Senior Design Director - Ennismore DTS

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Director - Ennismore DTS

Company: AccorCorpo

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design & Technical Services / Hospitality Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-06-03T04:00:12.838

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the end-to-end delivery and execution of interior design projects for Ennismore's luxury hospitality brands.

• Act as the primary point of contact for interior design interventions, from initial project brief to final staging and art curation.

• Ensure seamless coordination between owners, consultants, and the Global Brand Design (GBD) team to maintain brand integrity and market relevance.

• Drive the conceptual and schematic design phases, influencing owners and consultants to align with brand standards and bespoke project briefs.

• Manage the documentation and construction phases, including mock-up room sign-offs and coordination for F&B, Mice, and wellness spaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is fundamentally about translating brand vision into tangible, high-quality hospitality spaces. It requires a blend of strong design leadership, project management acumen, and significant stakeholder influence within the luxury hospitality sector. The emphasis on "Ennismore DTS" suggests a focus on Design & Technical Services, implying a critical role in the operationalization of design concepts.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage overall project interior design delivery and execution, aligning with DTS project leads and owner consultants.

• Serve as the main point of contact for Interior Design from project initiation ("issuing project specific ID brief") to opening ("Final layering, art and staging assistance").

• Influence owners to appoint Interior Designers and key consultants from approved Brand lists.

• Develop bespoke Project ID briefs that align with Brand direction and specific market nuances.

• Coordinate daily design delivery during programming and conceptual design stages with owners' consultants, ensuring alignment with Global Program Committee (GPC) approved directions.

• Influence owners' consultants during concept, schematic, and Design Development (DD) stages.

• Ensure final designs are documented for construction, collaborating closely with the owners' design team.

• Coordinate and manage mock-up room sign-offs.

• Oversee and manage design coordination for F&B, Mice, and wellness areas with owners' consultants.

• Maintain a deep understanding of Ennismore brands, design standards, and Brand Box updates from GBD.

• Prepare for and coordinate GPC meetings at programming and concept stages for validation with GBD.

• Leverage GBD's expertise to convince owners at critical design junctures.

• Ensure the owners' team implements Brand-related OSE (Operational Standards & Equipment) and signage (internal & external) with GBD's assistance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus: direct project execution and strategic brand guardianship. The candidate must not only manage the design process but also actively influence stakeholders to uphold Ennismore's brand ethos across diverse project types (urban, resort, F&B, wellness).

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum 5-10 years of experience specifically in Luxury hospitality Interior Design.

• Proven exposure to both urban and resort luxury hospitality interiors.

• Prior experience with international Interior Design firms delivering luxury urban and resort projects from inception through to opening.

Required Skills:

• Interior Design Expertise: Deep understanding of luxury hospitality design principles, trends, and execution.

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, from concept to completion, adhering to timelines and budgets.

• Brand Alignment: Strong ability to interpret and implement global brand design guidelines and create bespoke briefs that align with them.

• Design Software Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in MS Office, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Photoshop, and InDesign.

• AI Design Tools: Exposure and proficiency with AI design applications relevant to the design process.

• Presentation & Influencing Skills: Excellent verbal and visual communication skills, with the ability to present design concepts effectively and influence stakeholders (owners, consultants).

• Technical Documentation: Understanding of construction documentation and the process from design to build.

• Coordination & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with diverse teams, including owners, consultants, and internal brand teams.

Preferred Skills:

• MEAIT Market Knowledge: Familiarity with luxury hospitality trends and client expectations in the Middle East, Africa, India, and Turkey.

• Mock-up Room Management: Experience in overseeing and approving mock-up rooms.

• F&B, Mice, Wellness Design: Specific experience in designing these specialized hospitality areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "AI design apps" suggests a forward-thinking approach to design technology, which candidates should highlight if they have experience. The need for influencing skills is paramount, as this role bridges design aspirations with commercial realities and owner expectations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Execution Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 luxury hospitality projects (urban and resort) managed from concept through to opening. Clearly articulate your role, the design challenges, your solutions, and the final outcomes.

• Brand Integration Examples: Demonstrate how you have successfully integrated global brand standards while creating unique, bespoke design experiences for specific properties.

• Technical Proficiency Showcase: Include examples of construction documentation, mood boards, 3D renderings, and detailed drawings that highlight your command of design software.

• Stakeholder Management: Provide examples or descriptions of how you managed client expectations, influenced decisions, and collaborated with consultants to achieve project goals.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing the design workflow from initial brief to site handover. Highlight any methodologies you use for streamlining processes and ensuring efficiency.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Illustrate how you've coordinated with different departments (e.g., GBD, DTS, Operations) and external consultants to achieve project objectives.

• Quality Assurance: Describe your process for ensuring design quality, brand adherence, and construction accuracy throughout the project lifecycle, including mock-up room reviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their ability to manage complex projects, influence stakeholders, and deliver high-quality, brand-aligned results within the luxury hospitality sector. Highlighting experience with AI design tools in their portfolio will be a significant advantage.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Great healthcare coverage.

• Competitive salary package.

• Opportunities for professional development and learning.

• Participation in annual diversity and inclusion events.

