Director Design - Germany at IHG Career

Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

09 Sep, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

11 Jun, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Hotel Design, Project Management, Architectural Design, Strategic Leadership, Master Planning, Mixed-use Development, FF&E Specifications, Stakeholder Management, Brand Standards Compliance, Technical Services Agreement, Property Improvement Planning, Sustainable Design

Industry

Hospitality

Description

Whether you’re leading at scale or ready to take on your next defining challenge, you’ll find support, purpose and the scope to make a real impact at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Across every stage of your career, there’s Room for You. We’re looking for a Director Design, Northern Europe to provide design, management and strategic leadership for hotel development projects focusing on Germany and the wider Northern Europe region. What you’ll do The role sits within IHG’s Hotel Lifecycle & Growth (HL&G) function and works closely with Development, Engineering and Interior Design. Together, these teams assess project viability for management or franchising, shape design strategies, and deliver brand-aligned solutions from feasibility through to opening and handover. You will work with a high level of autonomy across complex new build, conversion, acquisition and renewal projects. You will apply architectural, technical and commercial judgement, represent IHG with owners, developers and senior stakeholders, and lead design initiatives that balance brand standards, owner return on investment, operational efficiency and delivery quality. You will also support IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow commitments through sustainable hotel design leadership across the Hotel Lifecycle and Growth Europe team. Key responsibilities * Collaborate with the regional development team to assess the viability of projects for management or franchising under an IHG brand, developing design strategies that support signings and long-term asset performance. * Work closely with Engineering and Interior Design to create innovative, practical and brand-aligned design solutions, addressing project challenges effectively and creatively. * Partner with the Senior and Regional Design Director to align design initiatives with owner investment objectives, brand vision and project standards, and present design concepts at key stages of the project lifecycle. * Lead the Property Improvement Plan process for new acquisitions and renewals, including site assessments, report preparation, owner engagement and oversight of implementation strategies. * Manage the review of potential hotel projects in line with IHG Brand Standards and design guidelines, covering concept and detailed design, documentation, inspections and pre-opening readiness. * Support owners throughout the project lifecycle under the Technical Services Agreement, ensuring timely progress, clear decisions and effective communication on cost impact, resources, programme and brand compliance. * Work closely with Brand Safety, Engineering, Interior Design and wider internal teams on issues affecting new build, conversion and renovation projects to maintain consistency in standards and delivery quality. * Provide market and project feedback to brand teams on emerging trends and recurring challenges to help refine future brand standards, design guides and requirements. What we’re looking for * Master's degree in Architecture, Construction, Project Management or a related discipline. Professional qualifications are advantageous. * Fluent in German and English. * Proven experience in international branded hotel design, construction and project management, with a strong understanding of both front of house and back of house requirements within hospitality. * Strong experience in master planning, large-scale mixed-use development and hotel interior design, with the ability to apply this knowledge across complex projects. * Deep technical knowledge of architectural design, construction principles and applicable laws and regulations relevant to hotel development. * Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously from concept through to completion, maintaining quality, programme and commercial discipline. * Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence owners, developers, consultants and internal stakeholders at senior level. * Comfortable working under pressure, adapting to different stakeholder styles and delivering high-quality results to demanding deadlines. * Strong understanding of FF&E specifications, project expenditure tracking, and financial alignment to owner and business objectives. Your ambition. Your growth. Your success. If this is you, there’s Room for You.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic design leadership for hotel development projects across Germany and Northern Europe, balancing brand standards with owner ROI. Manage the full project lifecycle from feasibility and concept design through to opening and handover.