Design Manager - Hospitality

Job description / Role

My client a leading Developer in Abu Dhabi has an urgent requirement for a Design Manager to lead their portfolio of Hospitality projects.

The Design Manager, Hospitality is responsible for assessing and evaluating consultant design work, managing, and coordinating the design process, ensuring quality and timeliness of deliverables for hospitality projects. They oversee internal and external teams, control design development, and ensure compliance with brand standards and guest experience requirements. The Design Manager schedules, monitors, and organizes production design, collaborating with stakeholders to align with project objectives and brand standards in the hospitality industry.

Roles & Responsibilities:

The Design Manager, Hospitality is responsible for overseeing the planning, design, and implementation of effective design strategies throughout the organization's hospitality portfolio. They play a pivotal role in ensuring that the design and aesthetic elements of our hospitality projects align with our brand standards and deliver exceptional guest experiences.

* Serve as the primary point of contact for all design-related matters throughout the development and delivery process of hospitality projects.
* Compile and provide regular reporting on the status of design and implementation for hospitality projects, monitoring progress until completion.
* Prepare and review design briefs and scopes of work for design consultant procurement, ensuring alignment with project objectives and brand standards specific to hospitality projects.
* Coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams of designers and engineers throughout all design stages, production, and delivery.
* Evaluate design consultant work, review contracts, and manage payments to ensure adherence to project requirements and budgetary constraints.
* Review and coordinate design changes and revisions for both design and construction drawings, ensuring accuracy and alignment with approved plans and design intent.
* Organize and contribute to the preparation and development of design and construction delivery strategies specific to hospitality projects.
* Communicate design strategy and direction, ensuring understanding among team members and stakeholders and aligning priorities with the wider delivery process.
* Ensure designs maintain high quality and adhere to project programs and timelines, mitigating development costs and risks throughout the design and delivery process.
* Manage and monitor the stage gate submittal process and deliverables, tracking schedules, and addressing high-level issues in coordination with design consultants.
* Lead and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders during the full design and development process, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
* Maintain records, prepare reports, and create presentations related to design and development projects in the hospitality sector.
* Provide feedback and recommendations to align designs with approved direction and design intent, ensuring brand standards and guest experience requirements are met.
* Oversee site inspections to monitor development project progress and confirm compliance with regulations, specifications, and design requirements specific to hospitality projects.
* Review development plans, permit application documents, environmental impact statements, and other relevant documentation, as required throughout the design in delivery process.
* Ensure brand consistency across the entire customer journey by coordinating with project design and delivery teams.
* Assess shop drawings for correctness and alignment with approved plans, specifications, and design intent.
* Coordinate with the delivery team during the construction phase, ensuring smooth transition from design to implementation.
* Stay updated with the latest designs, trends, and solutions by researching and reading industry journals and publications.

Education and Experience:

* Master's or bachelor's degree in architecture, interior design, or a related field.
* 10+ years' experience working in design management, specifically within the hospitality industry - preferably in real estate development or within a design-focused organization.
* Proven track record of previous experience in managing design projects within the hospitality sector in the GCC or UAE.
* Minimum of 5+ years' experience in the UAE/ GCC region is a must.
* In-depth knowledge of hospitality design principles, trends, best practices, and guest experience requirements.
* Strong design skills and creativity, with a keen eye for detail, quality control, and ensuring the highest standards are met in design deliverables for hospitality projects.
* Working knowledge of building codes, regulations, and permitting processes relevant to hospitality projects in the UAE/ GCC region.
* Demonstrated understanding of sustainable design practices and their application in the hospitality industry.
* Experience in managing design budgets, contracts, and payments in alignment with project requirements and financial objectives.
* Proficiency with industry software such as Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, and AutoCAD.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
* Excellent project management skills and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
* Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

* Master's or bachelor's degree in architecture, interior design, or a related field.
* 10+ years' experience working in design management, specifically within the hospitality industry - preferably in real estate development or within a design-focused organization.
* Proven track record of previous experience in managing design projects within the hospitality sector in the GCC or UAE.
* Minimum of 5+ years' experience in the UAE/ GCC region is a must.
* In-depth knowledge of hospitality design principles, trends, best practices, and guest experience requirements.
* Strong design skills and creativity, with a keen eye for detail, quality control, and ensuring the highest standards are met in design deliverables for hospitality projects.
* Working knowledge of building codes, regulations, and permitting processes relevant to hospitality projects in the UAE/ GCC region.
* Demonstrated understanding of sustainable design practices and their application in the hospitality industry.
* Experience in managing design budgets, contracts, and payments in alignment with project requirements and financial objectives.
* Proficiency with industry software such as Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, and AutoCAD.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

About the Company

Blake Anderson is a boutique consultancy based in the UK, with a satellite office in Dubai. Specialising in Technical and Construction Recruitment, Blake Anderson provides a superior service to clients and candidates within the construction and technical sectors.

We concentrate on placing professionals throughout the world, focusing mainly on the Middle East and Asia, drawing on both the global and local markets for highly qualified professionals. In order to attract the best talent, we invest in various high-end advertising mediums.

With a database of 1,000's of candidates, our experienced consultants have a wealth of recruitment knowledge and have a consultative approach at all times, ensuring a second to none service.