Design Manager, Hotel, Hospitality, Project Management at Cushman & Wakefield

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager, Hotel, Hospitality, Project Management

Company: Cushman & Wakefield

Location: Ahmedabad, India

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management / Project Management (Hospitality)

Date Posted: 2025-06-13T00:00:00

Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Estimated based on role complexity)

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

Lead and oversee the design process for hotel and hospitality construction projects, ensuring alignment with business goals and user needs.
Manage and mentor design teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing creative environment.
Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders (product managers, engineers) and external clients to achieve design excellence.
Ensure designs meet stringent quality standards and comply with relevant industry codes and regulations.
Manage design budgets, resources, and project timelines from concept through completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role title and description indicate a focus on the intersection of design leadership and project management within the hospitality construction sector. The "Design Manager" title, coupled with responsibilities like strategic planning, resource management, and project oversight, suggests a senior-level position requiring significant experience in both design execution and team/project leadership. The emphasis on "Hotel, Hospitality, Project Management" further refines the industry focus.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Develop and implement design strategies aligned with overarching business objectives for hospitality projects.
Collaborate cross-functionally with product managers, project managers, engineers, and other departments to integrate design effectively throughout the project lifecycle.
Evaluate design deliverables rigorously, identify areas for improvement, and ensure all designs meet established quality standards and client expectations.
Communicate design progress, rationale, and proposed solutions clearly and effectively to clients, internal stakeholders, and design teams.
Manage design budgets, allocate resources efficiently, and oversee the selection and utilization of design tools and technologies.
Apply strong technical expertise in construction design principles, materials, and methodologies specific to the hotel and hospitality sector.
Identify and proactively resolve design challenges, technical obstacles, and project roadblocks to maintain project momentum.
Ensure all designs adhere strictly to relevant building codes, standards, and regulations applicable to hospitality construction in the specified region.
Lead, mentor, and provide technical guidance to design team members, fostering their professional growth and ensuring design quality.
Oversee the entire design process from initial concept development and feasibility studies through detailed design documentation and construction support, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the provided responsibilities and the "Manager" title, this role involves significant leadership and strategic oversight beyond individual contributor tasks. The inclusion of "Strategic Planning," "Resource Management," and "Leading and Mentoring" points strongly to a management-level position requiring not just design skill but also team and project leadership capabilities within a construction context. The emphasis on "Ensuring compliance" and "Technical Expertise" is highly relevant to design roles in the built environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Architecture or a closely related field is required. This foundational education provides the necessary understanding of design principles, spatial planning, and construction methodologies essential for hospitality projects.

Experience: Proven experience as a Design Manager or in a similar senior design leadership role within the construction industry, specifically with a focus on Hotel or Hospitality projects, is mandatory. This includes demonstrated success in managing design teams, overseeing the full design lifecycle, and delivering complex projects. A strong portfolio showcasing relevant project experience is expected, emphasizing leadership in design strategy, technical execution, and successful project outcomes.

Required Skills:

Proven Design Management experience within the hotel and hospitality construction sector.
Strong Project Management skills, including planning, execution, and monitoring of design phases.
Excellent Collaboration abilities, working effectively with diverse internal teams and external stakeholders.
Rigorous Quality Control practices to ensure design excellence and adherence to standards.
Effective Stakeholder Management, including client communication and expectation management.
Proficiency in Resource Management, including budgeting and allocation of design personnel and tools.
Deep Technical Expertise and knowledge of construction design principles, materials, and methods relevant to hospitality.
Strong Problem-Solving skills to address design challenges and project obstacles.
Exceptional Communication skills (written and verbal) for presenting design concepts, progress, and solutions.
Thorough understanding of and ability to ensure Compliance with relevant building codes, regulations, and standards.
Demonstrated ability in Leading and Mentoring design teams, fostering growth and performance.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with specific design software and BIM tools commonly used in architectural and construction design (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Rhino).
Knowledge of sustainable design practices and green building standards relevant to hospitality.
Experience with contract negotiation and management related to design services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The educational requirement of a Bachelor's in Architecture aligns with the technical nature of managing design in construction. The emphasis on "Proven experience as a Design management or similar role in the construction industry of Hotel or Hospitality project" clearly defines the required domain expertise. While specific software wasn't listed, inferring common tools used in architectural design and construction management is reasonable for this level and industry. Adding preferred skills like sustainability and contract negotiation reflects common desirable traits in senior design roles within the built environment.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Submit a comprehensive portfolio showcasing leadership and involvement in significant hotel and hospitality construction projects.
Each project case study should clearly articulate your role, responsibilities, and contributions as a Design Manager.
Include documentation demonstrating your strategic approach to design management, problem-solving during the design phase, and successful project outcomes.
Highlight your ability to manage design teams, collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders, and ensure technical quality and compliance.

