Design Director, Middle East

Hilton Worldwide, Inc.; Dubai; On-site; AED 400,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A major hospitality company seeks a Design Director for the Middle East, based in Dubai. The role involves managing design projects, ensuring compliance with Brand standards, and collaborating with consultants. Candidates should have a strong design background with at least ten years of experience in hospitality design and fluency in English and Arabic. This position requires independent working, flexibility in project management, and the ability to travel as needed. The company offers an opportunity to shape new hotel designs and renovations across the region.

Qualifications

• Ten years of experience within hospitality design.
• Fluent in English and Arabic.
• Ability to travel within the Middle East and EMEA region.

Responsibilities

• Manage design for all projects within the region.
• Develop design briefs and guidelines.
• Work collaboratively with design consultants.
• Review designs for conformity to Brand standards.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to stakeholders.

Skills

Strong design background

Proficiency with AutoCAD

Communication skills

Knowledge of FF&E

Flexibility in dealing with various cultures

Education

Registered qualified architect

Degree educated Interior designer

Tools

AutoCAD

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Photoshop

InDesign

Job description

Job Description - Design Director, Middle East (MEA011WI)

Job Description

Job Number: MEA011WI

Work Locations

Hilton - Regional Office - Dubai Building 1 Level 4, Innovation Hub P.O. Box 500200 Dubai 500200

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for providing design guidance and submittal approval for all Hilton new hotel developments and existing hotels (CapEx and owners CapEx) renovation projects across the Middle East, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The role works closely with Brand leadership to establish design direction and key Brand identity elements specific to the region. Clearly communicates to outside design professionals to establish Brand design requirements

Responsibilities

• Manage design for all projects within the region, including new developments, conversions, and renovations of existing hotels.
• Manage relationships with design consultants in the region and partnerships with key design firms.
• Overview or preparation of design briefs and guidelines.
• Review designs for all Brands and F&B concepts.
• Contribute to region specific requirements to global Brand standards for all Hilton Brands.
• Participate at projects Design Review Workshops/Meetings.
• Work with Owner/Developer design team and Project Directors. Design direct and guide consultants on each project to achieve Hilton Brands standards and requirements.
• Prepare and deliver reports and presentations to Owner/Developers, Hilton management and Architecture & Construction.
• Reviews designs at all stages of the projects for conformity to specific Brand standards, Design & Construction guidelines and Brand Management direction, for new projects, conversions and renovations of existing hotels within the Hilton portfolio.
• Participate actively in value engineering stages of design for each project and ensure that Brand standards and quality are not compromised in the process.
• Work effectively with other Hilton Global Design groups to create a common design management approach and methodology.
• Work with pre-opening team and Project Directors on new hotel openings.
• Assist the Architecture and Construction team in the review of conversion opportunities to Hilton Brands.
• Participate with design scope and input for all P.I.P.’s (Property Improvement Plans).
• Works with Operations (in Managed hotels) to provide timely design reviews and approvals.
• Prepare presentations of selected projects for submittal to DRC (Design Review Committee).
• Create project specific design narratives, presentations and guidance for use internally and to external parties, consultants and owners.
• Participate in post-opening Design reviews with Operation and A&C.
• Stays knowledgeable about the Hotel Design industry and works to introduce new products and materials to the company as well as guiding design groups to their availability and potential project application.

What are we looking for?

• Ability to work with and gain respect and trust of Owner/Developers architects, interior designers, engineers, contractors and Hilton departments including Senior Executive, Development, Operations, Brands and Technical Services.
• Flexibility and sensitivity in method of dealing with various people, personalities, cultures.
• Willing and able to take responsibility and work for multiple projects at one time.
• Strong design background and proficiency with AutoCAD, along with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Photoshop and InDesign.
• Ability to see, develop and take responsibility of multi discipline design/planning solutions.
• Able to work independently and possess good communication skills both written and verbal.
• Strong knowledge of FF+E, furniture detailing, construction methods and materials.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum Education: Registered qualified architect or degree educated Interior designer with strong planning skills and understanding of hotel spaces, facilities and interior design or experience in lieu of.
• Minimum Years of Experience: Ten (10) years within hospitality design. Either currently working for or have worked for: major international hotel company in a similar capacity, or major design or management role in architects or interior designer’s office on hotel and large mixed-use developments.
• Additional Requirements: Fluency in English and Arabic.
• Ability to travel within the Middle East and the wider EMEA region as necessary.