Cluster Graphic Designer Manager, Raffles & Fairmont The Red Sea

AccorHotel
Full-timeUmluj, Saudi Arabia

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Cluster Graphic Designer Manager, Raffles & Fairmont The Red Sea

Company: AccorHotel

Location: Umluj, Tabuk Province, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Category: Art & Design / Marketing / Hospitality Management

Date Posted: April 02, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years (with 3+ years in leadership)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • Lead and mentor a team of graphic designers to ensure exceptional visual brand consistency and creative innovation across the Raffles & Fairmont luxury resort cluster.

  • Oversee the strategic development and execution of all design projects, including marketing collateral, digital assets, signage, and environmental graphics, to align with luxury hospitality brand positioning.

  • Manage design budgets, project timelines, and resource allocation effectively, ensuring high-quality deliverables within defined constraints.

  • Collaborate closely with senior leadership, marketing, and operations teams to translate business objectives into compelling visual communications that enhance brand presence.

  • Drive adherence to established brand standards and design guidelines, maintaining a cohesive and elevated aesthetic across all cluster properties.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for establishing the visual identity of two prominent luxury brands within a significant new tourism development. The Cluster Graphic Designer Manager will play a pivotal role in pre-opening operations, shaping the initial brand perception and ongoing guest experience through strategic design leadership.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of graphic designers, fostering a collaborative, innovative, and high-performance creative environment.

  • Brand Standard Management: Establish, maintain, and enforce visual brand standards and comprehensive design guidelines across all cluster properties (Raffles & Fairmont The Red Sea).

  • Design Project Oversight: Oversee the creation and execution of a wide range of design projects, including marketing collateral, digital assets, signage, wayfinding systems, and environmental graphics.

  • Strategic Design Implementation: Develop and implement strategic design solutions that align with luxury hospitality brand positioning, corporate objectives, and the unique context of The Red Sea Project.

  • Budget & Resource Management: Manage design budgets, project timelines, and resource allocation across multiple projects and properties within the cluster, ensuring efficient and effective utilization.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with marketing, operations, F&B, and senior management to understand business objectives and translate them into compelling visual communications.

  • Quality Assurance & Feedback: Conduct regular design reviews, provide constructive feedback to the design team, and ensure the highest quality and brand consistency in all deliverables.

  • Industry Trend Analysis: Stay current with emerging design trends, industry best practices, and relevant technologies in the luxury hospitality sector and the Middle East market.

  • Vendor & Production Coordination: Coordinate with external vendors, printers, and production partners to ensure the quality, accuracy, and timely delivery of all printed and physical assets.

  • Strategic Planning Contribution: Participate in strategic planning sessions to shape the overall visual identity and creative direction of the resort cluster, contributing to long-term brand success.

  • Performance Monitoring: Monitor and evaluate team performance, providing regular coaching, performance reviews, and professional development opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "environmental graphics" and "wayfinding" highlights the need for a designer who understands physical space and guest flow within a resort setting, beyond just digital or print collateral. This requires a strategic approach to how design influences the guest journey.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for management roles in this industry.

Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of professional graphic design experience, with a minimum of 3 years in a leadership or management capacity, preferably within a multi-property or cluster environment.

Required Skills:

  • Demonstrated expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) at an advanced level.

  • Strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design work, with a clear preference for luxury hospitality, high-end branding, or resort environments.

  • Proven experience in managing, mentoring, and developing creative teams.

  • Excellent project management skills, with the ability to effectively manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

  • Solid understanding of brand identity development, visual communication principles, and design aesthetics.

  • Experience with budget management, resource planning, and financial responsibility for design initiatives.

  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present ideas and concepts clearly and persuasively.

  • Proficiency in digital design principles, print production processes, and environmental graphics design.

  • Knowledge of design production processes, including printing specifications, material selection, and vendor management.

  • Strong problem-solving abilities and a creative thinking skill set to address design challenges.

  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across diverse departments and with senior stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

  • Prior experience in the luxury hospitality industry or managing design for multi-property resort environments.

  • Familiarity with design management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) and project tracking tools.

  • Experience working in or with Middle Eastern markets, understanding cultural nuances in design and communication.

  • Knowledge of 3D rendering software or architectural visualization tools for environmental graphics.

  • Familiarity with pre-opening operational planning and execution for hospitality venues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for at least 3 years in a leadership role, combined with the "cluster" nature of the position, strongly suggests the need for a candidate who can not only design but also strategize, delegate, and manage performance across multiple distinct brands and locations. This implies a need for strong organizational and interpersonal skills beyond pure design talent.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A compelling portfolio that showcases a broad range of design projects, demonstrating expertise in luxury branding, marketing collateral, digital assets, and environmental graphics.

  • Specific case studies highlighting successful brand implementation and consistency across multiple touchpoints or properties.