Process Documentation:

For each featured project, provide detailed documentation of the design process under your management, including initial concept development, feasibility studies, and iterative design phases.
Showcase your methodologies for managing design reviews, incorporating feedback, and making design decisions.
Include examples of documentation related to material selection, technical specifications, and coordination with engineering disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role in construction, the portfolio focus shifts from individual creative output to leadership, process management, and successful project delivery. The enhancement focuses on documenting management contributions, technical oversight, collaboration, and strategic decision-making within the context of complex construction projects, which is critical for this level and industry.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: ₹1,800,000 - ₹3,000,000 INR Annually (Estimated). This estimate is based on industry data for Design Manager roles in the construction and real estate sector in major Indian cities, considering a 5-10 years experience level and the responsibilities outlined. Salary can vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation.

Benefits:

Comprehensive Employee Benefits Program, potentially including health insurance, retirement plans, and other financial benefits.
Career Development opportunities with a focus on growth within the organization.
Promotion from within culture, indicating potential for advancement.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, fostering an equitable workplace.
Work-Life Balance initiatives, supported by a flexible and agile work environment.
Opportunities for Continuous Learning and development of personal, professional, and technical skills.

Working Hours: Full-time position, typically standard business hours. Flexibility may be required based on project phases and deadlines inherent in construction project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is estimated as it was not provided. The estimate is based on typical salary ranges for Design Managers in the Indian construction/real estate sector with the specified experience level, using data from publicly available salary aggregators and industry reports for major Indian cities like Ahmedabad. Benefits are derived directly from the job description's "Why join Cushman & Wakefield?" section.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Real Estate. Cushman & Wakefield is a leading global real estate services firm, involved in transforming the way people work, shop, and live. The design function within this context is likely focused on the built environment, including commercial properties, hospitality spaces, and potentially residential or mixed-use developments.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees globally (52,000 professionals worldwide). A large, global organization indicates structured processes, potential for large-scale projects, and a diverse workforce. For design professionals, this means opportunities to work on significant projects and collaborate with a wide range of experts.

Founded: 1917. A long history suggests stability and established practices, while recent growth indicates adaptation and innovation. The design culture is likely influenced by decades of experience in real estate development and management, potentially balancing traditional approaches with modern design trends and technologies.

Team Structure:

The Design Manager will likely lead a team of architects, interior designers, and potentially technical specialists involved in the design phase of construction projects.
The role involves significant cross-functional collaboration with Project Management, Engineering, Construction, and potentially Sales or Client Management teams.
Reporting structure will likely be to a senior manager or director within the Project & Development Services or a related division.

Methodology:

Design processes will likely follow established architectural and construction project phases, including conceptual design, schematic design, design development, and construction documentation.
Emphasis will be placed on technical accuracy, compliance with building codes, and coordination with engineering disciplines (structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing).
Project management methodologies (e.g., phased gate processes, potentially incorporating elements of agile for design iterations) will likely be integrated into the design workflow.

Company Website: http://www.cushmanwakefield.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Company information (Industry, Size, Founded, Website) is derived directly from the provided data. Team structure and methodology are inferred based on the company's industry (real estate/construction), size, and the specific role title (Design Manager, Project Management). Design within a real estate services firm focused on the built environment necessitates a strong understanding of architectural processes, technical coordination, and project management integration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This position is at a managerial level within the design function, requiring significant experience and leadership capabilities. It likely sits above senior individual contributor roles and below director-level positions. The scope of responsibility includes team leadership, project oversight, and strategic input into design processes for hospitality projects.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a more senior leader within Cushman & Wakefield's Project & Development Services or a related business unit focusing on hospitality projects. This structure indicates a clear line of authority and responsibility within the project delivery framework.

Design Impact: As a Design Manager, your impact will be significant, directly influencing the quality, functionality, compliance, and successful delivery of hospitality construction projects. You will play a key role in translating client needs and business objectives into technically sound and aesthetically pleasing designs that meet industry standards and contribute to the company's reputation in the hospitality sector.

