NOW HIRING – DESIGN DIRECTOR – HOSPITALITY
Our client is a leading international consultancy, headquartered in Dubai, with a proven track record of delivering world-class hospitality projects across the MEA region.
The Role
The Design Director will lead the design management function for the business. Acting as the primary client liaison, they will set the strategic vision, drive innovation, and deliver high-quality projects in hospitality and related sectors. This role requires strong creative leadership, business development skills, and a proven ability to manage complex design initiatives while building lasting client relationships
Key Responsibilities
- Define and execute the overall design vision, aligning with broader strategic goals.
- Drive business growth by identifying and pursuing new opportunities through industry networks and client relationships.
- Act as the face of design leadership in client presentations, industry events, and key stakeholder meetings.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to shape long-term strategies for expansion and profitability.
- Oversee all design stages from concept to delivery, ensuring projects meet client expectations, timelines, and budgets.
- Serve as the primary client liaison, translating requirements into innovative, functional design solutions.
- Ensure design integration with technical, commercial, and operational aspects across projects.
- Maintain high standards of quality, compliance, and value engineering in all outputs.
- Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team, create a culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence.
- Coordinate with project teams and external stakeholders to align design delivery with project goals.
- Promote cross-functional collaboration to enhance efficiency and innovation.
- Monitor project performance, budgets, and resource use to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Apply best practices in documentation, reporting, and knowledge sharing.
- Address design challenges proactively, delivering solutions that balance creativity, feasibility, and cost.
- Stay updated on global design trends, technologies, and sustainability practices to maintain industry leadership.
- Contribute to thought leadership through insights, publications, and participation in design forums.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture or a related field.
- 15+ years of experience with 5+ years in senior leadership managing design teams and large-scale projects (hospitality-focused).
- Proven success in business development, client acquisition, and driving growth.
- Skilled in aligning design strategy with commercial objectives.
- Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and project management tools.
- Excellent presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Creative and practical approach to solving complex challenges.
- Professional licensure (e.g., NCIDQ, RIBA) or PMP certification is a plus.
