Design Manager – Experiential Spaces

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager – Experiential Spaces

Company: Groupe Nordik

Location: Gatineau, Quebec, Canada

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Design & Operations Management

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years (with 3+ years in management)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Leads the strategic design and evolution of unique wellness and spa environments across North America.

• Manages a diverse portfolio of renovation, improvement, and upgrade projects from conceptualization through to successful delivery.

• Oversees and mentors a team of designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance design culture.

• Drives cross-functional collaboration with Experience, Operations, and Construction teams to ensure seamless project execution and brand alignment.

• Champions the translation of the Groupe Nordik brand vision into distinctive, immersive, and functional experiential spaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a hybrid between a creative design leadership position and a project management function. The emphasis on "Experiential Spaces" and "Wellness" indicates a focus on creating environments that deliver a specific guest experience, requiring a blend of aesthetic sensibility, operational understanding, and project execution capabilities. The role demands strong leadership in translating brand vision into tangible design outcomes within technical and budget constraints.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate Groupe Nordik's unique brand vision and standards into distinctive design concepts tailored for various spa and wellness projects.

• Develop preliminary design concepts, sketches, and detailed space plans that align with project objectives and brand identity.

• Create innovative design solutions that creatively address technical constraints and operational requirements.

• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, meticulously overseeing timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.

• Maintain proactive communication with all project stakeholders, providing regular updates on progress, risks, and key decisions.

• Identify potential project risks early and implement strategies to ensure compliance with all relevant standards, regulations, and building codes.

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of designers, fostering professional growth and ensuring high-quality output.

• Effectively plan and allocate workload among the design team to optimize productivity and meet project deadlines.

• Coordinate and manage external partners, including architects, consultants, and suppliers, to ensure cohesive project development.

• Review and validate the quality and consistency of all design deliverables, ensuring they meet Groupe Nordik's exacting standards.

• Foster close collaboration with Experience, Operations, and Construction teams to ensure design feasibility and smooth implementation phases.

• Provide design support during the implementation and construction phases, including site visits and issue resolution.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive design standards, tools, and best practices to ensure consistency across all Groupe Nordik properties.

• Ensure consistency in the selection and application of materials, finishes, and equipment across all projects.

• Stay abreast of emerging trends in wellness space design and experiential environments to inform future projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design leadership, rigorous project management, and team oversight. The emphasis on managing multiple projects simultaneously and coordinating external partners suggests a need for strong organizational skills and the ability to interface effectively with diverse professional groups. The requirement to develop and maintain design standards points to a strategic contribution to the brand's physical presence.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related design field is strongly preferred.

Experience: A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in interior design or architecture, with at least 3 years in a project management or team leadership capacity. Proven experience managing multiple renovation or experiential space projects within the hospitality, spa, restaurant, leisure, or retail industries is a significant asset.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in translating brand vision into distinctive design concepts.

• Proficiency in producing sketches, space plans, and preliminary design concepts.

• Strong ability to develop creative solutions within technical constraints.

• Advanced project management skills, including timeline, budget, and priority management.

• Excellent stakeholder communication and reporting capabilities.

• Demonstrated risk anticipation and management skills.

• Proven leadership and team mentoring abilities.

• Proficiency in design software such as Revit and/or SketchUp (or equivalent).

• Deep understanding of construction standards, building codes, and regulatory requirements.

• Ability to read and produce complex technical documentation (plans, specifications, construction details).

• Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Asana, ClickUp, or equivalent) and the Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the spa or wellness industry.

• Familiarity with materials, finishes, and equipment selection for high-traffic, experiential environments.

• Knowledge of sustainable design principles and practices.

• Experience in developing and implementing design standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for bilingualism (French and English) is highlighted as essential, indicating the company's operational reach and need for effective communication across different regions. The specific mention of Revit and SketchUp, alongside project management tools like MS Project, Asana, and ClickUp, points to a technology-forward environment where proficiency in industry-standard software is critical for design execution and project tracking.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of experiential space design projects, demonstrating a strong aesthetic sensibility and functional application.