  • Examples of design solutions that directly contributed to business objectives, such as increased guest engagement, enhanced brand perception, or improved operational efficiency.

  • Demonstrations of skills in Adobe Creative Suite, with an emphasis on complex projects that required advanced techniques.

Process Documentation:

  • The ability to document and articulate design processes, from concept ideation to final execution and implementation.

  • Clear workflows for managing design requests, revisions, approvals, and vendor communication within a multi-property structure.

  • Methodologies for ensuring brand guideline adherence and quality control across all design outputs.

  • Experience in creating and maintaining design asset libraries and style guides for ongoing reference and use.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Cluster Manager" role, the portfolio should not just showcase individual design talent but also the ability to manage and standardize design quality across multiple entities. This means including examples of how they've established or enforced brand guidelines and managed design processes for others.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Cluster Graphic Designer Manager role in a luxury hospitality context in Saudi Arabia, with 5-10 years of experience and leadership responsibilities, the estimated annual salary range would be approximately SAR 250,000 - SAR 400,000 (USD 66,600 - USD 106,600). This range can vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and the final negotiation.

Benefits:

  • Competitive Package: A comprehensive compensation package that reflects the seniority and strategic importance of the role.

  • Professional Growth Opportunities: Access to internal and external training, workshops, and development programs to enhance leadership and design skills.

  • Global Accor Network Discounts: Outstanding discounts across the global Accor and luxury brand network, offering travel and accommodation benefits.

  • Relocation Assistance: Potential for relocation assistance and accommodation support, given the international nature of the role and location.

  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health insurance coverage and access to wellness programs.

  • Career Advancement: Opportunities for career progression within Accor's extensive portfolio of brands.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, given the nature of hospitality and pre-opening phases, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and operational needs, potentially including occasional weekend work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research of similar management roles in luxury hospitality in the Middle East, considering the cost of living and compensation standards in Saudi Arabia. The inclusion of "pre-opening operations" suggests potential for significant project-based work and a dynamic schedule.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Luxury Hospitality & Tourism Development. Accor is a global leader in hospitality, and The Red Sea Project is one of the world's most ambitious regenerative tourism projects, focusing on sustainability and unique experiences.

Company Size: Accor is a large, multinational corporation with over 5,300 properties and 42 brands across 110 countries, employing over 300,000 people. Raffles & Fairmont are part of Accor's luxury segment.

Founded: Accor was founded in 1963. The Red Sea Project is a newer initiative, highlighting a commitment to innovation and future-forward development.

Team Structure:

  • The role operates within a cluster management structure, overseeing design for both Raffles and Fairmont brands at The Red Sea.

  • The Graphic Designer Manager will likely report to a Director of Marketing or a General Manager for the cluster, with direct reports being the graphic designers.

Methodology:

  • Data-Driven Design: Utilizing insights from market trends, guest feedback, and performance metrics to inform design decisions and strategies.

  • Brand-Centric Approach: Ensuring all creative output strictly adheres to the established brand identities and values of Raffles and Fairmont, tailored for The Red Sea context.

  • Collaborative Workflow: Employing a team-based approach to creative problem-solving, brainstorming, and project execution, fostering an environment of shared ownership and innovation.

  • Efficiency & Optimization: Implementing streamlined design processes and utilizing technology to maximize efficiency, manage resources effectively, and deliver high-quality results within deadlines.

Company Website: https://www.accor.com/ and https://theredsea.sa/

📝 Enhancement Note: The dual-brand nature of this cluster (Raffles & Fairmont) implies a need for the manager to understand and potentially differentiate design approaches while maintaining overarching brand integrity and cluster-wide visual consistency. This requires a nuanced understanding of luxury brand positioning.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management position within the creative and marketing function of a luxury hospitality cluster. It involves strategic oversight, team leadership, and significant responsibility for brand representation.

Reporting Structure: The Cluster Graphic Designer Manager will report to senior leadership within the resort cluster, likely a Cluster Director of Marketing, Director of Sales & Marketing, or a General Manager. They will directly manage a team of graphic designers.

Operations Impact: The role has a substantial impact on the guest experience, brand perception, and operational effectiveness. High-quality, consistent, and strategic design directly influences guest acquisition, engagement, satisfaction, and the overall luxury image of Raffles & Fairmont The Red Sea. This role is crucial for setting the visual tone of a brand-new, high-profile destination.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Leadership Expansion: Potential to manage design for additional properties or expand responsibilities within Accor's growing portfolio in the region.

  • Brand Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in luxury brand management and creative direction within the hospitality sector.

  • Strategic Marketing Involvement: Increased involvement in broader marketing strategy and pre-opening campaign development.

  • Cross-Brand Expertise: Developing a unique skill set in managing design across different luxury brands within a single cluster.

