Head of Opening

About Rukita

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.

Role Overview

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.

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.

Key Responsibilities:

Opening Strategy & Governance

• Develop and continuously improve the property opening framework, processes, standards, and governance model.
• Define critical milestones, opening readiness criteria, and handover requirements.
• Establish standardized opening playbooks and checklists across all property types.
• Drive consistency and scalability of opening execution across the portfolio.

Project Mobilization & Execution

• Lead the end-to-end mobilization and opening process for new properties.
• Translate development milestones into actionable opening plans.
• Build and manage detailed opening timelines, project schedules, and readiness trackers.
• Ensure all opening activities are completed within agreed timelines and budgets.
• Identify project risks and proactively implement mitigation plans.

Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E)

• Lead FF&E planning, procurement coordination, installation, and readiness.
• Review furniture specifications, layouts, and selection to ensure alignment with operational and brand requirements.
• Coordinate vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure timely delivery and installation.
• Monitor quality standards and resolve FF&E-related issues prior to opening.

Design & Readiness Review

• Conduct design reviews from an operational readiness perspective.
• Collaborate with Design, Project Construction, and Operations teams to optimize layouts and functionality.
• Ensure all properties meet operational standards before launch.
• Validate punch lists, snagging items, and final readiness requirements.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as the central point of coordination between internal stakeholder involved in Opening process.
• Drive alignment on priorities, timelines, and dependencies.
• Facilitate cross-functional meeting and decision making to remove execution bottlenecks.

Continuous Improvement

• Analyze post-opening performance and lessons learned.
• Identify opportunities to improve speed, quality, and cost efficiency of future openings.
• Lead transformation initiatives related to opening and mobilization processes.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management, Project Management, Business Administration, or related fields.
• 8-12+ years of experience in project management, property development, hospitality openings, construction, fit-out, or related fields.
• Minimum 4–5 years in a leadership role managing cross-functional projects.
• Experience managing multiple property openings, hotel openings, co-living, residential, retail, or hospitality projects is highly preferred.
• Proven track record in leading complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and tight timelines.
• Strong project management expertise with ability to manage multiple concurrent openings.
• Deep understanding of property development lifecycle and operational readiness.
• Ability to review design layouts and assess operational functionality.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and resource planning.