Senior Design Manager, Caribbean Hotel Development Construction

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager, Caribbean Hotel Development Construction

Company: Turner & Townsend

Location: Mexico City, Latin America, Mexico

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Construction Management / Design Management / Hospitality Development

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and coordinate architectural and interior design for hotel construction and renovation projects, focusing on the Bahamas region.

• Ensure designs adhere to quality, functionality, sustainability, and brand standards to deliver a premium guest experience.

• Serve as the primary liaison between owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and internal teams throughout all design phases and execution.

• Oversee the integration of design with project planning, budgeting, and scheduling to ensure seamless project delivery.

• Validate materials, finishes, and furniture selection to meet luxury standards and withstand coastal environmental conditions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the location is listed as Mexico City, the core responsibilities clearly indicate a focus on projects in the Bahamas, requiring significant travel and temporary residence in that region. This suggests the Mexico City location might be a regional hub or administrative base for the role's oversight.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Architectural & Interior Design Leadership: Spearhead the development and review of architectural and interior concepts for both new hotel constructions and significant renovation projects, ensuring alignment with brand identity and operational requirements.

• Cross-Functional Design Coordination: Collaborate closely with external architects, engineers, specialist consultants, and construction contractors to ensure the technical feasibility and aesthetic integrity of all design elements.

• Regulatory & Standards Compliance: Guarantee that all designs and project execution plans strictly comply with local Bahamian regulations, building codes, international hospitality standards, and sustainability best practices.

• Quality Assurance & Material Validation: Meticulously validate proposed materials, finishes, FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment), and OS&E (Operating Supplies & Equipment) to meet stringent luxury hospitality standards and ensure durability in demanding coastal environments.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting: Present design proposals, concepts, and project progress updates to owners, investors, and executive leadership teams, facilitating informed decision-making and maintaining alignment on project objectives.

• Design-to-Execution Integration: Oversee the seamless translation of design intent into construction documents and execution plans, ensuring that project planning, budgeting, and scheduling are fully integrated with design deliverables.

• Concept Development & Brand Alignment: Drive the conceptualization and development of hotel designs that reflect unique brand positioning and deliver an exceptional guest experience, considering market trends and guest expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a critical need for strategic design oversight, emphasizing not just aesthetic appeal but also functional integration, regulatory compliance, and long-term durability in a specific environmental context (coastal). This role requires a blend of creative vision and rigorous project management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or Civil Engineering is required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in design and project management, specifically within the hospitality sector.

Required Skills:

• Design Software Proficiency: Advanced capability in industry-standard design software, including AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp, for conceptualization, documentation, and visualization.

• Hospitality Design Expertise: Deep understanding of luxury hotel design principles, guest experience drivers, operational flows, and brand standards.

• Coastal Environment Acumen: Knowledge of construction considerations, material selection, and design adaptations necessary for coastal and island environments (e.g., salt spray resistance, hurricane preparedness).

• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with Bahamian building regulations, international construction standards, and sustainability best practices relevant to the hospitality industry.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Solid grasp of project planning, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and quality control principles within large-scale construction projects.

• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional ability to engage, communicate with, and influence a diverse range of stakeholders, including owners, investors, consultants, and contractors.

• Leadership & Team Collaboration: Proven ability to lead design teams, coordinate multidisciplinary consultants, and foster a collaborative project environment.

• Advanced English Proficiency: Fluency in English, both written and spoken, for clear and effective communication.

Preferred Skills:

• Spanish Language Proficiency: A strong advantage, facilitating communication with a broader range of potential project partners or team members in Latin America.

• Cost Management: Experience in cost control and value engineering within design and construction phases.

• Sustainability Integration: Expertise in integrating green building principles and sustainable design strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "coastal or island environments" and "Bahamian regulations" strongly suggests that candidates with direct experience in similar challenging geographies will have a significant advantage. Proficiency in BIM (Building Information Modeling) through Revit is also a key technical skill for modern construction design management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Hospitality Project Showcase: A curated portfolio demonstrating successful design leadership and project management on luxury hotel or resort developments, ideally including examples from coastal or island locations.

• Design Concept Development: Examples illustrating the candidate's ability to translate client vision and brand requirements into innovative and functional architectural and interior design concepts.

• Technical Coordination Evidence: Documentation or case studies showcasing how the candidate effectively coordinated complex design documentation (drawings, specifications) and managed multidisciplinary technical teams (architects, engineers).

• Problem-Solving Case Studies: Specific examples demonstrating how the candidate addressed and resolved design challenges, construction issues, or stakeholder conflicts, particularly those unique to island developments.

