Director of Design

Sandman Hotel Group; West Vancouver; On-site; CAD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health, dental, and vision

Group life insurance

Annual bonus opportunities

RRSP matching

Company cell phone or reimbursement

Hotel/resort discounts

Discounts on lift tickets

Mental health support

Collaborative work environment

Shape the future of hospitality design

Job summary

Northland Properties Corporation seeks a Director of Design to drive the creative vision for hotels, restaurants, and resorts across North America, the UK and Ireland. Lead a multidisciplinary team and direct multi-million-dollar design and procurement initiatives to deliver guest-centric environments.

The role requires 15+ years of design leadership, a strong brand-aligned aesthetic, collaboration across disciplines, and travel up to 20% across Canada and the US.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in design leadership within hospitality, commercial, or related industries.
• Experience leading large-scale design projects from concept to completion.
• Strong creative vision aligned with brand and operational needs.
• Collaborates across architects, engineers, contractors and brand leaders.
• Knowledge of building codes and construction best practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and vision for the Design Department.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of managers, designers, and procurement specialists.
• Oversee multi-million-dollar design and procurement initiatives with accountability for schedule and budget.
• Maintain cohesive aesthetic vision across corporate properties and brands.
• Manage outsourced design work and consultant relationships.

Skills

Design leadership

Strategic design direction

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Budget & procurement oversight

Travel readiness

Tools

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Project management platforms

Job description

Northland Properties Corporation is seeking a Director of Design to support the new construction and renovation projects within our expanding portfolio of hotels, restaurants, and resorts. Northland Properties is one of Canada’s fastest-growing hospitality companies, with an expanding portfolio of hotels, restaurants, resorts, and entertainment destinations across North America, the United Kingdom and Ireland. Over the next decade, we plan to add numerous properties, each delivering distinctive guest experiences built on exceptional design, quality, and innovation. As Director of Design, you will define the creative vision for our portfolio, lead a multidisciplinary team, and deliver world-class hospitality environments that strengthen our brands and delight our guests.

In This Senior Leadership Role, You Will

• Shape the design strategy for all Northland-owned hotels, restaurants, and facilities.
• Lead a talented in-house design team and manage external consultants.
• Oversee large-scale, multi-million-dollar design and procurement initiatives.
• Ensure every project reflects our brand identity, operational needs, and guest expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Provide strategic direction and vision for the Design Department.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of department managers, project managers, designers, and procurement specialists.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Manage departmental budgets, resource planning, and project scheduling.
• Drive process improvements and change initiatives aligned with company goals.
• Represent Northland at corporate and industry events.

Design & Creative Direction

• Establish and maintain a cohesive aesthetic vision across all corporate properties.
• Develop and enforce design guidelines, including architectural, brand, furnishings, and safety standards.
• Oversee all phases of design projects—from concept to installation—ensuring alignment with brand, budget, and schedule.
• Manage outsourced design work and external consultant relationships.
• Integrate sustainable practices and emerging trends into design solutions.

Project Management

• Direct planning, execution, and evaluation of multiple concurrent projects valued at $25M+ each.
• Define scopes, assign responsibilities, and monitor progress to ensure timely delivery.
• Conduct site reviews to maintain design intent through construction.
• Collaborate closely with development, construction, and operations teams.
• Manage consultant contracts, scopes of work, and pre-construction engineering selection.
• Oversee construction administration, including RFIs, ASIs, and shop drawing reviews.
• Capture and implement lessons learned for continuous improvement.

Procurement & Vendor Management

• Oversee strategic procurement across multiple categories for design and construction.
• Manage a $250M+ budget, ensuring cost-effective, timely delivery of materials.
• Lead vendor selection, negotiation, and relationship management.
• Develop procurement policies, QA/QC processes, and inventory tracking systems.

What You Bring

• Experience: 15+ years in design leadership within hospitality, commercial, or related industries, managing large-scale projects from concept to completion.
• Leadership: Proven ability to inspire, develop, and retain high-performing teams.
• Design Expertise: Strong creative vision with refined aesthetic judgment, aligned with brand and operational needs.
• Collaboration: Skilled at working across disciplines with architects, engineers, contractors, and brand leaders.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of building codes, safety standards, and construction best practices.
• Tools: Proficient in SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and project management platforms.
• Trend Awareness: Up-to-date on sustainability, innovation, and hospitality design trends.
• Travel: Willing to travel up to 20% of the time across Canada and the US.

What We Offer

• Extended health, dental, and vision coverage
• Group life insurance
• Annual bonus opportunities
• RRSP matching (after 6 months)
• Company cell phone or monthly reimbursement
• Discounts at Northland hotels, resorts, and select restaurants
• Half-price lift tickets at Grouse Mountain and Revelstoke Mountain Resort
• Free mental health support & counselling
• A collaborative, friendly, and inclusive work environment
• The opportunity to shape the future of hospitality design in a growing organization

Join us and design spaces that inspire.

Northland Properties thanks all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Northland Properties is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive work environment.