Growth Opportunities:

Potential advancement to Senior Design Manager, Associate Director, or Director roles within the Design or Project & Development Services teams, taking on larger or more complex projects and potentially managing larger teams.
Opportunities to specialize further within the hospitality sector or expand into other real estate asset classes (e.g., commercial, residential).
Development of leadership skills, strategic planning capabilities, and client relationship management expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Role analysis is based on the title "Design Manager" and the required experience level (5-10 years). The career path and growth opportunities are inferred based on typical progressions within large real estate and project management firms for design professionals. The impact is directly tied to the responsibilities of overseeing and delivering design for significant construction projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: On-site at the CW Site in Ahmedabad. This indicates a traditional office or project site-based work environment, common for roles requiring close collaboration with construction teams, site visits, and access to physical project documentation.

Office Location(s): CW Site - IND - Ahmedabad - B Wings, 601 Mondeal Heights Nr Novotel Hotel, S G Highway. This specific location suggests working within or in close proximity to project sites or a regional office supporting construction activities.

Design Workspace Context:

The work environment will likely be collaborative, involving frequent interaction with design team members, project managers, engineers, and potentially clients and contractors on-site.
Access to necessary design software, plotting facilities, and meeting rooms for design reviews and coordination is expected.
The environment will likely be dynamic, influenced by project timelines, site progress, and the need for timely design decisions and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Full-time, on-site. While the job description mentions "flexible and agile work environment" as a company value, the "On-site" location type for this specific role indicates that the primary work location is fixed. Standard business hours are expected, with potential for extended hours or site visits as project demands dictate.

📝 Enhancement Note: Work environment details are derived from the specified location and work arrangement (On-site). The description of the workspace context and schedule is inferred based on the nature of a Design Manager role in the construction industry, which typically requires on-site presence for coordination, site visits, and collaboration with project teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

Initial screening call to assess basic qualifications and experience.
Portfolio review round, where you will be expected to present and discuss your relevant hospitality design and management projects, focusing on your leadership role, design process, and technical challenges overcome.
Technical interview focusing on your knowledge of architectural design principles, construction methods, building codes, and project management practices relevant to hospitality.
Behavioral interview to assess leadership style, team management approach, communication skills, and ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders.
Potential final interview with senior leadership, discussing strategic design vision and fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Structure your portfolio case studies to highlight your role as a manager and leader, not just an individual contributor.
Clearly articulate the project objectives, your strategic approach to the design process, and how you managed the design team and stakeholders.
Include examples of technical documentation, coordination drawings, and solutions to complex design or construction challenges you oversaw.
Be prepared to discuss the business impact of your design decisions and how they contributed to the success of the hospitality projects.

Challenge Preparation:

While a formal design challenge is less common for a pure management role than for an individual contributor, you might be asked to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to managing design conflicts, resolving technical issues, or leading a challenging design review meeting.
Be prepared to walk through your problem-solving process for design-related issues in a project management context.
Practice articulating your approach to stakeholder management and negotiation in design contexts.

ATS Keywords: Design Management, Project Management, Hospitality Design, Hotel Design, Construction Design, Architectural Design, Technical Expertise, Quality Control, Stakeholder Management, Resource Management, Communication, Compliance, Leadership, Mentoring, Strategic Planning, Collaboration, Problem-Solving, AutoCAD, Revit, BIM, Building Codes, Construction Industry, Real Estate, Design Process, Design Team, Client Management, Project Lifecycle, Site Management, Feasibility Studies, Design Development, Construction Documentation, Value Engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process steps are inferred based on standard hiring practices for managerial roles in large organizations within the design and construction sectors. The portfolio review tips, challenge preparation, and ATS keywords are tailored specifically to a Design Manager role focused on hospitality construction, emphasizing leadership, technical knowledge, and project management aspects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

CAD Software (e.g., AutoCAD): Essential for creating and reviewing 2D architectural and technical drawings. Proficiency in managing CAD standards and workflows is likely required.
BIM Software (e.g., Revit): Increasingly standard in construction, BIM tools are used for 3D modeling, clash detection, and generating coordinated documentation. Experience with BIM management and coordination is highly valuable.
SketchUp or Rhino: May be used for conceptual massing, 3D visualization, and design studies, particularly in the early stages of hospitality projects.

Collaboration & Handoff:

Project Management Software (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello): Used for tracking project timelines, tasks, and resource allocation across design and construction phases.
Document Management Systems (e.g., Procore, Aconex, SharePoint): Critical for managing design documents, revisions, and communication with project teams and stakeholders.
Collaboration Platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack): Used for internal team communication and coordination.

