Senior Manager, Design & Projects

Design Management & Planning

·        Lead and manage the design process for hotel development, renovation, refurbishment and upgrading projects from concept through completion.

·        Develop and review design briefs, hotel facility programmes and project requirements, and provide design direction to architects, interior designers and consultants.

·        Review design proposals, drawings, materials and specifications to ensure design quality, functionality, operational suitability, cost effectiveness and compliance with design standards.

·        Coordinate with hotel operators and internal stakeholders to incorporate operational and guest experience requirements into project design.

·        Ensure design proposals appropriately consider accessibility, safety, sustainability, maintainability and applicable statutory requirements, where relevant.

Design Feasibility & Concept Development

·        Undertake design feasibility studies, space planning, concept development and preliminary design work for selected projects.

·        Develop design options, preliminary layouts and concept proposals to assess project feasibility functionality, cost and implementation considerations.

·        Undertake design work for smaller-scale projects that do not require external designers.

·        Provide design and technical input to feasibility and due diligence studies, identifying potential design, planning and implementation constraints at an early stage.

Project Management & Implementation

·        Lead project planning, coordination and implementation,  including tender, construction, site coordination, completion and handover.

·        Coordinate architects, designers, consultants, contractors, hotel operators and other project stakeholders.

·        Monitor project budget, programme, quality and design standards, and identify and resolve design and project issues in a timely manner.

·        Ensure design intent and approved project requirements are properly communicated and implemented throughout project execution.

Cost & Technical Management

·        Carry out cost studies and value engineering to achieve cost-effective design solutions without compromising quality or functionality.

·        Review the cost and programme implication of design changes and project requirements.

·        Provide design and technical advice to the Vice President, Design & Planning and relevant senior stakeholders.

·        Balance design quality, operational requirements, cost and programme when evaluating project options and recommendations.

Reporting & Design Standards

·        Prepare design presentations, feasibility studies, project reports, budget papers and management submissions as required.

·        Review and update design standards, guidelines and procedures.

·        Contribute to continuous improvement of design and project delivery practices, including capturing lessons learned from completed projects.

·        Assist the Vice President, Design & Planning on other design, development and project-related matters.

Education & Experience

·        Degree of Diploma in Architecture, Interior Design, Building, Construction, Project Management or a related discipline.

·        Minimum of 8 years relevant experience, preferably in hospitality, hotel development, renovation or refurbishment projects.

·        Strong experience in hospitality design and design management, including coordination of architects, interior designers and multidisciplinary consultants.

·        Demonstrated experience in design feasibility, space planning and preliminary / concept design work.

·        Experience in managing projects through design development, tender, construction and completion.

Design & Technical Skills

·        Strong design judgement and sensibility, with an eye for proportion, materials, finishes, detailing and overall design quality.

·        Good understanding of hotel design, guest experience and operational requirements.

·        Good knowledge of building construction and project implementation.

·        Ability to interpret and review architectural, interior design, engineering and construction drawings and specifications.

·        Proficient in CAD and relevant design and presentation software.

·        Experience in project cost review, budget control and value engineering.

·        Awareness of sustainability, accessibility, maintainability and relevant statutory requirements in design and project development.

Project & Management Skills

·        Strong project planning, coordination and implementation skills.

·        Good commercial awareness and ability to balance design quality, functionality, operational requirements, cost and programme.

·        Strong analytical, problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, with strong attention to detail.

·        Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.

·        Ability to lead and coordinate multidisciplinary project teams and external consultants.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

·        Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

·        Good stakeholder-management and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior management, hotel operators, consultants, designers and contractors.

·        Proactive, self-motivated, assertive and able to work independently.

·        Effective team player with a strong sense of responsibility, ownership and accountability.