• Opportunities for career progression and internal mobility within the global Ennismore family of brands.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected during critical project phases or pre-opening periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on market research for senior design roles in Dubai's hospitality sector, considering the reputation of Accor/Ennismore. Benefits are listed as provided, with emphasis on growth and development, which are attractive to senior professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Hospitality (Luxury Hotels & Experiences)

Company Size: Accor is a global leader in hospitality, operating numerous brands. Ennismore is a joint venture with Accor, focusing on lifestyle and luxury brands, suggesting a dynamic, entrepreneurial, and creative environment within a larger corporate structure. Accor's overall size is significant (over 5,000 properties and 130,000 employees worldwide), creating a vast network for opportunities.

Founded: Ennismore was founded in 2011, with the significant joint venture with Accor announced in 2021. This indicates a relatively young, agile brand within a well-established hospitality group.

Team Structure:

• Design & Technical Services (DTS): This team is central to bringing Ennismore's brands to life. The Senior Design Director will likely lead a team of designers or project managers, or work closely with them.

• Global Brand Design (GBD): A key functional partner, responsible for setting and maintaining brand standards. Close collaboration is essential.

• Owners & Consultants: The director will constantly engage with external stakeholders, influencing their design decisions.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expected to work with development, operations, marketing, and finance teams.

Methodology:

• Brand-Centric Design: All design decisions are rooted in Ennismore's distinct lifestyle brand identities.

• Data-Informed Creativity: While creativity is paramount, design decisions are likely informed by market analysis, guest feedback, and operational feasibility.

• Collaborative Execution: A strong emphasis on teamwork and shared ownership across internal and external partners.

• Agile Development: Given Ennismore's growth, processes are likely adaptable and focused on speed to market.

Company Website: https://ennismore.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Ennismore's culture is described as passionate, purpose-driven, and focused on creating unforgettable experiences. The "Design & Technical Services" aspect implies a practical, execution-oriented approach to design, blending creativity with operational realities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role within the Design & Technical Services function, specifically focused on luxury hospitality interior design. It sits at the Director level, implying significant responsibility for project outcomes, team leadership (potentially), and strategic influence. The role requires a deep understanding of the entire project lifecycle from a design perspective.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a higher-level executive within Ennismore's DTS or Development team, such as a VP of Design or Head of Projects. The director will also have strong dotted-line reporting or collaborative relationships with Global Brand Design leadership.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and profound impact on guest experience, brand perception, and operational efficiency. High-quality, brand-aligned design contributes significantly to guest satisfaction, revenue generation (through attractive spaces and amenities), and the overall success of Ennismore's properties. Effective project management ensures projects are delivered on time and within budget, directly impacting profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to lead larger project portfolios, manage bigger teams, or take on broader DTS responsibilities.

• Brand Specialization: Deeper involvement with specific Ennismore brands or expansion into new brand development.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on projects in different regions as Ennismore expands globally.

• Strategic Design Input: Contributing to the evolution of Ennismore's design strategy and standards.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Potential to transition into broader development or brand management roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation and focus on luxury hospitality suggest this role is for seasoned professionals. Growth opportunities are strong within a rapidly expanding lifestyle hospitality group like Ennismore.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Likely a modern, collaborative office space in Dubai designed to foster creativity and teamwork, reflecting Ennismore's brand ethos. It will be a hub for design discussions, client meetings, and project coordination.

Office Location(s): Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This is a major hub for international hospitality and design.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace will facilitate interaction with a dedicated DTS team, GBD representatives, and potentially project stakeholders during site visits or review sessions.

• Technology-Rich: Access to high-end design software and hardware, potentially including VR/AR tools for design visualization.

• Inspirational Environment: The office space itself may be designed to reflect Ennismore's aesthetic, serving as a constant source of inspiration.

• Dynamic Pace: The environment will be fast-paced, driven by project deadlines and the rapid growth of the Ennismore brand portfolio.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour week is typical, the demands of senior project management in hospitality often require flexibility, including occasional evenings or weekends, especially during critical project milestones like mock-up reviews or pre-opening phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Dubai location places the role in a vibrant, international market known for its luxury hospitality projects. The on-site requirement emphasizes the need for in-person collaboration and site visits.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications for basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the direct manager (e.g., VP of Design) to assess technical skills, experience, and alignment with role requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: A critical stage where candidates present their portfolio, focusing on 1-2 key luxury hospitality projects. Expect questions about design rationale, stakeholder management, problem-solving, and brand adherence.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key team members (DTS, GBD) and potentially other department heads to evaluate collaboration skills and broader fit.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership for final approval, focusing on strategic thinking and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose projects that best demonstrate your experience in luxury hospitality, project execution from start to finish, and your ability to influence.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the design challenges, your strategic approach, key decisions, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., brand alignment, guest satisfaction drivers, successful opening).

• Showcase Technical Skills: Include high-quality renderings, mood boards, key drawings, and mock-up room photos. Highlight your proficiency with specified design software.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Brand Focus: Explicitly address how you've interpreted and applied brand standards.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design philosophy, how you handle difficult clients or consultants, your approach to budget constraints, and your experience with AI in design.

