Director, Design & Architecture

Kerzner International Management; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 350,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerzner International Management seeks a Director of Design & Architecture, an experienced interior designer or architect, with hospitality experience. You will lead end‑to‑end design across properties, ensuring operational needs align with brand standards and contractual obligations.

The role requires high‑rise construction expertise, strong communication, and the ability to drive efficient design processes while maintaining quality and timelines across multiple projects.

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience.
• 2-5 years in Dubai.
• Degree graduate level.
• High-rise construction experience.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Strong attention to detail and quality of work.
• Able to work under pressure, meet deadlines, be a team player, self-motivated and approachable.

Responsibilities

• Align management style with Kerzner’s vision and policies.
• Serve as central design liaison with Kerzner departments and Owners/Developers.
• Ensure design delivery aligns with Brand Standards and contracts.
• Review submissions, drawings, specs; approve where compliant.
• Coordinate with Architect of Record and construction team for timely delivery.
• Provide design leadership and mentorship to internal teams.

Job description

Job description

Director, Design & Architecture (21613)

At Kerzner, we never settle. Through continued innovation, our team of pioneers push until the next level is achieved, and then to keep going. Our philosophy is simple - we go above and beyond to Blow Away our Guest and Colleagues. Good enough never is. For us, it is all about perfection and innovation. This is not simply our job, it’s our passion.

Our Colleagues are at the heart of who we are and what we do. With an international team of over 10,000 Colleagues and strong strategic growth on the horizon, we offer unrivalled career opportunities around the world. We are committed to provide our Colleagues at all levels with opportunities to grow and develop within the organisation through personalised development plans and tailored succession planning. We invest in our communities to sustain the environment where we operate and minimising our own footprint. Whether it is through animal conservation, education or tree-planting, we like to give back in as many ways as we can to help our communities flourish.

Job Summary

The Director of Design & Architecture, must be a highly motivated, qualified professional, who is either an Interior Designer or an Architect. Experience in the hospitality industry is essential. Other essential attributes include self-motivation, strong teamwork, passion for understanding the core business and values, and confidence in presenting innovative solutions and ideas.

The primary responsibility of the position holder is to ensure all aspects of the project planning and design is delivered in accordance with the Operator’s Design & Brand Standards, always taking cognizance of the Contract agreement between Kerzner and the Client across all properties proposed and existing.To act as the focal point for both Kerzner departments and Owners/Developers during the design stages of the development to ensure operational requirements are met and incorporated into the scheme and to liaise with all applicable Kerzner departments (Brand, Operations, IT, F&B, and the like) to obtain operational guidelines for the Design Team.

Key Responsibilities

• Align management style, working practices and conduct with Kerzner’s vision, corporate values, operating standards and policies. To comply with Kerzner International’s code of conduct at all time.
• Serve as the central point of contact for both Kerzner departments and Owners/Developers during all design stages, ensuring operational requirements are addressed and integrated into the final design.
• Ensure all aspects of project planning and design are delivered in strict alignment with the Operator’s Design & Brand Standards, while fully considering the contractual agreements between Kerzner and the Client across all proposed and existing properties
• Ensure that Policies and Procedures are in place and operating report known deviations to the EVP, Design and take action to address them
• Assist in the preparation of scope of works for all consultants and ensure the scope of services covers all aspects of design and construction
• Liaise with relevant Kerzner departments (Brand, Operations, IT, F&B, and others) to secure operational input and incorporate it into design deliverables.
• Obtain Operations briefs, review and communicate all actions required from consultant’s teams
• Liaise with Consultant’s teams to ensure project requirements are included in deliverables Review Design Deliverables and make necessary comments; Oversee and manage the full design process from concept through completion, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met. Review and approve design submissions, drawings, and specifications from consultants to ensure compliance with brand, operational, and functional requirements. Review and consolidate all contract submittals and RFI’s etc.
• Coordinate with Architect of Record and construction team to ensure quality delivery on time and budget as per approved design.
• Provide leadership and direction throughout the project life cycle to a team of design specialists.
• Manage, coordinate, monitor and perform full technical reviews of all design deliverables.
• Monitoring on-site design execution to ensure fidelity to approved plans and resolve any design-related challenges during construction.
• Monitoring and reporting on Performance and Design Progress against Basis of Design, agreed deliverables and milestones.
• Provide design leadership and mentorship to internal teams, fostering professional development and consistency in design output.
• Evaluate design innovations, materials, and technologies for potential application in projects, ensuring sustainable and cost-effective solutions.
• Ensure compliance with the company Business Management System.

Skills, Experience & Educational Requirements

• 10 years’ experience
• Minimum 2-5 years in Dubai
• Minimum education to degree graduate level
• High rise construct experience
• Possess excellent communication and customer service skills
• Have strong attention to detail and quality of work
• Able to work under pressure and towards deadlines, be able to work as part of a team, and be a self-motivated and approachable and friendly person

Our company is expanding faster than ever before. We are investing in the growth of our company, and that means we are committed to investing in you. Join a team that is open-hearted, innovative, inclusive, and inspiring in spirit. We believe in making our guests happy beyond anything they have ever imagined. We wow them at every turn and create memories that will last a lifetime. You will be at the heart of this vision, to constantly innovate to deliver Amazing Experiences and Everlasting Memories.