Senior Design Director, Lifestyle Brands

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Director, Lifestyle Brands

Company: Hilton

Location: New York City, NY

Job Type: Full time

Category: Brand Design & Creative Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-09-14T17:06:56

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the strategic direction and creative execution for Hilton's lifestyle brand portfolio, ensuring design excellence and brand consistency.

• Lead and mentor a team of design professionals, fostering a high-performing and collaborative creative environment.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on all aspects of lifestyle brand design, influencing organizational direction and business outcomes.

• Drive alignment across diverse stakeholders, including internal teams and external partners, to achieve impactful design solutions and business objectives.

• Establish and refine scalable design processes, governance, and operational workflows to enhance team effectiveness and execution clarity.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for shaping the visual identity and guest experience across Hilton's lifestyle brands. It requires a blend of strong creative leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex projects and teams within a large, established hospitality organization. The focus on "lifestyle brands" implies a need for deep understanding of current consumer trends, cultural relevance, and differentiation in a competitive market.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Act as the primary creative leader and strategic partner for the VP Lifestyle Brand Design, contributing to department vision and business objectives.

• Champion the unique design ethos of Hilton's lifestyle brands by leveraging expertise in consumer behavior, market trends, and design differentiation.

• Manage, coach, and develop a team including a Director and two Managers, cultivating an accountable and collaborative culture.

• Set and maintain rigorous creative standards, providing direction and critique for key design deliverables such as brand guidelines, spatial designs, and guest touchpoint innovations.

• Orchestrate cross-functional design workflows, ensuring seamless collaboration with Brand, Marketing, Development, Operations, Architecture & Design Consulting (AD&C), regional teams, and external agencies.

• Develop and implement robust processes, governance frameworks, and operational procedures to optimize team efficiency, clarity, and consistency in design execution.

• Strategically balance brand vision, business goals, and operational constraints to champion the most impactful creative outcomes.

• Collaborate with global and regional teams to advance design initiatives, ensuring global brand integrity while adapting to local market needs and business requirements.

• Provide creative leadership and build strong partnerships with external agencies, consultants, and industry partners, ensuring their contributions align with brand vision and quality standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a senior leadership role focused on strategic impact, team development, and cross-functional influence. The emphasis on "scalable processes, governance, and ways of working" suggests a need for someone who can not only create great design but also build repeatable systems for design execution and management across a large portfolio.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Architecture, Interior Design, Marketing, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Director role of this nature. A Master's degree or advanced certifications in relevant design disciplines would be advantageous.

Experience:

• Minimum of twelve (12+) years of progressive experience in hospitality design, retail and brand design, interior design, branded physical spaces, or lifestyle brand development.

• Proven experience in a creative leadership capacity, specifically managing managers, directors, or other senior-level design talent.

• Demonstrated success in translating complex brand design and business concepts into compelling narratives and actionable recommendations for executive-level audiences. Required Skills:

• Exceptional creative judgment and a sophisticated understanding of lifestyle brands and consumer behavior.

• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing creative teams, fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.

• Strong strategic thinking and the ability to align creative vision with business objectives and operational realities.

• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills, with experience navigating complex organizational structures.

• Proficient in developing and presenting compelling design concepts and strategies to executive leadership.

• Deep understanding of brand guidelines development, spatial design principles, and guest experience design.

• Ability to establish and optimize scalable design processes and governance frameworks. Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience within the hospitality industry, with an understanding of owner/developer dynamics and operational considerations.

• Experience managing large, complex, multi-brand or multi-stakeholder design portfolios.

• Ability to connect design decisions directly to broader brand, development, and business priorities.

• Familiarity with global design trends and the ability to adapt strategies for diverse markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (12+ years) and the emphasis on managing senior talent indicate this is a very senior role. The need for a strong portfolio demonstrating "elevated design judgment" and "integrated design thinking" is paramount for assessing candidates' strategic and creative capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing significant experience in leading design strategy and execution for lifestyle brands, ideally within hospitality or related consumer-facing industries.

• Demonstrations of past work that highlight elevated design judgment, a deep understanding of current lifestyle trends, and the ability to create distinctive brand experiences.

• Case studies or examples that illustrate success in translating complex business objectives into tangible, brand-defining design solutions.

• Evidence of experience in developing and implementing brand guidelines, spatial design concepts, and guest touchpoint strategies.

