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Design Manager

Marriott International HQ

 
JOB SUMMARY

The Manager-Design leads the architectural design strategy and execution of multiple Marriot Select Business new build / conversion projects across managed and franchised hotel projects, ensuring alignment with brand vision, operational requirements, and business objectives. Acts as a design authority, guiding concept development, evaluating design solutions, and influencing key design decisions with ownership groups and their representation. Oversees internal teams and external consultants to deliver high-quality, innovative, and compliant design outcomes within established budgets and schedules. Serves as a trusted advisor to stakeholders by interpreting and adapting brand standards to diverse project conditions while maintaining brand integrity. Drives project governance, including consultant management, contract oversight, and post-approval change management, and ensures accurate project tracking and reporting.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education and Experience

Required


•    Minimum 5 years’ experience in architecture at a design firm for large commercial or hospitality projects.
•    Travel approximately 30%, must have a valid driver’s license, ability to rent a car, and periodically drive long distances to remote locations.

Preferred


•    4-year undergraduate degree in Architecture or related design discipline preferred.
•    Experienced in construction document development, preferably Hotel Projects.
•    Architectural license preferred.

    
CORE WORK ACTIVITIES 


•    Lead design strategy and execution for Marriott Select Business projects (managed and franchised), ensuring brand integrity, design excellence, operational feasibility, and consistent quality outcomes. 
•    Serves as the primary design point of contact for assigned projects, guiding owners and external consultants through Marriott’s brand standards, design intent, and approval processes.
•    Supports in-house Project Management co-workers’ construction support services related to design decisions, clarifications, or updates during construction phase.
•    Capable of influencing concept design solutions, including feasibility support, test fits, and program requirements aligned to brand positioning and project objectives. 
•    Influence executive and owner decision-making by presenting design recommendations, articulating rationale, and securing alignment at senior leadership levels. 
•    Work with external consultants, setting clear expectations, providing direction, and driving high performance across project teams. 
•    Serve as a trusted advisor to owners and stakeholders, interpreting and adapting brand standards to meet unique project conditions while maintaining brand intent. 
•    Develops Property Improvement Plans (PIPs) in partnership with internal stakeholders, ensuring clarity of scope, cost alignment, and brand intent.
•    Partners with Development and Brand teams to support owner engagement efforts, leveraging Marriott design expertise to influence decision making and strengthen deal execution.
•    Recommends design changes to address customer satisfaction data, operational concerns, brand initiatives, and development strategies.
•    Embraces mindset of continuous learning and improvement, seeking and adopting new processes, technology, and solutions for highest impact.  
•    Drive cross-functional alignment with internal stakeholders, owners, architects, and consultants to deliver on quality, budget, and schedule commitments. 
•    Oversee project tracking and reporting through Oasis, ensuring data accuracy, transparency, and timely updates to support business decisions. 


 

At Marriott International, we are dedicated to being an equal opportunity employer, welcoming all and providing access to opportunity. We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated. Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent, and experiences of our associates. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status, or other basis protected by applicable law.
 

All positions offer a 401(k) plan, stock purchase plan, discounts at Marriott properties, commuter benefits, employee assistance plan, and childcare discounts.  Benefits are subject to terms and conditions, which may include rules regarding eligibility, enrollment, waiting period, contribution, benefit limits, election changes, benefit exclusions, and others. Click here to learn more.

Full-time positions also offer coverage for medical, dental, vision, health care flexible spending account, dependent care flexible spending account, life insurance, disability insurance, accident insurance, adoption expense reimbursements, paid parental leave and educational assistance. 

Washington Applicants Only: Employees will accrue paid sick leave, 0.077 PTO balance for every hour worked and be eligible to receive a minimum of 9 holidays annually.

Marriott HQ is committed to a hybrid work environment that enables associates to Be connected.  Headquarters-based positions are considered hybrid, for candidates within a commuting distance to Bethesda, MD; candidates outside of commuting distance to Bethesda, MD will be considered for Remote positions.

Marriott International is the world’s largest hotel company, with more brands, more hotels and more opportunities for associates to grow and succeed. Be where you can do your best work,​ begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global​ team, and become the best version of you.