Senior Director, Conversions for South America

Remote role based in Argentina, with the possibility of being located in another CALA country, such as Chile

JOB SUMMARY 

The addition of system hotels is a key driver of Marriott International’s earnings growth, playing a crucial role in enhancing product quality, operational excellence, distribution power, and brand equity within Marriott’s lodging system. The company’s unit growth strategy focuses primarily on acquiring management contracts and licensing its hotel brands to third-party owner-operators under franchise agreements.

The Senior Director of Development – South America will focus on conversion projects, playing a pivotal role in identifying, structuring, and advancing conversion opportunities. This position is responsible for sourcing conversion deals across the region, identifying existing independent brand hotels, and building strategic relationships with key decision-makers to demonstrate the value of affiliating with Marriott.

Working in coordination with the VPs and geo-developers, the Senior Director will execute a strategy to pursue new conversion hotel opportunities across South America (except Brazil). This role also involves coordinating and leading a multi-disciplinary team throughout the initial project review phase and negotiating business terms.

Success in this role requires a proactive and results-driven mindset, energetic approach to opportunities, and strong relationship-building skills. The ideal candidate will have a strong executive presence, natural interpersonal skills, and the ability to actively listen and engage with others. They should be driven to make a meaningful impact in the organization. Cultural adaptability is essential, with the ability to seamlessly connect across diverse markets in South America. A passion for the work and enthusiasm for driving Marriott’s growth is fundamental to success.

CANDIDATE PROFILE 

Experience

• 5-7years of experience in the hotel industry, including at least 3 years in hotel development or a related field.
• Experience in hotel sales and/or operations is a plus.

Skills and Knowledge 

• A proactive, energetic, and enthusiastic approach to professional life.
• Strong communication skills (verbal, listening, and writing).
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build lasting internal and external relationships and effectively sell Marriott’s brands and benefits to third parties.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate hotel transactions (both franchised and managed), manage multiple projects under tight deadlines, and lead cross-functional support teams efficiently.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently as well as within a matrix organization.
• Mature, professional demeanor with the confidence to exercise independent judgment.
• Technical Acumen - Understands and utilizes professional skills and knowledge in a specific functional area to conduct and manage everyday business operations and generate innovative solutions to approach function-specific work challenges.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.

Education or Certification 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college/university preferred.
• Fluency in English and Spanish (written and spoken) required; Portuguese is a plus.

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES

The following responsibilities and contributions are critical to the success of this role:

• Develop and execute a targeted outreach plan to engage owners, stakeholders, and key influencers (e.g., DOSMs, GMs, lenders, and partners) for conversion deals in South America. 
• Identify, initiate, and assess potential hotel conversions and branding opportunities for Marriott.
• Work closely with Global Design, Brand, Feasibility, Legal and Finance teams during the project evaluation phase and the negotiation of commercial terms.
• Build and maintain a strong network of contacts within the hotel ownership and operations sector across South America.
• Analyze and structure potential deals for integration into Marriott’s brands and platforms, proposing strategies to secure these agreements.
• Manage the full deal lifecycle, including tracking, monitoring, and closing, ensuring a seamless process.
• Guide owners through Marriott’s internal processes, ensuring a smooth and positive experience.
• Oversee all aspects of the development process, including presentations, site inspections, market feasibility studies, IT integration assessment, PIPs and internal approvals.
• Support contract negotiations in collaboration with local Marriott Geo-Developers, ensuring alignment with senior management’s expectations.
• Share leads for potential Marriott management and franchise opportunities with the relevant teams.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support and drive Marriott’s growth in CALA.

Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.

Marriott International is the world’s largest hotel company, with more brands, more hotels and more opportunities for associates to grow and succeed. Be where you can do your best work,​ begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global​ team, and become the best version of you.