Design Manager - Hotel, Hospitality projects

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Hotel, Hospitality Projects Company: Cushman & Wakefield Location: Ahmedabad, India Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Project Management / Design Operations Date Posted: July 31, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the end-to-end design process for hotel and hospitality projects, ensuring alignment with strategic business objectives and user experience requirements.
• Oversee and mentor design teams, fostering a collaborative environment to drive design excellence and innovation in project execution.
• Implement robust quality control measures and technical standards to guarantee design integrity and compliance with industry regulations and client specifications.
• Serve as a key liaison, effectively managing stakeholder communications and expectations throughout the project lifecycle to ensure successful project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Cushman & Wakefield, a global leader in real estate services. The "Design Manager" title, coupled with the focus on "Hotel, Hospitality projects," indicates a role that bridges strategic design direction with operational project execution within a specialized real estate sector. The emphasis on managing teams, stakeholder collaboration, and quality control suggests a need for strong project management and leadership skills, typical of operations and project delivery functions within a large, client-facing organization. This is not a typical Revenue Operations or Sales Operations role, but rather a specialized project management function within the real estate/hospitality sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive design strategies for hotel and hospitality projects, ensuring they meet business objectives, brand standards, and client requirements.
• Manage and mentor internal and external design teams, architects, and consultants, providing clear direction and feedback to ensure project milestones are met.
• Conduct rigorous design reviews and quality assurance checks at various project stages, from conceptualization to construction documentation, to ensure adherence to technical standards and regulatory compliance.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between design teams, project managers, clients, contractors, and other stakeholders to resolve design-related issues and ensure project continuity.
• Oversee the management of design budgets, resources, and project schedules, proactively identifying and mitigating risks to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery.
• Maintain a deep understanding of current design principles, construction methodologies, hospitality trends, and relevant industry codes and regulations to inform design decisions.
• Proactively identify and resolve design challenges, offering innovative and practical solutions that align with project constraints and objectives.
• Prepare and present design proposals, progress reports, and final documentation to clients and senior management, clearly articulating design intent and project status.
• Ensure all design processes and deliverables comply with Cushman & Wakefield's internal standards, client agreements, and relevant legal and safety regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic oversight, team leadership, technical execution, and stakeholder management, common in senior project management roles within real estate development and construction. The focus on "hotel and hospitality projects" implies a need for specialized knowledge in interior design, architectural planning, and operational flow specific to these environments. The mention of "resource management" and "budget management" points towards operational efficiency and financial accountability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in design management, project management, or a similar role within the construction industry, with a strong emphasis on hotel and hospitality projects.
• Demonstrated success in managing the full lifecycle of design projects from concept through to completion.
• Experience in leading and developing design teams, including architects, interior designers, and technical specialists.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and manage complex design processes for hospitality venues.
• Project Management: Expertise in planning, executing, and closing projects on time and within budget, utilizing project management methodologies.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong understanding of architectural principles, construction methods, building codes, and design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp).
• Stakeholder Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with clients, teams, and vendors.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving: High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities for design challenges.
• Leadership & Mentoring: Ability to lead, guide, and mentor design teams, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Negotiation Skills: Effective negotiation abilities to manage contracts, vendor agreements, and stakeholder expectations.
• Collaboration: Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, fast-paced professional environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced degree or professional certification in Architecture, Design, or Project Management (e.g., PMP, LEED AP).
• Familiarity with Cushman & Wakefield's service offerings and client base.
• Experience with sustainability standards and their integration into hospitality design.
• Knowledge of procurement processes and contract administration specific to construction and design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills reflect a need for a seasoned professional who can handle the technical intricacies of design while also possessing strong leadership and interpersonal abilities crucial for managing projects and stakeholders in the hospitality sector. The preferred skills suggest a desire for candidates who not only meet the basic requirements but also bring added value through advanced certifications or specific industry knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing successful hotel and hospitality design projects managed from inception to completion.
• Demonstration of how design strategies were translated into tangible project outcomes, highlighting specific achievements in design quality and functionality.
• Examples of project documentation, including design briefs, concept development, technical drawings, and specifications, that illustrate a systematic approach.