• Examples of innovative design solutions that successfully addressed technical constraints or unique site challenges.

• Case studies detailing project management successes, including managing timelines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations for design initiatives.

• Evidence of leadership in design projects, highlighting team coordination and management contributions.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how design concepts are translated into detailed technical documentation, including plans, specifications, and construction details.

• Demonstrations of process for managing multiple projects simultaneously, including workflow organization and prioritization strategies.

• Evidence of developing and applying design standards, tools, and best practices to ensure consistency and quality across projects.

• Documentation of risk assessment and mitigation strategies applied to design and construction projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Applicants should prepare a portfolio that not only highlights visual design capabilities but also demonstrates robust project management skills, leadership experience, and a systematic approach to design execution within complex environments. Quantifiable achievements in managing timelines, budgets, and stakeholder relationships will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 7+ years of experience in a hybrid design and project management role in Gatineau, Quebec, the estimated annual salary range is CAD $85,000 - $115,000. This estimate accounts for the specific responsibilities, leadership component, required bilingualism, and the hybrid work model.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package.

• Comprehensive benefits package, including telemedicine services.

• Complimentary access to Groupe Nordik spas for the employee and a plus-one.

• Discounts on food, massage therapy, esthetic services, and other offerings at Groupe Nordik locations.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical compensation for Design Managers with significant project management and leadership experience in the Canadian market, specifically in Quebec, considering the bilingual requirement and the hybrid nature of the role. Benefits are geared towards wellness and employee well-being, aligning with the company's core business.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Wellness & Hospitality. Groupe Nordik operates in the rapidly growing wellness tourism sector, focusing on creating immersive spa villages that redefine relaxation and human connection. Their unique approach emphasizes large-scale, nature-integrated environments.

Company Size: Groupe Nordik is a significant player in the North American wellness market, known for developing some of the largest and most unique spa experiences. The company culture likely values innovation, a strong connection to nature, and a commitment to guest experience.

Founded: While the founding date is not specified, Groupe Nordik has established itself as a leader, particularly with its flagship locations like Nordik Spa-Nature. This history implies a stable yet innovative company culture focused on long-term growth and brand development.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated internal design team, potentially comprising interior designers, architectural technicians, or junior designers.

• This team will operate within a broader organizational structure that includes strong ties to Operations, Experience Development, and Construction/Development departments.

Methodology:

• Design Conceptualization: Translating brand vision and guest experience goals into tangible design concepts for physical spaces.

• Project Delivery: A structured approach to managing design projects from initiation through to completion, emphasizing timelines, budgets, and quality control.

• Cross-Functional Integration: A methodology that prioritizes seamless collaboration between design, operations, and construction teams to ensure feasibility, efficiency, and adherence to brand standards.

Company Website: https://www.lenordik.com/ (Note: The provided organization_url leads to ADP, a recruitment platform. This is the primary company website.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "immersive spa villages" and "redefining relaxation and human connection" suggests a culture that values creativity, guest well-being, and a holistic approach to design. The Design Manager will be central to realizing this vision through physical spaces.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the design and potentially operations support functions. It requires significant experience in both design execution and project management, with a clear emphasis on leadership and strategic contribution to the company's physical expansion and enhancement. The role bridges creative direction with operational realities.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager likely reports to a Director of Design, VP of Development, or a similar senior leadership role within the company's development or operations division. They will lead a team of designers and work extensively with cross-functional department heads.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly impacts the guest experience, operational efficiency of the spaces, and the overall brand perception of Groupe Nordik. Successful design implementation can lead to increased guest satisfaction, operational cost savings (through well-designed facilities), and enhanced brand equity. Well-executed projects contribute significantly to the company's growth and market positioning.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into a Director of Design or Head of Experiential Development role, overseeing larger teams and more significant strategic initiatives.

• Strategic Design Influence: Opportunity to shape the future design direction and standards for all Groupe Nordik properties, contributing to long-term brand strategy.