• Material & FF&E Selection Rationale: Evidence of strategic material and FF&E selection, including justifications based on durability, aesthetics, sustainability, and budget constraints relevant to a luxury hospitality context.

Process Documentation:

• Design Review & Approval Workflows: Examples of established processes for design review, stakeholder approvals, and value engineering, ensuring efficient progression from concept to construction-ready documentation.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Protocols: Documentation outlining strategies for effective collaboration between design teams, project managers, contractors, and owners, emphasizing clear communication channels and feedback loops.

• Quality Assurance & Control Frameworks: Evidence of implemented quality assurance processes for design deliverables and construction execution, specifically addressing the unique demands of coastal environments and luxury finishes.

• Change Management Procedures: Demonstrated experience in managing design changes throughout the project lifecycle, including impact assessment on scope, budget, schedule, and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, a portfolio is crucial. This role requires tangible proof of design leadership and project execution, especially in challenging environments. Candidates should be prepared to walk through specific projects, detailing their role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the ultimate project outcomes in terms of quality, budget, and schedule.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimate: $130,000 - $180,000 USD annually.

• Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Senior Design Managers with 7+ years of experience in international project management, particularly in the construction and hospitality sectors. Factors considered include the specialized nature of hotel development, the demanding coastal environment, the level of responsibility (leading design coordination), and the requirement for international travel/residence. The location in Latin America (Mexico City as a hub) and project focus (Bahamas) also influence this range, reflecting potential cost of living and market demand for specialized skills. Specific compensation will be determined by the candidate's experience, qualifications, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working Environment: The company promotes a healthy, productive, and flexible working environment.

• Work-Life Balance Support: Commitment to supporting work-life balance for employees.

• Global Project Exposure: Opportunity to work on high-profile international hotel development projects.

• Professional Development: Access to learning and development opportunities within a global professional services firm.

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness Programs: Likely includes health insurance, and potentially other wellness initiatives.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Standard company provision for long-term financial planning.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility. However, project demands, especially during critical phases in the Bahamas, may require extended hours and a dedicated on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate for a Senior Design Manager role in a global firm managing high-value international projects. The "flexibility" in working hours should be interpreted in the context of project-driven roles, where travel and on-site presence are key requirements.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services (Construction, Real Estate, Infrastructure, Energy, Natural Resources consulting and management). Turner & Townsend is a global leader in these sectors, known for its expertise in transforming complex projects into successful outcomes.

Company Size: Over 22,000 employees globally. This large size offers stability, extensive resources, and diverse career paths.

Founded: The company has a long-standing history, established in 1946, providing a foundation of experience and expertise.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Design Manager will likely be part of a larger project management or client-side delivery team, potentially within the firm's Real Estate or Hospitality sector group.

• Reporting lines will typically involve a Project Director or Country Manager, with direct oversight of external design consultants and close collaboration with site-based construction managers.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Turner & Townsend emphasizes using data and analytics to inform project strategies and decision-making, ensuring efficient and effective project delivery.

• Collaborative Partnership: The company operates on a partnership model, working closely with clients and stakeholders to achieve shared goals and deliver impactful outcomes.

• Process Optimization: A continuous focus on refining methodologies for programme, project, cost, and asset management to drive efficiency and deliver value.

• Digital Solutions Integration: Embracing digital tools and technologies to enhance project delivery, collaboration, and performance monitoring.

Company Website: www.turnerandtownsend.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's acquisition by CBRE positions it as a dominant force in global real estate and construction services. This integration suggests enhanced capabilities and a broader client base, offering significant opportunities for professionals within the organization. The company's culture likely emphasizes professionalism, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results on complex projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level position, requiring significant independent judgment, leadership, and expertise. The role is crucial for translating high-level client requirements into tangible, high-quality built assets. It sits at the intersection of design excellence and robust project execution.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will report to a Project Director or senior management within Turner & Townsend's regional operations, likely overseeing a portfolio of projects or a specific large-scale development. They will manage and coordinate external design consultants and work closely with on-site construction teams.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on project success. Effective design management ensures that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards, directly contributing to the client's return on investment and brand reputation. Poor design management can lead to costly delays, rework, and failure to meet guest expectations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to Project Director, Programme Director, or regional leadership roles within Turner & Townsend's hospitality or real estate divisions.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as sustainable design, luxury hospitality fit-out, or complex international project delivery.

• Broader Project Scope: Taking on larger, more complex, or multiple concurrent hotel development projects across different geographies.

• Cross-Disciplinary Development: Gaining exposure to other aspects of Turner & Townsend's service offerings, such as cost management, asset management, or net-zero consulting.

