Hotel Design and Projects Director
Hotel Design and Projects Director

Hotel Design and Projects Director

Southampton Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Carnival

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead hotel design projects and inspire a creative team to enhance guest experiences.
  • Company: Join P&O Cruises/Cunard, a leader in unforgettable holiday experiences.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, hybrid work, and extensive learning opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by creating elegant spaces for guests to enjoy.
  • Qualifications: Expertise in interior design and strong communication skills required.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career growth potential.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Join us in shaping the future of holiday experiences across our P&O Cruises / Cunard ships in a key senior management role within our Guest Experience department. At Carnival UK, we believe in the power of diversity to drive success, valuing a blend of backgrounds, experiences, and skills. If you\’re a professional with a strategic mindset towards guest satisfaction, and a track record of overseeing a team, let\’s talk. We\’re not just looking for qualifications on paper; we\’re searching for someone who can bring fresh ideas and new perspectives.

As Director of Hotel Design & Projects, you\’ll play a pivotal role in steering the Guest experience departmental direction of P&O Cruises / Cunard, ensuring we continue to deliver unforgettable holiday happiness. Your strategic direction will not only influence our organisational health but also inspire a team of guest experience professionals to excel in their roles.

Key Accountabilities

  • Lead the end-to-end hotel design process for newbuild and refurbishment projects across P&O Cruises and Cunard fleets
  • Manage and coach a team of Senior Interior Architects and Designers, ensuring high engagement and clear objectives
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Brand, Guest Experience, Maritime, Shipbuilding) and external consultants to deliver design solutions aligned with strategic goals
  • Oversee project budgets, resource allocation, and ensure design compliance with operational and brand standards

Job Requirements

This role demands a blend of strategic vision & technical expertise. We\’re looking for someone with:

  • Expertise in Interior Design, FF&E specification, space planning, and integration of service functions and equipment across large scale mix-use projects
  • Experience in presenting design concepts and updates to executive stakeholders and creative teams
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills
  • Ability to review and approve design documentation and workshop drawings, ensuring alignment with budget and vision
  • Strong proficiency in interior design software and tools, including Adobe Creative Suite and AutoCAD

About You

Your ability to think strategically, drive results with integrity, and inspire your team is what sets you apart. You\’re not just a business professional; you\’re a visionary person who\’s ready to make a significant impact – with a brief to create inviting, elegant & functional spaces for our Guests to enjoy.

  • Empowers – Coaches others and fosters an environment where people do their best work
  • Speaks up – Encourages open communication and idea sharing within the team
  • Respects & protects – Builds inclusive relationships and promotes sustainable, safe practices
  • Listens & Learns – Demonstrates curiosity and openness to feedback and diverse perspectives

Why Join Us?

Positioned within our internal structure from CUK15 (entry level) to CUK1 (Brand President), this role is classified as a CUK Level 05, offered as a full-time position, on a permanent basis, with an offering of hybrid work including up to two days from home. Travel to our ships will be required.

  • Employee Discounted Cruising plus Friends and Family offers
  • Annual bonus
  • Extensive learning and development opportunities
  • Minimum 25 days leave, bank holiday allowance and holiday trading scheme
  • Employee-led networks
  • Employee Assistance and Wellbeing programmes
  • Recognition scheme with prizes and awards
  • Contributory Defined Contribution Pension scheme
  • Company paid private medical and dental insurance and health assessment
  • In-house Occupational Health help and access to digital GP
  • Life Assurance
  • Parental and adoption leave
  • Employee Shares Plan
  • Electric Car and Cycle to Work schemes

Application Note

Due to the high volume of interest in our roles, we encourage early applications. This is your chance to contribute to a company that’s setting the standard for holiday experiences. Apply today to be part of our journey to create joy and memories for our customers—and for you.

Don’t let this opportunity sail away. Join us in making holiday dreams come true while advancing your career to new horizons.

Recruitment Journey

For more information on your recruitment journey, please visit our Candidate Journey Map.

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Hotel Design and Projects Director employer: Carnival

At P&O Cruises / Cunard, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture. As the Hotel Design and Projects Director, you will not only lead innovative design projects but also benefit from extensive learning and development opportunities, a generous leave policy, and a supportive environment that encourages open communication and collaboration. With hybrid working options and a commitment to employee wellbeing, this role offers a unique chance to make a significant impact while enjoying a fulfilling career in the heart of the cruise industry.
Carnival

Contact Detail:

Carnival Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Hotel Design and Projects Director

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend design events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your designs do the talking.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Tailor your answers to show how your vision aligns with their goals. Remember, they want to see your passion for creating unforgettable spaces!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.

We think you need these skills to ace Hotel Design and Projects Director

Interior Design
FF&E Specification
Space Planning
Design Compliance
Project Management
Budget Management
Team Leadership
Communication Skills
Collaboration Skills
Adobe Creative Suite
AutoCAD
Strategic Thinking
Coaching and Mentoring
Stakeholder Engagement
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Design: When you're writing your application, let your love for hotel design shine through! Share specific examples of projects you've worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking. We want to see how you can bring unforgettable experiences to life.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience in managing teams and collaborating with stakeholders, as these are key aspects of the job. We appreciate when candidates take the time to align their skills with our needs!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We love a well-structured application that clearly outlines your qualifications and achievements—this helps us see your potential at a glance!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and gives you the best chance of standing out. Plus, it’s super easy to do—just follow the prompts and you’re good to go!

How to prepare for a job interview at Carnival

✨Know Your Design Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and best practices in hotel design. Familiarise yourself with P&O Cruises and Cunard’s brand identity, as well as their previous projects. This will help you speak confidently about how your vision aligns with their goals.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and inspired teams in the past. Highlight your coaching style and how you foster an environment of creativity and collaboration. This is key for a role that involves leading a team of Senior Interior Architects and Designers.

✨Master the Art of Communication

Practice articulating your design concepts clearly and concisely. You’ll need to present ideas to various stakeholders, so being able to communicate effectively is crucial. Consider doing mock presentations to get comfortable with this aspect.

✨Be Ready for Budget Talks

Brush up on your project management skills, especially around budget oversight and resource allocation. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed budgets in previous roles and how you ensure design compliance with operational standards while staying within financial limits.

Hotel Design and Projects Director
Carnival
Location: Southampton

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