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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: Be part of a design-forward company making a significant impact in the hospitality sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in interior design or architecture with a focus on hospitality projects is essential.
- Other info: This role offers a unique chance to influence high-quality developments in a dynamic environment.
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 ability to innovate within brand frameworks and your experience in managing diverse teams. Tailor your presentation to reflect the specific needs of hospitality developments.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in hospitality design. Familiarise yourself with emerging concepts and technologies that can enhance guest experiences. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful discussions during interviews and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by understanding the company's current projects and their design philosophy. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their evolving design capabilities.
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 hotel and hospitality concepts. Mention specific projects you've worked on that align with the company's focus and how you can contribute to their vision.
Showcase Your Design Skills: Include a portfolio of your work that demonstrates your ability to produce mood boards and conceptual visuals. Highlight projects where you've successfully led design initiatives or collaborated with external studios.
Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss your design strategies and concepts at an executive level. Think about examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to think both strategically and detail-oriented.
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.
✨Understand the Brand Guidelines
Familiarise yourself with the brand guidelines of the operators you will be working with. Be ready to explain how you can innovate within these frameworks while still respecting their established identities.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and collaborated with various stakeholders in previous projects.
✨Prepare for On-Site Project Discussions
Since the role involves regular on-site presence, think about how you would approach project execution and delivery. Be ready to discuss your strategies for overseeing both internal resources and external consultants effectively.
