Manager Design Premium and Select, MEA

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

POSITION SUMMARY

The Project Design Manager Premium & Select MEA will report to the Sr Director Premium & Select MEA. The Manager Design Management provides design support on feasibility as well as ongoing projects, which include managed, franchised and company-owned hotels, to ensure quality control, brand compliance, operational acceptability and adherence.

SCOPE

The Project Design Manager provides support in design analysis and evaluation and is responsible for multiple projects of appropriate scope and complexity.

• Location requirements: The Project Design Manager is to be located in Dubai .
• Language requirements: High proficiency (speaking, reading, and writing) in English and Arabic is required. Advanced skills in another language is desirable
• Travel Requirements: There is 40% business travel required. 

EXPECTED CONTRIBUTIONS

Feasibility Analysis

• Coordinate Criteria/Facilities programs for assigned projects.
• Responsible for ongoing support, tracking and reporting of pre-signing project pipeline.
• Participate in site visits/market surveys to develop better understanding of site.
• Provide design reviews and solutions for pre-signed projects working closely with Development, Brand, Feasibility and Operations.

Knowledge Management

• Maintain working knowledge of brand design, standards and evolving design direction.

Architecture, Design and Project Management

• Project management: Manage and perform services and scheduled deliverables.
• Architectural design Reviews including BOH reviews, adjacencies and optimizations. 
• Manage design consultants, their proposals, and project objectives.
• Provide project design quality assurance services for projects of appropriate scope and complexity, including internal committee approval, TSA contracts, plan review, construction observation and Hotel opening.
• Respond to, solve and make decisions on more complex/non-routine business requests with limited to moderate risk. 
• Ensure the selection and development of building products relevant to the brand specifications.
• Provide information, interpretation and guidance to outside owners / franchisees as well as internal design / construction staff for adapting brand standards to specific projects.
• Manage project communication to owners, franchisees, internal project stakeholders and disciplines, i.e. via phone calls, emails, videoconferences, personal meetings database updates and by otherwise fostering relationships.
• Present developed schemes to Senior Team for approval of all allocated projects
• Report status of projects to supervisor on a regular basis.
• Assist in negotiation and implementation of design and design changes
• Responsible for own work and contributing to team, department and/or business results. 

Financial and Accounting Management

• Work closely with Global Design Accounting to manage projects within approved budgets.
• Prepare appropriate fee and expense estimates for Work Orders, DRA/TSA’s, and input on department budget planning.

Owner Relations

• Develop and maintain strong, mutually beneficial, trust-based business relationships with owners and franchisees to assure customer satisfaction and promote repeat business. 
• Represent the department both externally and internally.

Others

• Perform other duties as appropriate and assigned by supervisor or department head.
• Comply with Marriott Hotel Holding GmbH & Marriott International Hotels Limited Regional Office policies and procedures

CANDIDATE PTOFILE: KEY TALENTS AND EXPERIENCE DESIRED

REQUIRED:

• Minimum 5 years progressive experience in architecture and project management firm or related field for large commercial and/ or hospitality projects.
• Knowledge of hospitality developments including BOH planning.
• Proficiency in reading and understanding hotel layouts.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledgeable about innovation & trends both in & outside of the industry
• Strong business acumen
• Enthusiastic and eager to learn and expand knowledge.
• Strong communication skills.
• Problem solving & creative solution skills
• Ability to build strong working relationships
• Ability to negotiate and be flexible when appropriate
• Experience with working in diverse teams
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize
• Strategic thinking relative to the business
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, engineering and mechanical drawings
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office, AutoCad, Bluebeam, Adobe, Database applications

Education and Professional Certification:

• 4 year undergraduate degree in Architecture or related design discipline.

United Arab Emirates

Roles in the UAE are mostly open to Visa sponsorship. If this is not the case, the assigned recruiter will update the job description section before posting.

WHY JOIN MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL?

Marriott International has been recognized as one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For™ in 2026 by Great Place to Work®. This is a reflection of our people-first culture, commitment to wellbeing, and collaborative workplace. This accolade joins a growing list of regional honors, reinforcing our dedication to creating an exceptional environment where associates thrive.

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.

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About the Organization

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.