  • Regional Impact: Contributing to the development and success of a landmark tourism destination, offering significant professional recognition.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "pre-opening operations" aspect is a significant growth opportunity, offering the chance to build a design function from the ground up and leave a lasting mark on a globally significant project. This experience is highly valuable for future leadership roles in hospitality branding.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based on-site at the Raffles & Fairmont The Red Sea resorts in Umluj, Saudi Arabia. It will involve working within dedicated office spaces designed to support creative teams.

Office Location(s): Umluj, Tabuk Province, Saudi Arabia, within the developing Red Sea Project. This is a unique, pristine coastal environment.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Creative Hub: The workspace is expected to be designed to foster collaboration among the design team and with other departments, likely featuring modern design aesthetics.

  • Access to Tools & Technology: The role will have access to industry-standard design software and hardware, as well as potentially advanced visualization and printing facilities.

  • Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with a diverse team of hospitality professionals, marketing specialists, and operational staff, facilitating a holistic understanding of resort operations.

  • Inspirational Environment: The stunning natural beauty and ambitious development of The Red Sea Project provide a unique and inspiring backdrop for creative work.

Work Schedule: Full-time, on-site. While standard office hours apply, the dynamic nature of pre-opening projects and the luxury hospitality sector may require flexibility, including potential evening or weekend work to meet critical deadlines or address urgent design needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The environment will be a blend of a corporate creative setting and an active, developing resort destination. Candidates should be prepared for the unique challenges and opportunities of working in a large-scale, sustainable tourism development project that is still in its formative stages.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess experience, qualifications, and creative output.

  • First Interview (Video/Phone): Discussion of experience, leadership style, brand understanding, and initial case study presentations. This stage often involves HR and a hiring manager from the marketing or operations team.

  • Second Interview (On-site or Video): Deeper dive into strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and team management capabilities. May include a presentation of a prepared case study or a design challenge response. This stage often involves senior leadership (e.g., Cluster General Manager, Regional VP of Marketing).

  • Presentation/Design Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design challenge or present a detailed portfolio review focusing on specific projects and their impact, demonstrating strategic thinking and execution.

  • Final Interview: Final discussion with key stakeholders to assess cultural fit, long-term vision, and alignment with Accor's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in luxury hospitality, brand management, and leadership. Ensure diversity in the types of projects shown (e.g., print, digital, environmental).

  • Highlight Leadership: For management roles, include examples of how you led teams, managed projects, or implemented design strategies that achieved significant results.

  • Showcase Brand Understanding: Demonstrate your ability to create and maintain distinct brand identities, particularly for luxury segments. If possible, include examples relevant to Saudi Arabia or the Middle East.

  • Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to showcase the results of your design work (e.g., increased engagement, improved conversion rates, successful campaign launches).

  • Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, with clear project descriptions, your role, the challenges, solutions, and outcomes. Use high-quality visuals.

  • Prepare a Presentation: Be ready to walk through your portfolio, articulating your design process, creative rationale, and leadership approach.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Research Accor Brands: Deeply understand the brand guidelines, target audiences, and unique selling propositions of Raffles and Fairmont, especially in the context of The Red Sea.

  • Understand The Red Sea Project: Familiarize yourself with the vision, sustainability goals, and unique offerings of this development.

  • Anticipate Strategy Questions: Prepare to discuss how you would approach establishing visual consistency across two luxury brands in a new destination, managing a remote or dispersed team, and balancing creative innovation with brand standards.

  • Practice Presentation Skills: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and responding to hypothetical design challenges clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "cluster" aspect and the pre-opening phase, expect interview questions focused on strategic brand integration, team building in a new environment, and managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines. The portfolio review is likely to be heavily weighted.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Suite:

    • Photoshop: For image manipulation, digital asset creation, and mockups.
    • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
    • InDesign: For layout design of brochures, menus, signage, and marketing collateral.
  • Other Design Software: Potential familiarity with After Effects for motion graphics, Premiere Pro for video editing, or 3D software (e.g., SketchUp, Blender) for environmental graphics visualization.

  • Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote for creating presentations and proposals.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Project Management & Collaboration Tools:

  • Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or Jira for task management, workflow tracking, and team collaboration.

  • Cloud Storage & Collaboration: Proficiency with platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive for file sharing and collaborative editing.

  • Communication Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams for daily team communication and project updates.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The emphasis on "environmental graphics" and "signage" suggests a need for familiarity with large-format printing, material considerations, and potentially basic understanding of spatial design principles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful design that meets and exceeds brand and guest expectations.

  • Brand Integrity: Upholding the prestige and distinctiveness of the Raffles and Fairmont brands through meticulous attention to detail in all visual communications.

  • Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging fresh ideas and novel design solutions that align with a forward-thinking luxury resort experience.

  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where designers can share ideas, provide feedback, and work together towards common goals.

  • Efficiency & Adaptability: Embracing streamlined processes and the ability to adapt to changing project requirements and timelines in a dynamic environment.