Challenge Preparation:

• While a formal "design challenge" might not be given beforehand, be prepared for scenario-based questions. For example: "How would you approach a situation where an owner is pushing back on a key brand element?" or "Describe your process for resolving a design conflict between your vision and an owner's consultant's proposal."

• Practice articulating your design process and decision-making under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is the most crucial element. Candidates must be able to vividly demonstrate their capabilities and experience through their work, backed by clear explanations and strategic insights.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD (essential for technical drawings and documentation).

• 3D Modeling/Rendering: SketchUp (for conceptualization and quick visualizations), potentially others like 3ds Max, V-Ray, Lumion, or Enscape for higher fidelity renderings.

• Graphic Design Software: Adobe Photoshop (for image editing, mood boards, presentations), Adobe InDesign (for layout, proposals, and presentations).

• Project Management Software: While not explicitly listed, familiarity with platforms like Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project for task management and scheduling is beneficial.

• AI Design Applications: Proficiency or familiarity with emerging AI tools for design ideation, mood board generation, or concept development is a significant plus.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Presentation Tools: PowerPoint, Keynote for presenting design concepts and project updates.

• Data Visualization (Basic): Ability to interpret and present data related to project timelines, budgets, or potentially guest feedback metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but understanding how design impacts CRM-related guest experience metrics could be valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified tools are standard for high-level design roles. Emphasis on AI tools indicates a desire for candidates who are forward-thinking and embrace new technologies in the design process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion & Purpose: A driving force behind creating exceptional experiences.

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouragement to "challenge the norm" and think outside the box.

• Collaboration: Working closely with diverse teams to achieve shared goals.

• Integrity & Brand Guardianship: Upholding brand standards and delivering quality.

• Guest-Centricity: Designing spaces that enhance the guest experience.

• Agility & Drive: Thriving in a fast-paced, growing environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Proactive engagement with GBD, DTS, Development, and Operations teams to ensure holistic project success.

• Consultative Approach: Working collaboratively with owners and their consultants, providing expert guidance and influencing decisions.

• Open Communication: Fostering an environment where ideas are shared freely, and feedback is constructive.

• Partnership-Oriented: Building strong relationships with all stakeholders to achieve a common vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ennismore's values emphasize a dynamic, creative, and collaborative culture. The role requires someone who can not only design but also foster positive working relationships and drive projects forward through effective teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Standards with Owner Vision: Navigating differing expectations between Ennismore's global brand guidelines and the specific desires or budget constraints of property owners.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively coordinating and influencing a diverse group of owners, consultants, and internal teams, each with their own priorities.

• Delivering Luxury in a Dynamic Market: Keeping pace with evolving luxury trends and guest expectations in the competitive global hospitality landscape, particularly in regions like MEAIT.

• Ensuring Design Execution: Translating complex design concepts into constructible realities, ensuring quality and brand integrity are maintained through the construction phase.

• Adopting New Technologies: Integrating AI and other emerging design tools effectively into established workflows.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Brand Immersion: Deep dive into Ennismore's portfolio of lifestyle brands.

• Industry Trends: Access to conferences, workshops, and insights into the luxury hospitality and design sectors.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone management and strategic influence skills.

• Global Project Exposure: Gaining experience on diverse projects across different markets.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from senior leaders within Accor and Ennismore.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to senior roles in large hospitality groups, focusing on stakeholder management and brand execution. The growth opportunities are substantial given Ennismore's expansion trajectory.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a bespoke interior design brief for a new luxury hotel, balancing brand standards with local market nuances."

• "How do you influence an owner or their consultant when their design proposal deviates significantly from brand guidelines or your proposed vision?"

• "Walk us through a challenging luxury hospitality project you managed from concept to opening. What were the key obstacles, and how did you overcome them?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about Ennismore's brand portfolio and its approach to lifestyle hospitality?"

• "How do you foster a collaborative design environment within your team and with external partners?"

• "Describe a time you had to adapt your design approach to fit a specific project budget or timeline without compromising quality."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Begin with an overview of your career and design philosophy. Then, dive into 1-2 detailed case studies. Conclude with your approach to future challenges and growth.

• Focus on "Why" and "How": Don't just show what you did; explain why you made certain design decisions and how you executed them, emphasizing your problem-solving and influencing skills.

• Highlight Key Deliverables: Showcase renderings, floor plans, material palettes, FF&E selections, and construction detail examples.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Interviewers may pick specific elements of your work and ask detailed questions about them.

• Connect to Ennismore: Wherever possible, draw parallels between your experience and Ennismore's brands and values.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative vision, strong project management, and exceptional stakeholder management skills, all within the context of luxury hospitality.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your most relevant luxury hospitality projects, emphasizing your leadership, brand stewardship, and end-to-end project execution capabilities.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 5-10 years of experience in luxury hospitality design, proficiency in required software, and any experience with international firms or the MEAIT region. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio with a focus on storytelling, problem-solving, and stakeholder influence. Prepare specific examples for behavioral and situational questions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Ennismore's brands, values, and recent projects. Understand their unique approach to lifestyle hospitality to articulate your alignment during interviews.

⚠️ 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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