Director of Design UK&I, Nordics and Benelux

Hilton Worldwide, Inc.; Watford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global hospitality company is seeking a Director of Design for UK&I, Nordics, and Benelux. The role involves managing design for new developments and renovations, ensuring compliance with brand standards, and working closely with design teams. Ideal candidates will have at least ten years of hospitality design experience and a strong background in architecture or interior design. This position offers opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across regions.

Qualifications

• Ten years of experience in hospitality design required.
• Strong planning skills and understanding of hotel spaces.
• Ability to work independently and take responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Manage design for all projects in the region.
• Prepare reports and presentations for stakeholders.
• Work with design teams to ensure brand standards.

Skills

Design background

Communication skills

AutoCAD proficiency

Flexibility

FF+E knowledge

Education

Degree in interior design or architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

Photoshop

InDesign

Job description

Job Description - Director of Design UK&I, Nordics and Benelux (EUR015Q8)

Job Number: EUR015Q8

Work Locations

Hilton - Regional Headquarters - Europe Maple Court, Central Park, Reeds Crescent Watford WD24 4QQ

About Hilton

Hilton is one of the largest and fastest growing hospitality companies in the world, with more than 9,000 properties in 140+ countries and territories. In the 100+ years since our founding, we have defined the hospitality industry and established a portfolio of 25 world‑class brands including our flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand, which is the most recognized hotel brand in the world. We have more than 235 million members in our award‑winning customer loyalty program, Hilton Honors, and have recently been ranked #1 World's Best Workplace.

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 UK&I, Nordics and Benelux, including overseeing the team managing small renovation projects across EMEA. The role works closely with Brand leadership to establish design direction and key brand identity elements specific to the region, ensuring this is clearly communicated to outside design professionals to establish brand design requirements.

Key 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 Brand standards and requirements.
• Prepare and deliver reports and presentations to Owner/Developers, Hilton management, and Architecture & Construction.
• Review 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.
• Stay knowledgeable about the Hotel Design industry and work to introduce new products and materials to the company as well as guiding design groups to their availability and potential project application.

Direct Reports

• Small team overseeing small renovation projects across EMEA.
• Design intern (recruited and managed annually).

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.
• Ability to travel within Europe and the wider EMEA region as necessary.