• Evidence of managing design budgets, project timelines, and resource allocation effectively across various projects.
• Case studies detailing how complex design challenges were overcome, including the processes used and the resulting impact on project success.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of established design process workflows, including stages for concept development, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and site supervision.
• Documentation of quality control procedures implemented during the design phase to ensure accuracy, compliance, and adherence to project standards.
• Evidence of systems used for managing design iterations, feedback loops, and stakeholder approvals to streamline the design process.
• Demonstration of how project performance metrics, such as adherence to budget, schedule, and client satisfaction related to design, were tracked and reported.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role in hospitality projects, a portfolio is critical. It should not only display aesthetic capabilities but also demonstrate a structured, process-driven approach to design management, including technical execution, stakeholder alignment, and project delivery within the unique constraints of the hospitality industry. The emphasis on process documentation highlights the need for candidates who can implement and refine operational design workflows.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in major Indian cities (like Ahmedabad) and specializing in large-scale hospitality projects, a competitive salary range would likely fall between ₹15,00,000 to ₹30,00,000 per annum. This estimate considers the specialized nature of the role, the responsibility level, and the reputation of Cushman & Wakefield.

Benefits:

• Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement within a leading global real estate services firm.
• Promote from Within Culture: Clear pathways for career advancement and opportunities to move into more senior or specialized roles.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
• Work-Life Balance: Emphasis on achieving a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal life.
• Flexible Work Environment: Potential for agile work arrangements that support employee autonomy while meeting project demands.
• Continuous Learning: Access to ongoing training, development programs, and resources to build personal, professional, and technical capabilities.
• Comprehensive Employee Benefits Program: A robust package including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other benefits designed to support employee well-being.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, aligning with standard business operations in India. However, project demands, especially during critical design phases or tight deadlines, may require flexibility and occasional extended hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on publicly available data for similar roles in India, considering the experience level and industry. Cushman & Wakefield's stated commitment to employee benefits and career growth suggests a comprehensive package that would appeal to senior professionals. The mention of flexibility acknowledges that project-based roles in construction and design often require adaptability in working hours.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Commercial Real Estate Services, Property Management, Project Management, and Consulting. Cushman & Wakefield operates globally, providing a wide array of services to property owners and occupiers. Company Size: Large Enterprise (typically 50,000+ employees globally). This size implies structured processes, extensive resources, and a broad network of professionals. Founded: 1917. With over a century of history, Cushman & Wakefield has established a strong reputation and deep expertise in the global real estate market.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager would likely be part of a Project Management or Real Estate Services division, potentially within a dedicated Hospitality sector team.
• The team structure would involve reporting to a senior leader (e.g., Director of Project Management, Head of Hospitality Services) and managing a team of designers, architects, and project coordinators.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a hallmark of Cushman & Wakefield's operations, requiring close interaction with brokerage, asset management, facilities management, and client-side teams.

Methodology:

• Cushman & Wakefield likely employs data-driven approaches to project management, utilizing analytics for performance tracking, risk assessment, and decision-making.
• Workflow planning and optimization are crucial, with a focus on standardized processes for project delivery, client reporting, and resource management.
• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated to enhance project management tools, communication platforms, and reporting systems.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Cushman & Wakefield's scale and history is crucial. A large, global firm suggests a professional environment with established operational frameworks and opportunities for exposure to diverse, high-profile projects. The emphasis on collaboration across various service lines means the Design Manager must be adept at working with different internal teams and external clients.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the project management and design operations spectrum. It requires significant autonomy in managing projects and teams, with responsibility for ensuring the quality and success of design outcomes for high-value hospitality assets. Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager within the Project Management or specific sector division (e.g., Hospitality). They will, in turn, manage a team of designers and potentially junior project managers or coordinators. Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role has a direct and significant impact on the success of hospitality projects. High-quality, well-executed designs are fundamental to client satisfaction, property value, operational efficiency, and brand reputation within the hospitality sector. Effective design management contributes directly to revenue generation and profitability for both Cushman & Wakefield's clients and the firm itself.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Manager/Director: Progression to managing larger, more complex, or a portfolio of hospitality projects, or leading a regional design team.
