies to support operator selection for future developments.

6. Commercial Support & Management Reporting

• Share market research findings and strategic insights with the Sales and Marketing teams to support product positioning, target market strategies, sales policies, and pricing decisions.
• Prepare management reports, presentations, briefing materials, and supporting documentation for discussions with senior leadership, internal stakeholders, and external partners.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by authorized management.