Director Luxury Project Management Global Design

The Director Project Management Luxury EMEA will report to the Sr Director Luxury MEA, delivering design and project management quality assurance services for assigned Marriott brand projects on an established schedule, within approved budget, and in compliance with brand strategy, design, and quality standards for all brands.

SCOPE

The Director Project Management Luxury MEA will provide design support and is responsible for multiple projects of appropriate scope and complexity.

• Location requirements:  The Director Project Management Luxury MEA is to be located in Dubai
• Language Requirements:  High proficiency (speaking, reading, and writing) in English is required. Proficiency in additional other languages is preferred.
• Travel Requirements:  There is a 60% business travel requirement. 

EXPECTED CONTRIBUTIONS

Leadership

• Deliver Managed and Franchised projects on schedule, within budget and to the quality standards required by the brand.
• Manage design and quality assurance for renovation and new development projects from concept to completion gaining the trust and respect of both internal and external customers.
• Represent Marriott International’s interest with owners and developers to mutually resolve issues, continually improving business relationships and driving preference and repeat business.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Owners, Development, Brand and Regional Operational / Continental leaders.  Provide constant and consistent communication, cooperation and collaboration with ownership, regional teams and properties.
• Support Development with early reviews of plans and drawings to assess feasibility of potential projects in the market. 
• Provide overall direction to professional design teams as to the design strategy of new and acquired properties while establishing brand standards, and operational acceptability within reasonable financial constraints.
• Make decisions on a project basis, as an innovative problem solver, taking risks working with the design team, Owner, Brand and Operations.
• Understand and communicate project and process details in an internal and external kick-off meeting for every assigned project
• Work with internal team, owner, property managers and consultants to prepare successful presentations for the Continent Design Review meeting to obtain continent executive approval.
• Review and comment on design, construction drawings and specifications submitted by various consultants within the time constraints, ensuring that the designs are brand compliant and on strategy for all areas of existing and new development hotel projects.
• Review design and inspect model guestroom to ensure it meets the brand requirements. 
• Maintain a punch and acceptance turn-over process working with the Marriott Opening’s Team.
• Assess existing properties for potential conversion to Marriott brands and prepare Property Improvement Plans.
• Liaise with designers, owners, franchisees and operating hotels on renovation projects; from assisting with defining scope of works and design briefs, to detailed reviews of designs and standards ensuring compliance with Brand strategies/standards, specifications and budget through to project sign off.
• Assist and participate in value engineering process to assure adherence to the overall budget for renovation and new development projects.
• Work to enhance the organization’s capabilities through effective staffing and development of others by providing timely coaching and feedback, making distinctions in performance, and engaging in progressive disciplinary processes, when appropriate.
• Provide leadership support to direct reports to help ensure projects are managed within specific labor and expense budget and that all projects are delivered with a consistent level of compliance and quality.
• Establish educational and career development plans for direct reports and provide counsel to ensure continual growth and knowledge of MI brands and processes.
• Help lead and train direct reports to make decisions with sound business judgment, while weighing the design impact and guest experience against potential Return on Investment (ROI).
• Promote an environment of open communications through constant communication, cooperation and collaboration with all stakeholders throughout the company.

Financial and Accounting Management

• Manage multiple projects, within schedule, budget and brand
• Work with the Finance and Accounting department on the development of Technical Services Agreements (TSA) and Design Review Agreements (DRA) or project funding work orders for renovations, pre HDC projects and other internally funded projects.

Talent Management

• Assist with staff selection, and provide mentorship, coaching and training to direct reports.
• Provide day-to-day review of direct reports professional performance and provide input for their improvement and career development. 
• Foster an environment of Associate empowerment providing support, guidance and leadership, to all associates within project teams and all Global Design Associates.

Client Relations

• Maintain a strong, mutually beneficial, trust-based business relationship with all parties involved in the construction and renovation of Marriott Hotels including owners, franchisees and EMEA Regional Disciplines.
• Collaborate with business unit leaders to market and sell the assigned brand to key new and existing owners/franchisees to expand brand recognition and promote development opportunities.

Other

• Comply with Marriott Hotel Holding GmbH & Marriott International Hotels Limited Regional Office policies and procedures.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned by management.

 

CANDIDATE PROFILE - KEY TALENTS AND EXPERIENCE DESIRED 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Minimum 12 years’ experience in the disciplines of architecture, interior design, or construction management. 
• Minimum 8 years’ experience on hospitality projects, including select service, extended-stay, full service and luxury brands.
• Excellent business acumen
• Ability to build strong working relationships across departments & teams
• Ability to negotiate and be flexible when appropriate
• Excellent organizational skills & ability to manage multiple priorities & resources
• Knowledgeable about all aspects of hospitality design and operations
• Be able to take a project from design through the construction process, start to finish
• Strong communications skills (written and verbal)
• Must be able to lead and mentor direct report associates, and foster an environment of empowerment
• Experience in managing the development of scopes of work, financial and scheduling management associated with the construction of multiple lodging properties and owner relations 
• Must have the ability to solve problems that will meet the expectations of the brands and the guests, while maintaining sound economic judgment for the Owner, and Marriott International.

EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION:

• Baccalaureate degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management, or related design discipline is preferred or equivalent work experience within the industry.
• Architecture, Interior Design or Project Management license/accreditation preferred.

 

Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.

Marriott International is the world’s largest hotel company, with more brands, more hotels and more opportunities for associates to grow and succeed. Be where you can do your best work,​ begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global​ team, and become the best version of you.