• Head of Hospitality Design/Project Management: Opportunity to lead the entire hospitality design or project management function for a specific region or business unit.
• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like sustainable design, luxury hospitality fit-outs, or adaptive reuse projects.
• Cross-Functional Roles: Transitioning into broader project management roles, client relationship management, or business development within Cushman & Wakefield.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager at a firm like Cushman & Wakefield typically involves increasing responsibility, from managing individual projects to overseeing multiple projects or entire teams and functions. The growth opportunities are tied to developing both specialized expertise in hospitality design and robust project leadership skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at a Cushman & Wakefield office location in Ahmedabad, India. This suggests a professional office setting designed for collaboration, client meetings, and administrative tasks. Office Location(s): CW Site - IND - Ahmedabad - B Wings, 601 Mondeal Heights Nr Novotel Hotel, S G Highway. This specific address indicates a modern commercial building, likely in a well-connected business district. Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, with shared office spaces, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated project team areas.
• Access to standard office technology, design software, and communication tools will be provided.
• Opportunities for interaction with a diverse range of professionals within Cushman & Wakefield, including project managers, leasing agents, asset managers, and client representatives. Work Schedule: Standard business hours (likely Monday to Friday) are expected, but the nature of project management in construction and hospitality may necessitate flexibility to meet project deadlines, site visits, or client availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement means the candidate will work from the Ahmedabad office, engaging directly with colleagues and clients. The environment is likely professional and dynamic, reflecting the fast-paced nature of the real estate and hospitality industries.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager to evaluate technical skills, project management experience, and understanding of the hospitality sector. Be prepared to discuss specific projects from your portfolio.
• Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with potential team members or peers to assess collaboration style and technical aptitude. This may include a presentation of your portfolio.
• Case Study/Design Challenge: A common step for design management roles. You might be asked to analyze a design problem, propose solutions, or present a detailed walkthrough of a past project, focusing on your process and decision-making.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or department head to confirm overall fit and discuss career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-5 of your most relevant and impactful hotel/hospitality projects.
• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the design process, key challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and the final outcomes (including any metrics on budget, schedule, or client satisfaction).
• Highlight Process: Emphasize your systematic approach to design management, quality control, and stakeholder communication.
• Visuals are Key: Ensure high-quality visuals (renderings, photos, drawings) that clearly illustrate your design solutions.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data to demonstrate the success of your designs and project management efforts (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, positive client feedback).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Hospitality Nuances: Be prepared for questions related to brand standards, guest experience, operational efficiency (e.g., F&B flow, housekeeping), and guest comfort in hotel design.
• Technical Knowledge: Brush up on architectural principles, construction methods, materials, and relevant building codes.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Practice articulating how you would approach common design challenges, such as budget constraints, conflicting stakeholder requirements, or unforeseen site conditions.
• Leadership & Team Management: Be ready to discuss your leadership style, how you motivate teams, and manage performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on evaluating your practical experience through your portfolio and your ability to articulate your design and project management processes. Demonstrating a solid understanding of the hospitality sector's unique demands will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and potentially ArchiCAD for architectural drafting and modeling.
• 3D Modeling & Visualization: Familiarity with tools like SketchUp, 3ds Max, or Lumion for creating and presenting 3D models and visualizations.
• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com, or Primavera P6 for project planning, scheduling, and tracking.
• Collaboration Platforms: Usage of tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and collaboration.
• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing and sharing project documents, drawings, and specifications.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Advanced proficiency for data analysis, budget tracking, and reporting.
• Power BI / Tableau: Familiarity with business intelligence tools for creating dashboards and visualizing project performance data is a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design projects integrate with broader client management systems (if Cushman & Wakefield uses specific CRM tools for project tracking) could be beneficial.
• Experience with automation tools for repetitive tasks in design or project administration is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong command of design software and project management tools is essential. The ability to leverage data for reporting and decision-making, possibly through BI tools, will enhance suitability for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality design and project outcomes that meet or exceed client expectations.
• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with clients, team members, and vendors.
• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented approach where diverse perspectives are valued and contribute to problem-solving.
• Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking and the adoption of new technologies and best practices in design and project management.
• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and ensuring satisfaction through effective communication and service delivery.
