Senior Design Manager - Caribbean

Senior Design Manager

Location: The Caribbean - Full relocation is required (expat-friendly location)

Please Note this is an fulltime international position / not remote.

About the company

Our client is a premier hospitality group renowned across the Caribbean and Central America for their exceptional portfolio of luxury resorts and mixed-use properties. They are dedicated to crafting unforgettable guest experiences through innovative service, impeccable operational standards, and visionary design. With a strong commitment to sustainability and growth, they continue to set the benchmark for excellence in the region’s vibrant hospitality landscape.

The Role

The Design Manager is responsible for leading, coordinating, and managing all design activities across assigned hospitality or mixed-use projects. This role ensures that all design elements are aligned with project objectives, brand standards, and regulatory compliance, while maintaining the highest levels of quality and constructability. The Design Manager works closely with architects, consultants, contractors, and client-side stakeholders to drive the design process from concept through to construction documentation, ensuring deliverables meet programme milestones and budget constraints.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact for all matters relating to design coordination and delivery.
• Lead and guide the in-house and consultant design teams across all disciplines (architecture, interiors, MEP, technology, landscape, signage) ensuring cohesive and timely submissions.
• Maintain close coordination with Project Management, Procurement, Construction, and Commercial teams to align design intent with execution strategy.
• Monitor the production and delivery of drawings, specifications, and technical documents in line with project programme.
• Implement the brand design book standards and develop the owner’s book handover.
• Conduct regular design review meetings and workshops, issuing clear minutes and follow-up actions.
• Liaise with client-appointed operators, branding teams, and specialist consultants to incorporate operator design guidelines and user experience considerations.
• Review and comment on all design submissions to ensure compliance with project brief, budget, codes, and functional requirements.
• Champion innovation in design, including smart buildings, technology-led solutions, and back-of-house efficiency enhancements.
• Support the integration of solar energy systems, water treatment plants, sewage treatment plants (STP), and sustainable MEP solutions.
• Lead the adoption of technologies aimed at operational efficiency, environmental performance, and long-term maintenance optimisation.
• Assist with value engineering exercises without compromising design quality.
• Support the mock-up room process, material and sample approvals, and interface with FF&E and OS&E consultants.
• Track design-related risks and propose mitigation measures in coordination with the Project Controls team.
• Provide support during the construction phase, including review of RFIs, shop drawings, and as-built documentation.
• Follow up on municipality and governmental requirements and approvals.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or related field.
• 10+ years’ experience in design management across hospitality, resort, and/or mixed-use developments.
• Minimum 3 years in a client-side or PMC capacity overseeing external consultants.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary design scopes within fast-track environments.
• Familiar with managing a variety of project types at different stages, including greenfield developments, refurbishments, renovations, rebranding implementations, MEP upgrades, and technology upgrades.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit/BIM, MS Project, and design collaboration platforms.
• Strong understanding of local and international codes, life safety, accessibility, and authority approvals.
• Familiarity with hotel operator brand standards and design manuals (preferred).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving capabilities and ability to drive team performance.
• Ability to innovate and integrate smart technologies across all design packages, including solar power, water reuse, and energy optimisation systems.
• Familiar with design and implementation of STP, water treatment systems, and other key facility infrastructure.
• LEED accreditation or strong familiarity with LEED principles and sustainability compliance (preferred).
• Fluent in English; additional language skills are an advantage.

Package:

• Attractive net expatriate package.
• Full relocation support.
• Exciting career opportunity within a listed group with strong regional presence and growth ambitions.