Internal Design Lead

HotelJobs; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

HotelJobs is seeking an INTERNAL DESIGN LEAD: LODGES, CAMPS AND YACHTS to guard and evolve its distinctive design identity across a premier international portfolio of luxury lodges, camps and expedition yachts. The role spans from initial concept through to final installation, including new builds, refurbishments and ongoing styling.

You will develop design briefs that translate landscape and culture into a clear sense of place, guide mood boards and material palettes, and coordinate with

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years interior design experience in luxury hospitality.
• Qualification in interior design/architecture preferred.
• Strong portfolio showing concept development, space planning, materials and detailing.
• Experience coordinating designers, architects, contractors and suppliers.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Knowledge of FF&E and OS&E specification, procurement, materials.
• Understanding budgets, quotations, landed costs and lead times.
• Excellent presentation, communication and influencing skills.
• Willingness to work in remote, international, logistically complex environments.
• Calm, resourceful and solutions-driven under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Develop design briefs translating landscape, culture and story into place.
• Guide mood boards, layouts, palettes, furniture, lighting, art and styling.
• Coordinate with designers, architects, project managers, buyers and contractors.
• Oversee site surveys, drawings and specifications for coordination.
• Manage on-site installation, styling and openings in remote locations.
• Maintain design guidelines and brand consistency across the portfolio.
• Provide design guidance on retail ranges and staff uniforms with relevant teams.
• Source and manage designers, artisans and suppliers focusing on local, sustainable partnerships.
• Maintain an organized design library of concepts, specs and project references.
• Travel regularly to properties to review design performance and inform refurbishments.

Skills

Concept storytelling

Space planning

Material selection

Detailing

Project coordination

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

FF&E/OS&E knowledge

Budgeting & procurement

Stakeholder communication

Education

Interior design/architecture degree

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

An internationally renowned collection of luxury lodges, camps and expedition yachts, spanning wild and remote destinations across multiple continents, is seeking a talented INTERNAL DESIGN LEAD: LODGES, CAMPS AND YACHTS to guard and evolve its distinctive design identity. This is a senior, group-level design role for someone who can hold a consistent design thread across a diverse international portfolio while still allowing each property to feel authentically rooted in its own landscape and culture; the role spans everything from initial concept through to final installation, and covers new builds, refurbishments and ongoing styling.

Core Criteria:

• Minimum 5 years' interior design experience, ideally within luxury hospitality, with a strong track record in conceptual storytelling
• Relevant qualification in interior design, interior architecture or a related field preferred
• Strong portfolio demonstrating concept development, space planning, material selection, detailing and completed installations
• Proven experience coordinating designers, architects, contractors, suppliers and operational stakeholders
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite
• Sound knowledge of FF&E and OS&E specification, procurement, materials, lighting and styling
• Commercial understanding of budgets, quotations, landed costs and lead times
• Strong presentation, communication and influencing skills across creative, operational and senior audiences
• Comfortable working in remote, international or logistically complex environments
• Calm; resourceful and solutions-driven under pressure, particularly during installations and openings

Core Responsibilities:

• Develop design briefs and direction that translate each destination's landscape, culture and story into a clear sense of place
• Guide mood boards, layouts, material palettes, furniture, lighting, art and styling from concept through approval
• Coordinate with designers, architects, project managers, buyers and contractors from concept through to installation
• Oversee site surveys, drawing reviews and specification schedules to ensure smooth technical coordination
• Manage on-site installation, styling and opening readiness, often in remote locations
• Maintain design guidelines and brand consistency across the portfolio while protecting each property's individuality
• Provide design guidance on retail product ranges and staff uniforms in collaboration with relevant teams
• Source and manage relationships with designers, artisans and suppliers, with a focus on local and sustainable partnerships
• Maintain an organised design library of approved concepts, specifications, suppliers and project references
• Travel regularly to properties to review design performance and inform future refurbishment priorities