Head of Opening

<p><strong><u>About Rukita</u></strong></p><p>At Rukita, we believe that great living experiences are built on thoughtful service, seamless operations, and strong relationships. By integrating technology, data insights, and on-the-ground hospitality expertise, we ensure both tenants and property owners receive a consistent, high-quality experience at every touchpoint. As we continue to grow, we are elevating our owner experience to reflect a more personalized, high-touch approach—bringing the standards of premium hospitality into a scalable, modern living ecosystem.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Role Overview</strong></p><p>The Head of Opening is responsible for leading the end-to-end opening process of new properties, serving as the bridge between Property Development/Live Team and Business Operations. This role ensures every property is operationally ready, fully furnished, compliant with company standards, and delivered on schedule before handover to the operating team.</p><p>The role will establish opening frameworks, coordinate cross-functional stakeholders, drive execution excellence, and ensure a smooth transition from project completion to business-as-usual operations.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Responsibilities:</strong></p><p><strong>Opening Strategy & Governance</strong></p><ul><li>Develop and continuously improve the property opening framework, processes, standards, and governance model.</li><li>Define critical milestones, opening readiness criteria, and handover requirements.</li><li>Establish standardized opening playbooks and checklists across all property types.</li><li>Drive consistency and scalability of opening execution across the portfolio.</li></ul><p><strong>Project Mobilization & Execution</strong></p><ul><li>Lead the end-to-end mobilization and opening process for new properties.</li><li>Translate development milestones into actionable opening plans.</li><li>Build and manage detailed opening timelines, project schedules, and readiness trackers.</li><li>Ensure all opening activities are completed within agreed timelines and budgets.</li><li>Identify project risks and proactively implement mitigation plans.</li></ul><p><strong>Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E)</strong></p><ul><li>Lead FF&E planning, procurement coordination, installation, and readiness.</li><li>Review furniture specifications, layouts, and selection to ensure alignment with operational and brand requirements.</li><li>Coordinate vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure timely delivery and installation.</li><li>Monitor quality standards and resolve FF&E-related issues prior to opening.</li></ul><p><strong>Design & Readiness Review</strong></p><ul><li>Conduct design reviews from an operational readiness perspective.</li><li>Collaborate with Design, Project Construction, and Operations teams to optimize layouts and functionality.</li><li>Ensure all properties meet operational standards before launch.</li><li>Validate punch lists, snagging items, and final readiness requirements.</li></ul><p><strong>Stakeholder Management</strong></p><ul><li>Act as the central point of coordination between internal stakeholder involved in Opening process.</li><li>Drive alignment on priorities, timelines, and dependencies.</li><li>Facilitate cross-functional meeting and decision making to remove execution bottlenecks.</li></ul><p><strong>Continuous Improvement</strong></p><ul><li>Analyze post-opening performance and lessons learned.</li><li>Identify opportunities to improve speed, quality, and cost efficiency of future openings.</li><li>Lead transformation initiatives related to opening and mobilization processes.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Qualifications:</strong></p><ul><li>Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management, Project Management, Business Administration, or related fields.</li><li>8-12+ years of experience in project management, property development, hospitality openings, construction, fit-out, or related fields.</li><li>Minimum 4–5 years in a leadership role managing cross-functional projects.</li><li>Experience managing multiple property openings, hotel openings, co-living, residential, retail, or hospitality projects is highly preferred.</li><li>Proven track record in leading complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and tight timelines.</li><li>Strong project management expertise with ability to manage multiple concurrent openings.</li><li>Deep understanding of property development lifecycle and operational readiness.</li><li>Ability to review design layouts and assess operational functionality.</li><li>Strong understanding of budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and resource planning.</li></ul>