Manager, Studio Design (Hybrid-AZ)

Best Western Hotels & Resorts; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

Vacation/Sick accruals

401K with match

Employee discounts

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

BWH Hotels in Phoenix seeks a Design Leader to drive member development initiatives and set design standards across multiple brands. You will provide technical leadership, supervise staff, and align projects with strategic goals.

You will oversee space planning, construction drawings, and the creation of design deliverables while mentoring a team and collaborating with internal stakeholders and external partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, interior design, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of professional design experience with supervisory or management responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of design standards and technical specifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement design programs and initiatives that support member development and organizational objectives.
• Provide technical and operational guidance to design staff, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Establish and maintain departmental design standards, policies, and tools.
• Develop and oversee hiring, training, and retention strategies for design staff.
• Oversee development of design deliverables including sketches, specifications, space planning, and construction drawings.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Budget knowledge

Design standards understanding

Strategic design leadership

Communication & collaboration

Education

Architecture/Interior Design degree

Job description

Join BWH Hotels – Where Passion Meets Purpose

At BWH® Hotels, we don’t just offer employment opportunities, we create opportunities to be part of something extraordinary. As a global leader in hospitality for nearly 80 years, our vision is to inspire travel through unique experiences. Joining our corporate team means becoming part of a dynamic and inclusive community that values innovation, collaboration, and making a meaningful impact in the travel industry.

Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, BWH Hotels boasts a powerful portfolio of 18 brands, including WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels®, with approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries. We take pride in our top-ranking employee engagement scores and foster a workplace culture where your contributions truly matter. Join us and be part of a team that’s shaping the future of hospitality!

Job Purpose

Leads design initiatives that support member development objectives and promote design excellence. Provides technical and operational leadership to the design team, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and industry standards. Supports team development, training, and operational programs that enhance departmental effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and implement design programs and initiatives that support member development and organizational objectives.
• Provide technical and operational guidance to design staff, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Establish and maintain departmental design standards, policies, and tools.
• Assess design activities and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, external partners, and advisory boards to promote design excellence and support cross-functional initiatives.
• Develop and execute hiring, training, and retention strategies for design staff.
• Manage departmental resources and coordinate with external vendors as needed to support operational and training initiatives.
• Educate members and staff on design services and standards through training and communication programs.
• Oversee the development of design deliverables, including sketches, specifications, space planning, and construction drawings.
• Ensure quality service by adhering to company standards and the industry’s best practices.

Preferred Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, interior design, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum 6 years of professional experience in commercial, industrial, or institutional design, including supervisory or management responsibilities.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of financial and budgeting principles.
• Understanding of design standards and technical specifications.
• Ability to develop and implement design programs aligned with strategic goals.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Work Location

• This is a hybrid position, requiring onsite presence Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at our Headquarters location, with the option to work remote on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This hybrid model fosters intentional collaboration, teamwork, connection, and productivity, while still providing flexibility and work life balance. The office address is 6201 N 24th Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona 85016
• Internal candidates residing outside Arizona may be considered based on business needs and position requirements. Consideration of an out-of-state internal candidate is not guaranteed.

Travel

• May travel up to 25%.
• Domestic or international travel
• Valid driver’s license, serviceable automobile and proof of insurance may be required.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Benefits Summary for Full-Time Employees

• Medical/Dental/Vision available day one
• Vacation/Sick- accruals start day one
• Paid company holidays and personalholidays to celebrate what’s important to you
• 401K - company contribution and match (U.S.)
• Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) – company contribution and match (Canada)
• Employee discounts/hotel discounts
• Free financial and health wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement

Equal Employment Opportunity

BWH Hotels (the “Company”)maintains a policy of equal employment opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race (including hair textures and hair styles associated with race), color or pigmentation, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, alienage or citizenship status, caste, age, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, LGBTQIA+ individuals, height, weight, pregnancy status, childbirth or related medical conditions, genetic information, uniformed service or veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, provincial, or local laws. The Company’s equal employment opportunity policy applies to all aspects of employment with the Company, including, but not limited to, hiring, promotion, transfer, benefits, discipline, and termination.