• Mentorship Roles: Becoming a mentor to junior design managers or project managers within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager, growth is often defined by increased responsibility for larger project values, more complex scopes, and greater strategic influence. The Turner & Townsend/CBRE synergy offers a vast landscape for career expansion, particularly in the global hospitality real estate market.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role likely involves a hybrid work environment. While based out of a Turner & Townsend office (potentially Mexico City), significant time will be spent on project sites in the Bahamas, and potentially client offices.

Office Location(s): Primary project execution will be in the Bahamas. Administrative or coordination functions may be based out of a Turner & Townsend office in Mexico City, as indicated by the location data. Travel between these locations will be frequent.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Project Spaces: Opportunities to work within project teams, often in dedicated project offices on-site or within client environments.

• Access to Technology: Will have access to Turner & Townsend's standard project management and design software, as well as on-site project facilities.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: Constant interaction with a diverse range of professionals, including architects, engineers, contractors, project managers, and client representatives, fostering a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere.

• Field Exposure: Significant time will be spent on active construction sites, requiring adaptability to dynamic and sometimes challenging physical environments.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour week is typical, the demands of large-scale international construction projects, especially in island locations, will necessitate flexibility. This often means extended hours, weekend work, and extended periods on-site during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared for a work environment that is heavily project-dependent and requires significant travel and on-site presence. The "hybrid" nature implies a blend of office-based coordination and intensive field work, demanding strong adaptability and time management skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Hiring Manager Interview: An interview with the direct hiring manager (likely a Project Director or senior operations lead) to delve deeper into technical skills, project experience, and leadership capabilities. This stage will heavily focus on the candidate's approach to design management and stakeholder coordination.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a case study from their portfolio, detailing a complex hotel development project they managed. This will assess their problem-solving skills, design rationale, and ability to articulate project challenges and solutions.

• Panel Interview: A broader interview with key stakeholders, which could include client representatives, senior management from Turner & Townsend, and other project leads, to evaluate strategic thinking, collaboration style, and overall suitability for the role and company culture.

• Final Offer: Based on the comprehensive evaluation of all stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful hotel development projects, ideally showcasing coastal or island experience.

• Structure for Clarity: For each project, clearly define your role, the project's objectives, key challenges (design, construction, stakeholder), your specific contributions and solutions, and the measurable outcomes (quality, budget, schedule).

• Highlight Design-to-Execution: Emphasize how you managed the transition from conceptual design through detailed documentation to on-site execution, showcasing your understanding of the entire project lifecycle.

• Showcase Leadership: Demonstrate instances where you led teams, influenced decisions, and resolved conflicts effectively.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to illustrate the success of your projects (e.g., percentage of budget saved, schedule adherence, guest satisfaction improvements).

• Tailor to the Role: Frame your experience to directly address the requirements of this Senior Design Manager position, emphasizing coastal environments and luxury hospitality.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Strategy Presentation: Be prepared to discuss your approach to developing and managing design strategies for complex hotel projects, including risk mitigation and quality assurance.

• Stakeholder Negotiation Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle disagreements with owners, contractors, or design teams regarding design decisions or project execution.

• Coastal Construction Challenges: Prepare to discuss specific challenges encountered in coastal construction (e.g., logistics, material durability, environmental impact) and how you overcame them.

• Brand Standard Integration: Be ready to explain how you ensure design elements align with specific luxury hotel brand standards while also meeting local requirements and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role at a firm like Turner & Townsend will be rigorous and comprehensive. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates the candidate's experience and impact is paramount. Candidates should be ready to discuss their strategic approach to design management and their ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships and challenging construction environments.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software Suite:

  • AutoCAD: For 2D drafting and detailed design work.
  • Revit: Essential for Building Information Modeling (BIM), enabling 3D design, clash detection, and integrated project data management.
  • SketchUp: For conceptual modeling, visualization, and rapid prototyping of design ideas.

• Project Management Software:

  • Potentially platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or internal Turner & Townsend project management systems for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.
  • Procore or similar: For construction project management, document control, and field reporting.

• Collaboration Platforms:

  • Microsoft Teams/SharePoint: For team communication, document sharing, and collaborative workflows.
  • Zoom/Webex: For virtual meetings and stakeholder presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: For data analysis, budget tracking, and custom reporting.

• Power BI/Tableau (Potentially): For creating interactive dashboards and visualizing project performance data for stakeholders.

• Cost Management Software: Tools like CostX or specific internal Turner & Townsend financial tracking systems.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal CRM: For client relationship management and business development insights.