• Examples of leading and mentoring design teams, showcasing leadership capabilities and process management. Process Documentation:

• Experience in defining and implementing scalable design processes, governance structures, and operational workflows.

• Examples of establishing clear standards for design reviews, cross-functional collaboration, and external partner engagement.

• Demonstrated ability to document and communicate design strategies, standards, and best practices effectively.

• Evidence of creating frameworks for measuring design impact and ensuring consistency across a diverse portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this level, the portfolio isn't just about visual output; it's about demonstrating strategic leadership, process creation, and the ability to drive significant business outcomes through design. Candidates should be prepared to articulate the "why" and "how" behind their design decisions and process implementations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $145,000 – $210,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Travel Perks: 110 nights of deeply discounted travel at Hilton hotels (rates as low as $40/night) through the Go Hilton program.

• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP): Opportunity to invest in Hilton shares at a 15% discount.

• Paid Parental Leave: Offered for eligible Team Members, including partners and adoptive parents.

• Caregiving Support: Access to dedicated caregiving concierge services.

• Crisis Concierge: Compassionate, single point of contact for practical and emotional support during times of loss.

• Mental Health Resources: Free counseling and support through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): For rest, relaxation, and personal time.

• Health & Welfare Benefits: Comprehensive plans including medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Financial Security: Retirement plans to support future savings.

• Annual Incentive Plan: Eligibility for a bonus based on company and individual performance.

• Long-Term Incentive Plan: Potential participation in long-term equity or performance-based incentives.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with an expectation of flexibility to meet project demands and leadership responsibilities. Travel up to 40% is required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Senior Director role in New York City, reflecting the experience level and responsibilities. The benefits package is extensive, emphasizing Hilton's commitment to Team Member well-being, both personally and professionally, which is a significant draw for candidates. The 40% travel expectation is also a key factor for candidates to consider.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Hospitality. Hilton is a global leader in the industry, known for its extensive portfolio of brands and commitment to guest experience.

Company Size: Hilton is a large, publicly traded corporation with tens of thousands of employees worldwide, operating numerous hotel brands across many countries. This scale offers significant opportunities for impact and career growth.

Founded: Hilton was founded in 1919. Its long history signifies stability, established brand recognition, and a deep understanding of the hospitality sector.

Team Structure:

• The Lifestyle Brand Design team operates within a larger Brand Management or Product Development division at Hilton's corporate headquarters.

• This role reports to the VP Lifestyle Brand Design, acting as a key deputy and leader within the department.

• The team includes direct reports: a Director and two Managers, indicating a tiered structure for managing design projects and teams effectively.

• This role requires extensive collaboration with numerous cross-functional departments including Brand Marketing, Development, Operations, Architecture & Design Consulting (AD&C), and regional/global teams, highlighting a matrixed and highly collaborative organizational structure. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The role emphasizes understanding consumer behavior and cultural relevance, suggesting a data-informed approach to design decisions.

• Strategic Alignment: A core methodology involves balancing brand vision, business objectives, and operational realities to achieve optimal outcomes.

• Process Optimization: The role is responsible for establishing scalable processes and governance to improve team effectiveness and execution consistency.

• Collaborative Innovation: The team works closely with internal and external partners to drive innovation and maintain brand integrity.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Hilton's culture is deeply rooted in hospitality, emphasizing service, guest experience, and team member well-being. As a large, established company, it offers structured career paths and a robust operational framework, while the focus on "lifestyle brands" suggests an innovative and forward-thinking approach within that framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Director position, placing it at a high leadership level within the creative and brand design function. It signifies significant responsibility for strategic direction, team management, and portfolio-wide impact. This role is crucial for shaping the future of Hilton's lifestyle brands.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Director reports directly to the VP Lifestyle Brand Design. This close reporting line indicates a high level of trust and expectation for strategic partnership and day-to-day operational leadership. The role also leads a team of a Director and two Managers, creating a clear leadership hierarchy within the design function.

Operations Impact: The design decisions and strategies developed by this role have a direct and substantial impact on the guest experience, brand perception, market competitiveness, and ultimately, the financial performance of Hilton's lifestyle brands. By ensuring design excellence, consistency, and innovation, this role contributes to brand loyalty, owner satisfaction, and market positioning.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into VP-level roles or broader leadership positions within Hilton's global brand or design organizations.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the long-term design vision and strategy for a significant portion of Hilton's brand portfolio.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop deeper expertise in areas such as brand development, hospitality operations, and global market dynamics through extensive collaboration.

