Manager, Architecture, Design

SUMMARY

The role would be field based in United Kingdom with significant travel throughout Europe and occasional travel to Middle East, Eurasia and Africa, as and when required, however the main territory the position will cover UK and Mainland Europe.

Responsibilities

The successful applicant will be responsible for reviewing architectural site plans or site assessments for potential franchised or managed new construction and conversion projects resulting in the completion of a Property Report for each proposed hotel opening or refurbishment. They will work closely with Internal Associates in the process of new hotels joining the WHR systems and will continually report progress internally via Salesforce. Where appropriate they will develop, deliver and document services in accordance with the AD&C Technical Services Agreement (TSA). These services may include, but not be limited to, design reviews, meetings and site visits, mock-up room inspections and the sign-off of completed hotels or refurbishment projects. In performing their duties the incumbent will be expected to develop strong relationships with Business Partners, external suppliers and consultants whilst protecting WHR’s brands and products. The role will involve approximately 40% travel throughout the region.

In addition to the core role described above, the applicant will be a key player working with the department head on corporate initiatives, in particular developing, improving and refreshing the current portfolio of WHR brands and production of refurbishment guidelines, with a heavy bias on interior design. The role will require a very hands-on approach to hotel / hospitality interior design, with a clear vision and opinion of trending designs. The applicant will be required to do in-depth research and design analysis of the competition, in order to benchmark any improvements and / or new brand design directions.

From time to time, the position will support the wider AD&C team by offering interior design advice on projects that could require the production of initial concept schemes to help set their projects up for success. The same may be required to help on key development deals whereby strong presentation material will be produced to assist in the upfront ‘sales’ of potential projects.

Applicants

Applicants will be interior design construction professionals with experience in hotel design. They will be comfortable making decisions; communicating with internal and external clients at all levels of seniority; sketching plans and ideas, travelling and working remotely and working within and promoting the brand Design Guidelines and Standards. A basic, yet good understanding of fire safety design will be required for this position.

It is critical the applicant has expert knowledge of 3D rendering software packages and is able to produce CGI’s to a professional level, along with a strong graphic design competency for production of manuals and guidelines. Experience with software such as Revit; Sketch Up; Lite View; In Design and Photoshop are highly advantageous.

THE ROLE

• timely, detailed and accurate project records with particular attention to Salesforce, the corporate reporting platform.
• in team meetings as and when required
• in creation and updating department collateral, guidelines, tools

Design Reviews

Initial Proposals

• desktop assessments and/or site visits for prospective hotels.
• initial Bullet Point recommendations.
• Property Reports on selected projects.

Active Projects

• Complete Design Reviews at each phase of design:
• Planning.
• Schematic Design.
• Design Development.
• Construction Documents.
• Provide co-ordinated commentary on compliance with Design Standards at completion of each review.

Meetings and Site Visits

• Attend meetings and make site visits as listed in the TSA, including, but not limited to:
• Design review meetings.
• Pre and post contract progress meetings.
• Mock-up room inspections.
• Sign-off meeting.

Mock Up Room Inspections

• Mock-up room reviews.
• commentary on the completed room.

Completion and AD&C Sign Off of Projects

• pre-opening inspection on site.
• hotel is compliant with Property Report and Design Standards.
• on completion.

Corporate Projects & Initiatives

• improving and refreshing the current portfolio of WHR brands
• of brand refurbishment guidelines
• research and design analysis of the competition
• the wider AD&C team by offering interior design advice on projects
• the Development team by offering interior design advice to help win key projects

Complexity

• across multiple brands and countries in conjunction with many Business Partners and Internal Associates.
• initiative to avoid problems and anticipate the needs of team members. When problems occur, take positive steps to solve them. Bring relevant issues to the immediate attention of the Senior Director, AD&C for resolution.
• in site visits and market surveys to develop better understanding of site and market demands and evaluate design implications for all brands.
• the process for applying lessons learnt from prior projects to current and future projects.
• effective decisions on behalf of the company to ensure the continuation of projects on time and within budget to maximise performance and efficiency.

Scope and Financial Responsibility

• multiple hotel projects in various stages of planning or construction.
• and accurately forecast the anticipated opening dates in Salesforce.
• value and revenue to the business via functioning TSA agreements.
• time allocation on projects in accordance with specific project budget or allocations as established with the Senior Director, AD&C.
• consultant’s proposals, contracts and invoicing, as required.
• own travel budget.

Key Competencies, Skills and Abilities

• decisions or solve problems by using logic to identify key facts, explore alternatives, and proposes creative quality solutions.
• information and ideas clearly and concisely, verbally, in drawings and in writing.
• design and freehand sketching ability.
• ability to read and understand information presented in drawings and architectural sketches or diagrams.
• information against a set of standards and criteria.
• interpret and apply laws and regulations, policies and procedures with respect for differences in culture and legislation in different territories.
• and project management skills of the highest quality.
• ability to anticipate, course-correct and avoid potential problems or obstacles.
• oral & written communications skills and excellent interpersonal skills.
• understanding of architectural design, particularly in the hotel industry.
• technical and project management skills.
• skills: including experience of architectural software such as AutoCAD, word processing, spreadsheet, database, project planning and scheduling to a professional level of competence.

Organizational Relationships

• to the Senior Director, AD&C.
• significantly with Internal Associates.
• consultative advice to Business Partners.
• the business within the architectural, construction and design community and with suppliers and external consultants.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

• in Interior Design or Architecture, or a related construction or design discipline from an accredited college or university.
• and progressive post-qualification experience at a reputable design studio or in-house within a large commercial or hospitality business.
• experience in interior design and delivery of hotel projects and work-streams.
• in English essential.
• French as a second language, however not essential