• Efficiency: Driving operational effectiveness through streamlined processes and resource optimization.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with various departments within Cushman & Wakefield (e.g., brokerage, asset management, facilities) to ensure holistic project success.
• Feedback Culture: Encouraging open feedback loops within the design team and with stakeholders to continuously improve design and project execution.
• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise among team members to foster collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Cushman & Wakefield's emphasis on DEI and a positive work environment suggests a culture that values teamwork and mutual respect. The Design Manager is expected to be a collaborative leader who can integrate diverse inputs to achieve project goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Balancing the expectations of clients, internal teams, contractors, and regulatory bodies, each with potentially different priorities.
• Navigating Complex Hospitality Requirements: Understanding and integrating the specific operational needs, guest experiences, and brand standards inherent to different hospitality segments (e.g., luxury hotels, business hotels, resorts).
• Budget and Schedule Pressures: Delivering high-quality design outcomes within tight financial and time constraints, common in large-scale construction projects.
• Keeping Pace with Trends: Staying updated with rapidly evolving design trends, material innovations, and sustainable building practices in the hospitality sector.
• Remote Team Coordination (if applicable): If project teams are geographically dispersed, coordinating efforts effectively across different locations and time zones.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Hospitality Design Training: Access to courses or certifications focused on hotel design, F&B spaces, or luxury project management.
• Project Management Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional certifications like PMP, PRINCE2, or LEED.
• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend leading hospitality and design industry events for networking and trend analysis.
• Mentorship Programs: Participation in internal mentorship programs to gain insights from senior leaders within Cushman & Wakefield.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex challenges within a dynamic industry, fostering significant professional growth. The company's commitment to learning suggests a supportive environment for skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a design strategy for a new hotel project, ensuring it aligns with the client's brand and business goals." (Focus on strategic planning, market analysis, and stakeholder input).
• "How do you manage and motivate a diverse design team (architects, interior designers, consultants) to ensure high-quality deliverables and adherence to project timelines?" (Highlight leadership style, communication, and performance management).
• "Walk us through a challenging hospitality design project you managed. What were the key obstacles, how did you overcome them, and what was the ultimate outcome?" (Use the STAR method; focus on problem-solving, decision-making, and results).
• "How do you ensure compliance with building codes, safety regulations, and sustainability standards throughout the design and construction phases of a hospitality project?" (Demonstrate technical knowledge and process adherence).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Cushman & Wakefield and this specific role within our hospitality division?" (Research the company's values, recent projects, and market position).
• "How do you approach collaboration with different internal departments (e.g., brokerage, asset management) and external stakeholders (clients, contractors)?" (Emphasize communication, relationship-building, and conflict resolution).
• "How do you measure the success of a design project beyond just completion? What metrics do you track?" (Focus on client satisfaction, operational efficiency, budget/schedule adherence, and quality).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose projects that best demonstrate your capabilities in hotel/hospitality design management, covering different scales or types if possible.
• Narrative Flow: For each project, clearly present the problem, your approach, the solutions, and the impact. Use visuals effectively.
• Demonstrate Process: Explicitly detail your design process, quality control measures, and stakeholder management techniques utilized in each case.
• Quantify Results: Present quantifiable achievements (e.g., budget savings, schedule adherence, positive client feedback scores) to showcase your impact.
• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, problem-solving strategies, and any challenges faced.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare thoroughly by understanding Cushman & Wakefield's business and the specific demands of hospitality design. Your portfolio presentation is a critical component, so practice articulating your experience clearly and concisely, focusing on process, leadership, and quantifiable results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application directly through the Cushman & Wakefield careers portal via the provided link.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience specifically in hotel and hospitality projects, emphasizing your design management and project execution skills.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your achievements using action verbs and quantifiable results. Integrate keywords such as "Design Management," "Hospitality Projects," "Project Lifecycle," "Stakeholder Management," "Quality Control," and relevant software proficiency.
• Interview Preparation: Practice answering common interview questions related to design strategy, project management, team leadership, and problem-solving in the hospitality context. Prepare a concise narrative for your portfolio presentation.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Cushman & Wakefield's global presence, their hospitality sector expertise, recent projects, and company values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural 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.