Design & Planning Director – Hospitality

MRG Global Pty; Gurgaon; On-site; INR 450,000 - 850,000; Full time

Job summary

MRG Global Pty is seeking a Design & Planning Director for India, based in Gurgaon with extensive travel across India and Southwest Asia. You will oversee design for new hotel developments and refurbishments, guiding owners, consultants and contractors to protect design quality from planning through delivery.

The ideal candidate has a degree in Architecture or Interior Design, 10+ years in architecture or interior design, and at least five years in hospitality, with proven ability to manage

Qualifications

• Degree in architecture or interior design.
• Minimum 10 years of overall experience.
• At least 5 years in hospitality projects and hotel design.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design process for new hotel developments and refurbishments.
• Review drawings, plans and specifications with owners and consultants.
• Guide space planning, finishes, furnishings and fixtures.
• Coordinate design standards with external consultants and contractors.
• Support refurbishment projects and advise operating teams.
• Prepare sketches and CAD drawings as needed and manage multiple projects.

Skills

Architectural design

Interior design

Project management

Stakeholder management

Education

Architecture or Interior Design degree

Job description

MRG Global is partnering with a leading international hotel operator to appoint a Design & Planning Director for India. With a diverse portfolio of hotels across multiple market segments, the organisation is looking for a design leader to guide new developments and refurbishments across India and the wider region.

This is an opportunity for an architect or interior design leader who enjoys working across multiple hotel projects and turning design standards into spaces that work for guests, owners, and operating teams.

The Role

You will oversee the design process for new hotel developments and refurbishments, working closely with owners, consultants, contractors, and project teams. Your focus will be on protecting design quality while helping projects progress from early planning through to delivery.

Key responsibilities include:

• Reviewing architectural and interior design drawings, plans, and specifications.
• Advising on space planning, concepts, finishes, furnishings, and fixtures.
• Guiding external consultants on design standards and project requirements.
• Assessing potential projects through design reviews and site visits.
• Supporting refurbishment projects and providing practical design advice to operating teams.
• Preparing sketches, CAD drawings and preliminary area programmes where needed.
• Managing design input across several projects at different stages.

Candidate Profile

You will have a degree in Architecture or Interior Design, at least 10 years’ overall experience, and a minimum of five years in hospitality. Experience with midscale or select service hotels would be particularly relevant.

You will be comfortable managing relationships with ownership groups and design consultants, reviewing detailed submissions and resolving issues collaboratively. Exceptional written and spoken communication skills, sound judgement, and the ability to travel extensively is essential.

Salary & Benefits

Competitive salary commensurate with experience & performance bonus.

Location & Working Pattern

Based in Gurgaon, India, with extensive travel throughout India and Southwest Asia.