Design Manager, Design Strategies

The Design Strategies Manager supports IHG’s efforts in accelerating guest and owner insight-driven design initiatives in the America’s region. Additionally, this role helps to establish original/innovative designs strategies to include prototype designs and integrate them into the America’s region for New Development hotels, as well as hotels undergoing a renovation. This role reports into Regional Director of Design Strategies, Americas Design and Construction.

Support IHG’s efforts in accelerating guest, and owner insight-driven and innovation lead design. Working with global and regional counterparts help to identify highest potential value platforms for guest, owner and IHG and develop concepts which unlock opportunity within these platforms. Help to establish prototype designs and integrate them into your region for New Development hotels and hotels undergoing a renovation (Property Improvement Plan or Voluntary Renovation). Support regional brand teams as they develop regional standards, adapt global standards, and implement. Provide the interface between global direction and regional implementation.

Your day to day 

• Works as a collaborative member of a multi-disciplinary, high-volume, schedule-oriented design and project management team. 
• Manages America’s regional brand design projects from concept through commercialization by working with regional Brand Management and Architecture & Design teams to create and deliver design principles, SRD programs, model rooms, prototype designs and design guidelines for all brands within the region in accordance with specific project budgets, deadlines, and/or direction established by Senior Management.
• Represents the design team to internal and external stakeholders, communicating the status of brand pipelines and aggregated project trends, design issues, and owner feedback. 
• Applies design talent to problem solving design exercises to achieve cost efficient results that align with the brand standards and brand strategy by championing design and architecture in the region, facilitating best practices and customer trend evolutions. 
• Works with and presents to hotel owners of our brands to build excitement and endorsement about both current and new brand design initiatives and programs. The ability to speak and present like a leader and earn the trust and commitment of the senior leadership.

Technical

• Liaise with the Global and Regional Brand standards team to supply all relevant data to enable design standards to be written and implemented within the Americas region.
• Organize and supervise remodeling of model rooms at IHG Design Center or in hotel (e.g., negotiate pricing, plan budget and schedule, dispose of existing furnishings, purchase new furnishings, ensure process and receipt of orders, coordinate delivery and storage of furnishings, schedule and supervise installation, ensure successful project completion).
• Assist with periodic meetings with Principal Correspondents (Owners), architects, designers, and contractors to discuss renovation requirements, construction direction, and design plans for specific projects. Consult with/guide the project team members through the design process and into the construction/renovation phase to ensure consistency of product. Responsible for communicating any design or construction trend changes or improvements to keep the brand’s Architecture & Design requirements current and competitive. Assist in resolving conflicts between SRD providers and hotel ownership. Monitor and report non-compliance of vendors.
• Work with Global Procurement to evaluate Program Suppliers and products prior to signing contracts, as well as clarify or resolve design issues with such suppliers. Review existing and potential service providers for referral list.  Prepare installation, construction, and consultant contracts in cooperation with the Procurement and Legal Departments

What we need from you

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience. AIA or ASID certification preferred. Architectural or Interior Design License preferred.
• 8+ years of extensive progressive work-related experience in design and or architecture, with demonstrated proficiency in multiple disciplines related to the position. Must have 2 years prior project management experience and 6 years hospitality design experience.
• Ability to read design documentation and construction drawings including architectural, mechanical, plumbing, sprinkler systems and electrical drawings. Knowledge of FF&E (furnishings, finishings and equipment)/OS&E (operating supplies and equipment). Ability to interpret design boards and specifications and provide free-hand renderings, layouts, or other drawings to clarify design issues or as the need arises.
• Ability to remain current with construction trends, code requirements and design through participating in annual continuing education classes. Must have knowledge of national building codes and ADA requirements.
• Ability to effectively manage large-scale design projects and budgets with minimal direction. Must have project management experience in organizing, planning, and executing complex projects from conception through implementation.
• FF&E Spec writing software
• High proficiency in AutoCad, Revit, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), SketchUp or 3D equivalent, hand sketching, and Microsoft Office Suite. 
• Must have proven experience of completing hospitality projects from concept to installation phases. Ability to work in a high volume, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment as a member of a collaborative team. Responsive to demands from multiple stakeholder groups and able to understand and balance consumer, managerial and ownership perspectives.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and resources. Ability to effectively prioritize project details and manage time. Must make immediate time available to work with franchisees when problems arise regarding brand design projects, Brand standards or vendor-related issues. Strong problem solving and time management skills required.
• Able to assess the scope of implementation of proposed innovation/design proposals quickly and accurately and up-to-date on current trends and innovation in the sector.
• High level of capability and credibility in influencing peers and senior management across functions and regions. Must be confident, diplomatic and able to work across all levels of the organization with strong analytical and interpersonal communication skills.
• Commercially astute and able to develop credible ROI`s for design initiatives with a good ‘real world’ sensibility when applying strategic solutions.

Travel – 0 - 20%

Location – Atlanta, GA: Our hybrid work structure is an expectation of three (3) days a week in office. This expectation may be adjusted to evolve with the changing needs of the business.

The salary range for this role is $58,834.00 to $105,000.00.  This role is also eligible for bonus pay (as applicable). We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401K, and other benefits to employees.  

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