• Broader Project Scope: Involvement in larger, more complex development projects, potentially including new flagship locations or significant brand expansions.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Developing deeper expertise in operations, construction, and guest experience by working closely with these departments, offering a well-rounded business perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within a specialized and expanding industry. The opportunity to influence brand standards and lead major development projects makes it attractive for experienced design professionals looking to leverage their skills in a dynamic and guest-centric environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "Hybrid," indicating a blend of remote work and on-site presence. This suggests a modern workplace policy that balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration and site visits.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Gatineau, QC, Canada. Given the hybrid nature and the company's operations, there may be expectations for travel to various Groupe Nordik spa locations for project oversight and site assessments.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates intentional collaboration. Expect a mix of virtual meetings, in-person team sessions, and site visits to ensure alignment and effective communication.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Revit, SketchUp) and project management tools (MS Project, Asana, ClickUp) will be standard. This supports efficient design creation, documentation, and project tracking.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with a design team, as well as close collaboration with operational staff, construction teams, and other stakeholders to ensure design feasibility and seamless integration into existing or new facilities.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week, Monday to Friday, provides a structured framework. The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility in managing personal and professional time, particularly beneficial for roles that require both focused design work and on-site project engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement signifies a modern approach to workplace management, balancing the need for focused individual work with essential team collaboration and site-specific project engagement. Candidates should be comfortable with both remote communication tools and in-person site visits.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of applications and portfolios for relevant experience, design skills, project management capabilities, and bilingualism.

• First Interview: Likely with HR or a hiring manager to assess overall fit, experience, and understanding of the role's scope. This may include behavioral questions related to leadership and project management.

• Design/Project Challenge: A practical exercise or case study presentation focusing on a design problem relevant to experiential spaces or a project management scenario. This will assess problem-solving skills, design thinking, and presentation abilities.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members and key cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., Operations, Experience Development) to evaluate collaboration style, communication, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic vision, long-term contributions, and final offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Experiential Design: Highlight projects that emphasize creating unique guest experiences, not just aesthetically pleasing spaces. Detail the why behind design choices.

• Demonstrate Project Management: Include examples of projects managed end-to-end. Quantify achievements related to budget adherence, timeline management, and successful delivery.

• Illustrate Leadership: Provide examples of leading design teams, mentoring junior designers, and coordinating external partners effectively.

• Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration: Showcase projects where close work with operations, construction, or other departments was crucial for success, explaining how you navigated these relationships.

• Emphasize Brand Alignment: If possible, show how your design approach aligns with or can adapt to a strong brand vision like Groupe Nordik's.

• Technical Proficiency: Clearly present examples of technical documentation (plans, details) and demonstrate proficiency with relevant software (Revit, SketchUp).

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Thinking: Be prepared to articulate your process for conceptualizing and developing experiential spaces, considering user flow, atmosphere, and operational needs.

• Project Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing competing priorities, resolving budget overruns, or handling stakeholder disagreements.

• Brand Integration: Think about how you would approach designing for a brand like Groupe Nordik, considering its unique identity and guest experience philosophy.

• Technical Knowledge: Refresh your understanding of construction standards, building codes, and material applications relevant to hospitality and wellness environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus heavily on practical application of design and project management skills, with a strong emphasis on how candidates can translate strategic vision into tangible, operationalized spaces. The portfolio is a critical tool for demonstrating this capability.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Autodesk Revit (strong preference), SketchUp (or equivalent 3D modeling software). Proficiency in these tools is crucial for creating detailed architectural plans, 3D models, and visualizations.

• Project Management Software: MS Project, Asana, ClickUp (or similar). Essential for planning, tracking, and managing multiple projects, timelines, resources, and team workloads.

• Office Productivity Suite: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for documentation, reporting, presentations, and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as analytics tools, strong proficiency in Excel will be required for budget tracking, project cost analysis, and reporting on project status.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role's core functions but expect to interact with systems used by operations and construction teams.