• Mentorship and Development: Lead and mentor a team of design professionals, fostering the next generation of creative leaders within Hilton.

• Industry Recognition: Contribute to award-winning designs and brand initiatives, potentially enhancing personal and company industry standing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant career step, offering a chance to lead a critical function within a global hospitality leader. The growth opportunities are geared towards senior executive leadership, strategic influence, and broad organizational impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based at Hilton's corporate office in New York City, NY. Corporate offices typically offer a professional, structured environment designed for collaboration and strategic work.

Office Location(s): New York City, NY. This location is a major global hub, providing access to talent, industry events, and a vibrant business ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The corporate setting is designed to foster collaboration, with shared spaces, meeting rooms, and opportunities for spontaneous interaction with colleagues from various departments.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, project management tools, and internal Hilton systems necessary for managing global design initiatives.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with the direct design team, VP, and colleagues across Brand, Marketing, Development, and Operations, facilitating a dynamic and integrated work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week, but given the senior leadership nature of the role and the required travel (up to 40%), flexibility is essential. This includes potential for extended hours during critical project phases or travel requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The New York City location offers a dynamic professional environment, while the on-site nature emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration for this leadership role. The hybrid nature of the work (office + significant travel) requires strong organizational skills and adaptability.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the VP Lifestyle Brand Design to delve into experience, strategic thinking, leadership style, and alignment with the role's objectives.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with key cross-functional partners (e.g., Brand, Marketing, Development leads) and potentially direct reports to assess collaboration capabilities and leadership approach.

• Portfolio Presentation: A crucial stage where candidates present their work, focusing on strategic rationale, design process, leadership impact, and demonstrated outcomes. This will likely involve case studies of successful brand/design initiatives.

• Executive Interview: A final interview with a senior executive (e.g., SVP Brand Management) to assess overall strategic fit, leadership potential, and alignment with Hilton's broader business goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Narrative: Structure your portfolio presentation around key strategic challenges, your design solutions, the process you followed, and the measurable business impact achieved.

• Focus on Lifestyle: Highlight projects that demonstrate a deep understanding of current lifestyle trends, consumer behavior, and the ability to create relevant, differentiated experiences.

• Leadership Examples: Showcase instances where you led teams, influenced stakeholders, and managed complex projects to successful completion.

• Process & Governance: Be prepared to discuss how you've established or improved design processes, governance, and operational workflows.

• Quantifiable Results: Wherever possible, present data and metrics that demonstrate the ROI or business value of your design initiatives.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach specific challenges Hilton's lifestyle brands might face, such as rebranding, market differentiation, or standardizing guest experiences across a global portfolio.

• Prepare to articulate your leadership philosophy and how you motivate and develop creative teams.

• Familiarize yourself with Hilton's current lifestyle brands (e.g., Canopy by Hilton, Motto by Hilton, Curio Collection, etc.) and be ready to offer insights or opinions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily emphasize strategic thinking, leadership, and a proven ability to translate creative vision into tangible business results, particularly through a well-curated portfolio presentation. Candidates should be prepared to discuss process improvements and governance as much as creative output.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is essential. Familiarity with 3D modeling and rendering software (e.g., SketchUp, Rhino, 3ds Max) might be beneficial for spatial design aspects.

• Project Management: Experience with project management platforms like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or Jira for managing design workflows, timelines, and team tasks.

• Presentation Software: Advanced skills in PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides for creating and delivering compelling executive presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Brand Performance Metrics: Familiarity with tracking and analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) related to brand perception, guest satisfaction, market share, and revenue impact.

• Market Research Tools: Ability to leverage and interpret data from market research reports and consumer insights platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, an understanding of how brand design impacts customer journeys and how CRM data might inform design decisions can be advantageous.

• Familiarity with internal Hilton systems for brand asset management, project tracking, and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is creative-focused, a strong command of project management tools and presentation software is critical for effective leadership and execution. Understanding how design impacts broader business metrics is also key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Hospitality Excellence: A core value at Hilton, emphasizing dedication to exceptional guest experiences and service standards, which extends to internal team interactions.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all business dealings and creative processes.

• Leadership: Demonstrating proactive leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to developing talent within the design team.

• Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated to achieve common goals.

• Innovation: Continuously seeking new and creative ways to enhance brand experiences, stay ahead of trends, and drive business growth.

