Director of Acquisitions (Hospitality)
Leads the identification, evaluation, and purchase of hotel properties to expand hospitality investment portfolios.
Overview
This career revolves around the constant evaluation of real estate opportunities and the rigorous analysis of financial performance data. Daily activities often involve complex financial modeling, reviewing market feasibility reports, and negotiating terms with brokers or current owners. The rhythm is characterized by periods of intensive due diligence and high-pressure deal closures, requiring a meticulous approach to legal and financial documentation. Success in this field depends on an ability to filter hundreds of potential leads to find a single asset that meets specific risk and return profiles.
Professional success often stems from a combination of analytical precision and relationship management. The work feels like a high-stakes puzzle where one must account for shifting interest rates, regional tourism trends, and property-specific capital expenditure needs. Those who excel tend to be individuals who can maintain a dispassionate, data-driven perspective while simultaneously managing the diverse interests of investors, lenders, and legal counsel. The environment is fast-paced and intellectually demanding, favoring professionals who thrive on quantitative problem-solving and market research.
responsibilities
Responsibilities
- Identify and source potential hotel acquisition opportunities through industry networks and brokerage relationships.
- Perform comprehensive financial underwriting and valuation modeling for prospective lodging assets.
- Lead the due diligence process by coordinating with legal, environmental, and engineering consultants.
- Present detailed investment committee memos and business plans to executive leadership and stakeholders.
- Negotiate purchase and sale agreements along with other critical transaction documents.
- Oversee the transition of acquired properties to the asset management and operations teams.
- Monitor hospitality market trends and competitor activity to inform acquisition strategies.
Qualifications
- Bachelor degree in Finance, Real Estate, Hospitality Management, or a related quantitative field.
- Minimum of seven to ten years of experience in real estate investment or hospitality acquisitions.
- Expertise in financial modeling using Excel and specialized industry software.
- Proven track record of successfully closing mid-to-large scale hospitality transactions.
- Deep understanding of hotel operations, RevPAR metrics, and hospitality industry benchmarks.
- Excellent negotiation and contract management skills.
Nice to have
- Master of Business Administration or a Master in Real Estate Development.
- Established network of regional or national hospitality brokers and institutional investors.
- Experience with distressed asset turnarounds or hotel brand conversions.
Work environment
- Office-based work with frequent travel to evaluate prospective properties on-site.
- Fast-paced corporate setting with a focus on meeting strict deal deadlines.
- Collaborative atmosphere involving regular interaction with external legal and financial advisors.
- Heavy reliance on data analytics tools, CRM systems, and financial databases.
- Standard executive hours with frequent requirements for evening or weekend work during deal closings.
Benefits & growth
- Compensation typically includes a significant performance-based bonus linked to deal volume and asset performance.
- Clear progression path to Vice President of Acquisitions or Chief Investment Officer roles.
- Opportunities for co-investment or participation in carried interest in some private equity structures.
- Professional development through industry conferences and institutional real estate networks.
- High visibility within the organization due to the direct impact on portfolio growth and revenue.
See how Director of Acquisitions (Hospitality) fits you
Take the free Apt quiz for a personalized match score, salary insights, and AI career coaching.
Take the free quiz