• Understanding how design choices impact operational workflows and guest experience can be enhanced by familiarity with CRM principles, though direct CRM tool usage may not be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Revit and SketchUp is highlighted as essential, indicating the company's reliance on these industry-standard tools for detailed design and visualization. Familiarity with a range of project management platforms suggests a dynamic project environment where efficient tracking and collaboration are key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Design: A commitment to creating visually stunning, highly functional, and immersive spaces that elevate the guest experience.

• Guest-Centricity: Prioritizing the guest journey and well-being in all design decisions, ensuring spaces are not only beautiful but also conducive to relaxation and connection.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where design teams and cross-functional partners work cohesively towards shared objectives.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Encouraging creative problem-solving and staying ahead of trends in the wellness and experiential design sectors.

• Efficiency & Rigor: Applying disciplined project management practices to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working collaboratively with Operations, Experience Development, and Construction teams to ensure design intent is practical and achievable.

• Constructive Feedback: An open environment where design concepts are shared and refined through constructive feedback from peers and stakeholders.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and emerging trends within the design team and across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to strongly value the intersection of creative excellence and operational effectiveness. Success in this role will require not only strong design skills but also the ability to collaborate seamlessly with operational and construction teams to bring a unified vision to life.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Vision with Constraints: Effectively translating ambitious design visions into reality while adhering to strict technical, budgetary, and regulatory constraints.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Navigating the needs and expectations of various internal departments (Operations, Marketing, Construction) and external partners (architects, contractors, suppliers).

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring that design standards are consistently applied across multiple projects and locations, while still allowing for site-specific creativity.

• Pace of Development: Keeping pace with Groupe Nordik's expansion and renovation plans, which may involve managing a high volume of projects simultaneously.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & Project Management Skills: Opportunities to refine skills in Revit, SketchUp, and advanced project management methodologies, potentially through specialized training or certifications.

• Industry Expertise: Deepening knowledge of the wellness and hospitality sectors, including emerging trends, materials, and operational best practices.

• Leadership Development: Gaining experience in team management, strategic planning, and cross-functional leadership within a growing organization.

• Exposure to Large-Scale Projects: Working on significant development projects that can significantly enhance a professional's portfolio and career trajectory.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex design and project management challenges in a unique and growing industry, fostering significant professional development and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a strong creative vision with significant technical or budget limitations. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, compromise, and creative solutions.)

• "How do you ensure effective communication and alignment between design teams, operations, and construction teams throughout a project lifecycle?" (Highlight your understanding of cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management.)

• "Walk us through your process for developing and maintaining design standards for a brand like Groupe Nordik. What factors would you consider?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and attention to brand consistency.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about Groupe Nordik's brand and its approach to experiential wellness spaces?" (Show research into the company's mission, values, and existing properties.)

• "How do you see your design philosophy contributing to Groupe Nordik's goal of 'redefining relaxation and human connection'?" (Connect your personal approach to the company's core mission.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, clearly articulate the initial brief, your design process, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., improved guest experience, operational efficiency).

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality renderings, plans, and photos. Ensure your technical drawings are legible and demonstrate your proficiency with software like Revit.

• Focus on Process: Detail your project management approach for each case study, including how you managed timelines, budgets, and stakeholder communications.

• Highlight Leadership: Point out specific instances where you led teams, mentored junior designers, or managed external vendors.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most relevant projects and achievements for this specific role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of both creative design principles and practical project management execution, with an emphasis on how these skills contribute to achieving business objectives and enhancing the user experience within a branded environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP link.

• Prepare a compelling portfolio: Curate a selection of your best work that showcases experiential space design, project management success, and leadership capabilities. Ensure it highlights your proficiency in Revit/SketchUp and your ability to manage projects from concept to completion.

• Tailor your resume: Emphasize your 7+ years of design/architecture experience, specifically highlighting any project management, team leadership, or experiential space development roles. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Practice your presentation: Be ready to walk through your portfolio, clearly articulating your design process, project management approach, and collaborative efforts. Practice answering common interview questions related to design strategy, leadership, and stakeholder management.

• Research Groupe Nordik: Understand their brand, mission, existing spa locations, and their commitment to wellness and human connection. Prepare to articulate how your skills and vision align with their unique offerings.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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