Director of Programming & Design

Aparium Hotel Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Aparium Hotel Group in Chicago, IL is seeking a Director of Programming + Design to support the SVP and manage FF&E/OS&E specification reviews, procurement, and budgets for new developments and refurbishments.

You will collaborate with designers, architects, procurement agents, and ownership groups to align design standards with aparium’s programing and operational goals. This exempt role combines strategic planning with hands-on execution.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hospitality programming/design experience.
• Strong FF&E and OS&E knowledge, procurement, budgets and schedules.
• Creative, imaginative and collaborative problem-solving approach.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Fluent in English.
• Able to work with ownership groups and stakeholders.
• Adaptable, independent and balance strategic thinking with execution.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with leadership and stakeholders to advance guestroom and public-space designs.
• Review design docs, shop drawings, submittals, samples and product data.
• Guide FF&E/OS&E estimating, budgeting, value engineering, cash-flow planning and bidding.
• Advise on design and procurement schedules, submissions, and risks.
• Collaborate with Brand, HQ Ops, property leaders and procurement teams.
• Develop guestroom matrices and analyze FF&E layouts.
• Partner with art curators on hotel art programs and takeoffs.
• Prepare specs for model rooms and corridors; support setup and punch lists.
• Ensure IT and building systems meet project requirements.
• Maintain vendor relationships and documentation to minimize risk.
• Lead project coordination meetings and value-engineering discussions.
• Maintain Aparium’s programming standards and SOPs.
• Travel to project sites as needed for research and closeout.

Skills

Hospitality experience

Design coordination

Communication skills

English fluency

Interpersonal skills

Independent working

Education

Bachelor’s degree (design/PM)

Tools

FF&E specs

OS&E specs

Procurement workflows

Job description

Our teams are the intuitive force behind Aparium’s distinct experiences. If you’re driven by a passion for genuine hospitality and the list below sounds like you, we invite you to explore opportunities to contribute to our collective.

Driven by excellence, always learning and growing.

Possessing a deep connection to the place you call home.

Recognizing that diverse talents and perspectives enrich our community.

You
belong
here.

Diversity

We embrace the unique perspectives and backgrounds of our team.

Equity

We are committed to impartial practices and fair opportunities for all to thrive.

Inclusion

We ensure everyone feels welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute their authentic self.

At Aparium, we believe how we treat our people is just as important as how we treat our guests.

That’s why our benefits are designed to support your whole self—at work and in life—so you can grow, thrive, and feel inspired every day.

This overview highlights many of the benefits we offer, though specific offerings and eligibility may vary based on your employment status.

What We Offer

Hotels Done Differently
starts with people like you.

Join a team where your personality and passion are part of the experience.

Position:Director of Programming & Design

Location: Chicago, IL

Job Id:3490

# of Openings:1

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING & DESIGN

Reports to: SVP of Programming & Design, Technical Services this position is exempt

Salary range: $130,000–$165,000 | Travel: Moderate

WHO WE ARE

Aparium Hotel Group is a leading hotel company founded and led by experienced professionals in hotel development, management, and marketing. We share one defining belief: great hotels should be destinations sought out by travelers and favorite gathering places for locals. We call this philosophy Trans-local Hospitality.

Our passion and expertise center on independent hotels, resorts, and restaurants in distinct cities and unique resort destinations. We believe every property should be a brand in its own right—a true celebration of its independent identity and setting.

Since 2011, Aparium’s Programming + Design, Technical Services team has brought more than two dozen award-winning hotels to market across the United States. We continue to grow through original collaborations with developers, consultants, and local partners.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Aparium is seeking a Director, Programming + Design to support the Senior Vice President of Programming + Design, Technical Services. This role manages programming and design reviews, FF&E and OS&E specification reviews, and procurement activities for new developments and property refurbishments.

Working across internal teams and with designers, architects, consultants, art curators, procurement agents, ownership groups, and other project stakeholders, you will help ensure that specifications and design details align with Aparium’s programming standards, operating procedures, budgets, schedules, and design intent.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Coordinate with Aparium leadership, ownership and project stakeholders, interior designers, and external development teams to advance guestroom and public-space designs through every phase of development.
• Review design documentation, specifications, shop drawings, submittals, samples, and product data for consistency with design intent and Aparium standards.
• Guide FF&E and OS&E estimating, budgeting, value engineering, cash‑flow planning, bidding, vendor negotiations, purchasing, warehousing, installation, and closeout.
• Advise project teams on design and procurement schedules, drawing‑package submissions, review periods, and project risks.
• Partner with Brand & Lifestyle, HQ Operations, property leaders, Facilities, and other stakeholders to support product delivery, accessories, warranty management, and operational readiness.
• Develop coordinated guestroom matrices and analyze FF&E layouts.
• Collaborate with art curators on hotel art programs, including scope, delivery, and takeoffs.
• Prepare specifications for model rooms and corridors; support furniture setting, staging, reviews, and punch‑list activities.
• Help confirm building systems, IT infrastructure, and property‑wide specifications meet project requirements.
• Establish strong vendor relationships and maintain delivery controls and documentation that minimize risk.
• Participate in—and at times lead—project coordination meetings, turn‑page reviews, approvals, and value‑engineering discussions.
• Maintain and continuously improve Aparium’s programming standards and standard operating procedures.
• Travel to project sites as needed for research, orientation, reviews, staging, punch lists, and project closeout.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Project Management, Construction, or a related field preferred.
• At least five years of hospitality experience, with direct experience in hotel and/or food‑and‑beverage programming and design, or project management.
• Strong working knowledge of FF&E and OS&E specifications, procurement, budgets, schedules, and project delivery.
• A creative, imaginative, and highly collaborative approach to problem‑solving.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate an artistic vision to varied audiences.
• Professional fluency in English.
• Adaptable interpersonal skills and the ability to represent Aparium with ownership groups, local stakeholders, business executives, consultants, and employees.
• Comfort working independently, navigating ambiguity and balancing strategic thinking with hands‑on execution.

HOW YOU LEAD

• Build rapport quickly and adapt your communication style to engage different audiences and stakeholders.
• Approach discovery and problem‑solving collaboratively, valuing others’ experience and input.
• Make decisions with integrity and sound judgment while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and discretion.
• Bring an analytical, fact‑based point of view without letting ego get in the way.
• Demonstrate business and financial acumen, ensuring plans support operational goals and budgets.

You’ll join an entrepreneurial team that values creativity, collaboration, curiosity, and thoughtful execution. At Aparium, every team member helps shape a culture that continues to evolve—and every role contributes to creating hotels and experiences that feel genuinely connected to their communities.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Aparium Hospitality Services celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment and a sense of belonging for all employees. We do not discriminate and believe every individual should be proud of who they are, where they come from, and take pride in who we serve. Aparium is an e‑verify employer.

A complete list of benefits, will be shared during the employment process.