• Document Management Systems: Robust systems for storing, organizing, and retrieving project documentation, drawings, and specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in BIM software like Revit is increasingly critical for design management in construction, enabling better coordination, clash detection, and lifecycle data management. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these tools and how they leverage them to enhance project outcomes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings, reflecting Turner & Townsend's reputation as a trusted professional services provider.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Working effectively in teams and in close partnership with clients and stakeholders to achieve shared goals, fostering a sense of collective success.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality work and exceptional outcomes on every project, consistently exceeding client expectations.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, embracing technological advancements, and constantly seeking ways to optimize processes and project delivery.

• Respect & Inclusivity: Valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel respected and have the opportunity to contribute and succeed.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Encouraging seamless collaboration between design, project management, cost, procurement, and construction teams to ensure a holistic approach to project delivery.

• Open Communication & Feedback: Fostering an environment where open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing are encouraged to drive continuous improvement.

• Client-Centric Approach: Maintaining a strong focus on understanding and meeting client needs, ensuring that all collaborative efforts are aligned with client objectives and expectations.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: Encouraging teams to proactively identify potential issues and collaborate on solutions, rather than reacting to problems once they arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's emphasis on partnership and delivering outcomes suggests a culture that values strong working relationships, proactive communication, and a shared commitment to project success. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to thrive in such an environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Geographic & Logistical Complexity: Managing projects in the Bahamas presents unique logistical challenges, including supply chain management, transportation, and potential labor availability issues, requiring adept problem-solving and resourcefulness.

• Environmental Factors: Designing and constructing in a coastal environment necessitates careful consideration of hurricane resilience, saltwater corrosion, and environmental sustainability, demanding specialized knowledge and material selection.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Balancing the diverse and sometimes competing interests of owners, brand representatives, local authorities, and construction teams requires strong negotiation and communication skills.

• Dynamic Project Environments: Construction sites are inherently dynamic. Adapting to unforeseen site conditions, design changes, and schedule pressures while maintaining quality and budget requires resilience and agility.

• Cultural Nuances: Navigating cultural differences and communication styles when working in international contexts like the Bahamas and potentially with teams in Mexico City.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Hospitality Design Training: Access to internal and external training programs focused on the latest trends in luxury hospitality design, guest experience, and sustainable building practices.

• International Project Management Certifications: Opportunities to pursue or enhance certifications relevant to international project management (e.g., PMP, RICS).

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of hotel development and renovation projects, broadening expertise across different hotel types and brands.

• Mentorship Programs: Being mentored by senior leaders within Turner & Townsend or CBRE, gaining insights into strategic leadership and career progression.

• Digital Transformation: Learning and applying new digital tools and technologies used in modern construction and design management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role are significant but also present substantial opportunities for professional growth. Successfully navigating these complexities will significantly enhance a candidate's expertise and marketability in the global hospitality development sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading the design process for a luxury hotel development in a challenging coastal environment. How do you ensure brand integrity while meeting local regulations and sustainability goals?" (Focus on your strategic framework, risk assessment, and integration of various requirements.)

• "Walk me through a complex stakeholder negotiation you managed on a hospitality project. What was the situation, your strategy, and the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR method response highlighting your negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Turner & Townsend and this specific role managing hotel development in the Caribbean?" (Research the company's values, recent projects, and connect them to your career aspirations.)

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative and inclusive team environment?" (Provide examples of your teamwork and leadership style.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation like a story for each project: the challenge, your role, the strategic approach, the key decisions made, the execution, and the successful outcome.

• Visual Aids: Use high-quality images, renderings, floor plans, and site photos to illustrate your points. Avoid overwhelming slides with text.

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the value you brought to each project, using metrics where possible (e.g., budget adherence, schedule savings, quality improvements, guest satisfaction).

• Address Role Specifics: Tailor your presentation to highlight experience relevant to coastal environments, luxury hospitality, and managing multidisciplinary teams.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design rationale, technical decisions, and how you handled specific challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for strategic thinking, proven leadership, strong technical acumen, and the ability to navigate complex projects and stakeholder relationships. Your portfolio is your evidence; ensure it tells a compelling story of your impact and capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a tailored portfolio that clearly showcases your most relevant hotel development projects, with a specific emphasis on coastal environments, luxury hospitality, and your leadership in design management.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume highlights your 7+ years of experience in hospitality project management, proficiency in design software (AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp), and any experience with international or coastal construction projects. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Rehearse responses to potential interview questions, focusing on the STAR method for behavioral questions and preparing a concise, impactful presentation of your key portfolio projects.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Turner & Townsend, its values, its global presence, and its recent work in the real estate and hospitality sectors. Understand how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and project goals.

⚠️ 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.