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- Tasks: Lead innovative hotel designs and oversee project execution across the UK and Europe.
- Company: Join a legacy developer with a £5 billion global portfolio focused on hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, travel opportunities, and a chance to shape an in-house design team.
- Why this job: Make a strategic impact on high-quality hospitality projects while collaborating with top operators.
- Qualifications: Experience in interior design or architecture with proven hospitality project expertise required.
- Other info: This role offers a unique chance to innovate without a house style.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The client is a legacy developer with a £5 billion global portfolio and a core focus on hospitality. Working alongside prestigious international operators, the role will deliver hotel and mixed-use developments primarily across the UK and Europe. In addition to their commercial portfolio, the business also includes a private residential development division.
This newly created Design Director role will lead the design and oversee execution of hotel projects, with two major live schemes currently underway in Europe. Projects vary in size and scale, from full fit-outs to sensitive refurbishments of existing sites.
The Design Director will work closely with the senior leadership team to develop innovative, contextually driven schemes that align with both the client’s vision and the operator’s brand guidelines. There is no imposed house style – this role suits a design leader who can either innovate or stay true to existing brand frameworks, as required.
The majority of the architectural and interior design work is currently outsourced to specialist studios in the UK and Europe. Internally, the role is supported by two designers – one focused on hotels and the other on restaurants – as well as a procurement team. The intention is to bring more of the design capability in-house; the Design Director will be responsible for strategically planning and establishing a new internal design team to fulfil the evolving needs of the business.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead the design and development of new, innovative hotel and hospitality concepts across the UK and Europe.
- Oversee the delivery and execution of projects, including regular on-site presence.
- Collaborate with operators, consultants, and internal stakeholders throughout the lifecycle of each project.
- Manage and guide internal design resources and oversee external studios and consultants.
- Present design strategies and concepts at executive level.
- Travel across Europe will be required, especially during key project stages.
- Background in interior design or architecture, with proven hospitality project experience.
- Strong space planning and layout design skills.
- Ability to produce mood boards and conceptual visuals as needed.
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management experience.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to coordinate internal and external teams effectively.
- Clear and confident communicator, comfortable working across multiple teams and disciplines.
- Able to think both strategically (macro) and detail-oriented (micro).
London-based office (Central), with flexible working policy. Travel required across Europe (1–2 times/month depending on project stage).
This is a unique opportunity to join a respected, design-forward developer and have a long-term strategic impact on high-quality hospitality schemes across the region.
Design Director - Hospitality Developer (UK & Europe) employer: Curio Careers
Contact Detail:
Curio Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Director - Hospitality Developer (UK & Europe)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the hospitality design sector. Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops to meet potential colleagues and clients. Building relationships can lead to valuable insights and opportunities that may not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your portfolio effectively. Highlight projects that demonstrate your experience in hospitality design, especially those that align with the company's focus on innovative and contextually driven schemes. Tailor your discussions to reflect your understanding of their brand and vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in hospitality design and architecture. Being knowledgeable about current styles, materials, and technologies will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and show your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you manage teams. Given the role's emphasis on overseeing both internal and external resources, demonstrating your ability to inspire and coordinate diverse teams will be crucial in the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Director - Hospitality Developer (UK & Europe)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in interior design or architecture, particularly in hospitality projects. Emphasise your leadership skills and any experience managing teams or collaborating with stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for innovative design in the hospitality sector. Mention specific projects you've worked on that align with the company's focus and how you can contribute to their vision.
Showcase Your Portfolio: Include a portfolio that demonstrates your design capabilities, especially mood boards and conceptual visuals. Highlight projects that showcase your ability to innovate while adhering to brand guidelines.
Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss your design philosophy and how you approach project management. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams and collaborated with various stakeholders in past projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at Curio Careers
✨Showcase Your Design Vision
As a Design Director, it's crucial to demonstrate your unique design philosophy. Prepare to discuss your past projects and how your vision aligns with the company's focus on innovative hospitality concepts.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and collaborated with various stakeholders in previous projects.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect to engage in conversations about both macro and micro design strategies. Brush up on your ability to think strategically while also paying attention to detail, as this will be key in your discussions.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Clear communication is vital in this role. Practice articulating your ideas confidently and succinctly, especially when presenting design strategies to executive-level stakeholders.