  • Sustainability Focus: Aligning design choices with the environmental and sustainable development ethos of The Red Sea Project where applicable.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Partnership: Working closely with marketing, operations, F&B, and corporate brand teams to ensure design initiatives are strategically aligned and effectively implemented.

  • Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and regular communication, feedback loops, and constructive critique within the design team and with stakeholders.

  • Shared Vision: Cultivating a collective understanding of the brand vision and project objectives to ensure all design efforts contribute cohesively.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Promoting a culture where designers share best practices, new techniques, and insights to elevate the entire team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Accor's overarching values often include guest passion, innovation, integrity, and sustainability. For this specific role, the emphasis will be on luxury brand representation, team leadership, and driving creative excellence within a unique development context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Dual-Brand Management: Balancing the distinct identities and standards of Raffles and Fairmont while ensuring overall cluster visual coherence and efficiency.

  • Pre-Opening Dynamics: Navigating the fast-paced, often fluid environment of a resort pre-opening, managing evolving requirements and tight deadlines.

  • Remote Team Leadership: Effectively leading and motivating a design team, potentially dispersed or working remotely, to maintain high standards and collaboration.

  • New Destination Integration: Translating global luxury brand standards into a unique, context-specific visual identity for The Red Sea.

  • Balancing Creativity & Constraints: Ensuring innovative design solutions while adhering to strict brand guidelines, budgets, and production limitations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Luxury Hospitality Branding Mastery: Deepening expertise in the nuances of luxury brand management within the global hospitality sector.

  • Large-Scale Project Experience: Gaining invaluable experience in the pre-opening and operational launch of a landmark international tourism destination.

  • Cross-Cultural Design Acumen: Enhancing understanding and application of design principles within the Middle Eastern cultural context.

  • Leadership Development: Further honing team management, strategic planning, and stakeholder communication skills in a senior leadership role.

  • Sustainability in Design: Learning to integrate sustainable design practices into creative output, aligning with The Red Sea Project's core values.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be harmonizing two distinct luxury brands within a new, ambitious development. Candidates who can demonstrate strategic thinking, strong leadership, and adaptability will be best positioned to succeed and grow.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "How would you approach establishing and maintaining consistent brand identity across two distinct luxury brands (Raffles and Fairmont) within a single resort cluster, especially during a pre-opening phase?" (Focus on brand guideline implementation, team alignment, and cross-brand collaboration strategies.)

  • "Describe your experience managing creative teams. What is your philosophy on mentoring, performance management, and fostering a collaborative design environment?" (Highlight leadership style, team-building techniques, and conflict resolution.)

  • "Imagine a scenario where the marketing budget for a key pre-opening campaign is unexpectedly reduced. How would you adapt your design strategy and resource allocation to still achieve impactful results?" (Assess problem-solving, prioritization, and financial acumen.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What attracts you to Accor and specifically to the Raffles & Fairmont The Red Sea project?" (Show genuine interest in the company, brands, and the destination's vision.)

  • "How do you see your role contributing to the unique vision of The Red Sea Project, particularly its focus on sustainability and luxury?" (Connect your skills to the project's core values and objectives.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation like a story, outlining the challenge, your creative process, the solution, and the measurable impact.

  • Focus on Leadership: For each project, clearly articulate your role, especially if you managed a team or a component of the project. Highlight decision-making processes.

  • Brand Rationale: Be prepared to explain why you made certain design choices, linking them back to brand strategy, target audience, and business objectives.

  • Visual Polish: Ensure your presentation slides are as well-designed as your portfolio work. Use high-resolution images and a clean layout.

  • Conciseness: Respect the interviewer's time; aim for clarity and impact without excessive detail. Practice your timing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect questions that probe your ability to think strategically about brand, manage complex projects, lead teams, and adapt to the unique demands of a luxury hospitality pre-opening environment in a developing, high-profile destination.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Cluster Graphic Designer Manager position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

  • Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to specifically highlight your experience in luxury hospitality, multi-brand management, leadership, and your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite. Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of brand consistency, marketing collateral, and environmental graphics.

  • Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 5+ years of design experience and 3+ years of leadership experience. Quantify achievements where possible, using metrics related to project success, team performance, or budget management.

  • Interview Preparation: Thoroughly research Accor, the Raffles and Fairmont brands, and The Red Sea Project. Prepare to discuss your approach to dual-brand management, team leadership, and strategic design in a pre-opening context. Practice presenting your portfolio.

  • Company Research: Understand Accor's mission, values, and the unique selling propositions of Raffles and Fairmont. Familiarize yourself with the sustainability goals and vision of The Red Sea Project to demonstrate alignment.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates must have at least 5 years of professional graphic design experience, including 3 years in a leadership capacity. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and a strong portfolio in luxury hospitality or high-end branding are required.