Job details

Manager, Franchise Hotel Design Standards

Who are we looking for?

Choice Hotels, one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors, has an exciting new opportunity as our Manager, Design Projects in the Brand Management and Design department. The Brand Management and Design department is the team that leads Choice Hotels’ product development efforts in support of establishing brand identity, strengthening brand equity/ competitiveness and the qualified vendor program, maximizing franchisees return-on-investment. As a key member of our Brand Management and Design department, you will function as an in-house design expert on competitive brands, hospitality market trends, and product innovation.

Are you able to manage complex, changing priorities, collaborate effectively, and have amazing project management skills? We invite you to apply today for our Manager, Design Projects role today and #MakeItYourChoice.

Your Responsibilities

Drive a results-oriented culture and provide clear direction on long term goals and in the day-to-day execution of brand strategy for Signature, Foundation & Extended Stay brands growth and performance.
Manage FF&E submittals program including processes, software platforms, forms, communications, records keeping, etc.
Work with internal departments to meet organization’s goals of speedy and efficient hotel openings, prompt PIP scope development and execution per brand standards.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to continually refine and optimize processes while leveraging technology to streamline and speed up service.
Drive push to secure submittals well in advance of openings and meet committed review turnaround times. Prioritize workload as needed to meet fluctuating demands.
Collaborate and support Franchise Development to achieve gains in executed contracts.
Manage Custom Design Fee program in collaboration with Partner Services and brand teams.
Gather data from FF&E submittals to diagnose issues, monitor threats and help guide future service improvements.
Analyze FF&E submittal portfolio on a yearly basis to determine trends and use information to help guide future brand strategies.
Work with Z360 team to optimize the existing platform and develop needed improvements to help improve team’s performance and reporting capabilities in support of organization’s goals.
Set up and maintain reports to track team workload, gage adoption rate of pre – approved packages, custom design fee collection, etc.
Hire, retain and continuously develop diverse, high caliber talent able to contribute positively to the organization. Develop pipeline of talent for all key positions to meet current and future needs.
Manage direct report(s) to achieve or exceed department goals by leveraging internal and external resources and by driving a continual focus on Best Practices and a deeper understanding of the business.

Your Experience, Skills & Competencies

Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Minimum of 8-10 years’ professional-level experience in Interior Design. Experience in the hotel industry or hospitality is preferred.
PMP certification is a plus.
Expert knowledge of construction materials and Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (FF&E) specifications, particularly applicable to the hotel industry.
Broad experience with the entire project lifecycle, through post occupancy. Strong project management skills with a collaborative approach; ability to influence and negotiate in a cross-functional environment.
Strong leadership skills.
Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with vendors and consultants.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to present business cases in front of various audiences.
Strong analytical skills.
Proficient in the use of MS Office applications, such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
Ability to travel up to 15% of the time.

Your Team

This is an individual contributor role that will report to the Manager, Design Projects. You will have 1 peer teammate and collaborate with cross functional departments on a regular basis.

This is a leadership role that will report to the Manager, Design Projects. You will have 1 direct report and collaborate with cross functional departments on a regular basis.

Your Work Location

As our Manager, Design Projects, you will be based in our beautiful, state-of-the-art worldwide corporate headquarters in Rockville, Maryland. Less than 15 miles from Washington, DC, we’re located directly across from the Rockville Metro station, with service on the Red Line and the MARC Brunswick line, easy access to I-270, and plenty of free parking provided by Choice Hotels.

Right now, our associates in Rockville, MD are working in a hybrid environment, between two-four days per week in the office and working virtually the remaining days. We provide flexibility and encourage ongoing communication with your leadership to establish expectations about your unique needs.

We are focused on safety and wellness in our offices, and as such, as a Choice associate you will be required to disclose your COVID-19 vaccination status and provide a copy of your vaccination card.

About Choice

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. With more than 7,100 hotels, representing over 600,000 rooms, in nearly 40 countries and territories as of December 31, 2021, the Choice® family of hotel brands provide business and leisure travelers with a range of high-quality lodging options from limited service to full-service hotels in the upscale, midscale, extended-stay and economy segments. The award-winning Choice Privileges® loyalty program offers members benefits ranging from everyday rewards to exceptional experiences.

At our worldwide corporate headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, and technology center in Scottsdale, Arizona, and through our associates around the globe, we keep Choice hotels thriving by serving as a champion for our franchisees and providing cutting-edge technology.

*** This role is not eligible for sponsorship ***

Ability to model Choice’s Cultural Values: Welcome and Respect Everyone, Be Bold, Be Quick, Listen, Be Curious and Show Integrity.

By Choice Hotels

We bring together the people, brands and technology that enable the success of others - welcoming every guest, every partner, everywhere their journey takes them.

FUNDING

INDUSTRY

TEAM SIZE

LOCATION

Hybrid, based in Rockville, MD

DATE POSTED

June 23, 2023