Research & Testing:

While not typical "research" or "testing" in the UX sense, this role requires utilizing technical manuals, building codes, and industry standards for design validation.
Reviewing mock-ups, material samples, and potentially visiting completed projects for performance analysis might be part of the process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Specific design tools were not mentioned, but common software used in architectural design and construction management (CAD, BIM, Project Management, Document Management) are inferred as essential for a Design Manager in this sector. The "Research & Testing" section is adapted to the context of construction design, focusing on technical validation and material assessment rather than user research or usability testing.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

Commitment to design excellence and technical quality in the built environment, particularly within the specific requirements of the hospitality sector.
Emphasis on compliance with building codes, standards, and regulations to ensure safety and functionality.
Value placed on effective collaboration and communication across design disciplines, engineering, and construction teams.
Focus on delivering projects that meet client expectations, business objectives, and contribute positively to the user experience of hotel guests and staff.

Collaboration Style:

Collaborative and communicative, requiring frequent interaction with internal teams (project managers, engineers) and external stakeholders (clients, contractors).
Structured design review processes involving feedback incorporation and decision-making.
Emphasis on clear documentation and information sharing to ensure seamless handoff between design and construction phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Design values and collaboration style are inferred based on the company's industry (real estate/construction), the nature of the role (Design Manager in Project Management), and the specified focus on hospitality. Values like technical quality, compliance, and collaboration are paramount in this environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Managing complex design processes with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines inherent in construction projects.
Balancing aesthetic design goals with technical feasibility, budget constraints, and regulatory requirements in the hospitality sector.
Coordinating design efforts across multiple disciplines (architectural, structural, MEP, interior design) to ensure a cohesive and compliant final design.
Adapting to evolving design trends, construction technologies, and sustainability standards in the hospitality industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Opportunities to enhance project management skills and gain experience with larger or more complex hospitality developments.
Professional development in areas like sustainable design, specific building technologies, or advanced project management methodologies.
Potential to participate in industry conferences, workshops, and training relevant to hospitality design and construction.
Mentorship opportunities with senior leaders within Cushman & Wakefield.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the typical complexities of managing design in large-scale construction projects, particularly within the demanding hospitality sector. Growth opportunities are aligned with potential career progression and the development of skills relevant to this specific role and industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

Describe your approach to managing the design process for a complex hotel project from conceptualization to construction documentation. Be prepared to discuss specific phases, key milestones, and how you ensure quality and compliance at each stage.
How do you handle design conflicts or technical challenges that arise during the design phase? Provide examples of how you've resolved such issues effectively.
Explain your methodology for conducting design reviews and incorporating feedback from clients, internal teams, and external consultants.

Company Culture Questions:

What interests you about working for Cushman & Wakefield and specifically in their Project & Development Services division focused on hospitality?
Describe a time you had to collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., engineering, construction, finance) on a design project. How did you ensure effective communication and coordination?
How do you approach leading and mentoring a design team? What is your philosophy on fostering a collaborative and productive design environment?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Select 3-4 key hospitality projects from your portfolio that best demonstrate your design management experience, technical expertise, and leadership capabilities.
For each project, clearly explain your role, the project scope, the design challenges you faced, and how you led the team to overcome them.
Focus on the process and your management approach rather than just the final aesthetic outcome. Include examples of technical documentation, coordination efforts, and problem-solving.
Be prepared to discuss the business objectives of the project and how your design management contributed to achieving them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice and sample questions are tailored to a Design Manager role in construction with a hospitality focus. Questions emphasize leadership, process management, technical knowledge, and collaboration, which are critical for this position. The portfolio presentation strategy is also focused on highlighting managerial contributions and problem-solving skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

Submit your application through this link
Prepare a comprehensive resume that highlights your experience in design management, project management, and specifically within the hotel and hospitality construction sector, using relevant ATS keywords.
Curate a portfolio that showcases your leadership role in significant hospitality design and construction projects, including detailed case studies that document your process, team management, and technical oversight.
Research Cushman & Wakefield's Project & Development Services division and their work in the hospitality sector to tailor your application and interview responses.
Prepare for interviews by practicing discussing your design management approach, technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and experience collaborating with cross-functional teams on complex construction projects.

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

Design Manager, Hotel, Hospitality, Project Management