• Ownership: Taking accountability for design outcomes, process improvements, and team performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A highly collaborative style is essential, working closely with Brand, Marketing, Development, Operations, and AD&C teams to ensure design aligns with business strategy and operational feasibility.

• Partnership with External Agencies: Building strong, effective partnerships with external design agencies and consultants, providing clear direction and constructive feedback.

• Mentorship and Empowerment: A leadership style that empowers direct reports, provides constructive feedback, and fosters professional growth.

• Executive Engagement: Confidently communicating design strategies and recommendations to senior leadership, acting as a trusted advisor.

📝 Enhancement Note: Hilton's core values, rooted in hospitality, are expected to permeate the team's culture. The collaboration style must be adept at navigating a large corporate structure, balancing creative vision with business realities and fostering a positive, productive team dynamic.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Local Relevance: Ensuring a unified brand identity across diverse global markets while allowing for local cultural nuances and guest preferences.

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Needs: Aligning the design vision with the diverse objectives of various internal departments (Brand, Development, Operations) and external stakeholders (owners, franchisees).

• Driving Innovation in a Mature Industry: Pushing creative boundaries within the established framework of a large hospitality corporation to keep lifestyle brands fresh and appealing.

• Measuring Design ROI: Quantifying the impact of design initiatives on guest satisfaction, brand loyalty, and financial performance can be challenging but crucial for demonstrating value.

• Managing a High-Volume Portfolio: Overseeing design strategy for multiple lifestyle brands, each with its own unique identity and target audience.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone executive-level strategic planning and decision-making skills.

• Global Brand Management: Deepen understanding of international market dynamics and global brand strategy.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gain insights into hotel development, operations, and marketing through extensive collaboration.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior leaders within Hilton for guidance and career development.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Potential to attend leading design and hospitality industry events to stay abreast of trends and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges inherent in leading design for a global brand portfolio, requiring strong problem-solving skills and adaptability. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for career advancement into higher executive leadership roles within Hilton.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing a design strategy for a new lifestyle brand or revitalizing an existing one. How do you ensure it aligns with business objectives and consumer insights?"

• "How do you balance creative vision with operational constraints and budget limitations in a large organization like Hilton? Provide an example."

• "Walk us through your process for managing and motivating a team of senior designers, including directors and managers. How do you foster accountability and growth?"

• "Imagine our Motto by Hilton brand needs to differentiate itself further in a crowded urban market. What would be your initial steps in developing a design-led strategy to achieve this?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Hilton, and specifically to leading design for our lifestyle brands?"

• "How do you see your leadership style fitting into Hilton's culture of hospitality and team member well-being?"

• "Describe a time you had to influence senior executives or stakeholders who had a different perspective on a design decision. How did you navigate that?"

• "How do you ensure design initiatives contribute to the overall guest experience and brand loyalty for Hilton?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach, your role/leadership, the solutions implemented, and the measurable business results (e.g., increased occupancy, guest satisfaction scores, brand recognition).

• Highlight Lifestyle Expertise: Emphasize projects that showcase your understanding of current lifestyle trends, target demographics, and creating unique, relevant brand experiences.

• Demonstrate Process & Governance: Be prepared to discuss how you establish and manage design processes, standards, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present your work clearly and concisely, focusing on the most impactful projects that align with the requirements of this Senior Director role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for strategic thinking, leadership capability, a deep understanding of lifestyle branding, and the ability to articulate how design drives business value. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is critical for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Director, Lifestyle Brands position:

• Submit your application through the Hilton careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your 12+ years of experience in relevant design fields, emphasizing leadership of managers/directors, portfolio management, and experience with lifestyle brands. Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate a selection of your strongest work, focusing on strategic brand design, creative leadership, and measurable business impact. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your expertise in lifestyle brands and hospitality (if applicable).

• Research Hilton's lifestyle brands: Familiarize yourself with brands such as Canopy by Hilton, Motto by Hilton, Curio Collection, Tempo by Hilton, etc. Understand their positioning, target audience, and design aesthetic.

• Practice your presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on articulating strategic rationale, leadership contributions, and tangible results. Be prepared to discuss process improvements and team management.

• Prepare for behavioral and situational questions: Think about examples that demonstrate your leadership, stakeholder management, strategic thinking, and ability to drive creative excellence within a large organization.

⚠️ 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.