Vice President, Design & Project Management

JOB SUMMARY

As the leader of the Global Design Greater China team, the VP Design & Project Management will play a key role achieving company and department objectives around growth, design excellence, process excellence, and associate engagement.  This individual will lead a team of architects, designers, project managers, and other professionals in the collaborative process with owners, consultants and internal/external stakeholders for the successful planning, execution, and delivery of all Marriott International luxury, premium, and select branded new-build, conversion/acquisition, and renovation projects in Greater China. 

The VP Design & Project Management must be able to develop and execute strategies to effectively respond to the changing development and business needs in the region. She/he is a key partner to the Chief Development Officer, VP-Operations and Brand Leaders on matters relating to Brands, development strategy and new corporate initiatives that pertain to the discipline. She/he must therefore partner effectively with continent and corporate resources to maximize returns and mitigate risk. She/he must also be adept at tapping diverse sources of information, identifying profitable opportunities, and anticipating challenges, thereby strengthening Marriott’s competitive advantage through excellence in process and design.

The VP Design & Project Management is key leader as part of the global lodging product construct, partnering with the Greater China Brand and Operations Organization in informing and implementing the company’s product strategy.  The VP Design & Project Management is also a key partner to fellow continent Global Design leaders in defining and strengthening the coherence of Marriott’s design approach and sharing best practices. 

This individual will be a well-rounded professional with balanced expertise across the strategic, technical, and operational facets of design and outstanding capabilities in team leadership, communication, and relationship building.

The VP has a dual reporting position to the Managing Director – Luxury, Greater China, and the Managing VP - Customer, Greater China.

EXPECTED CNRIBUTIONS

• Provide leadership, partnership, mentorship, and model professional excellence.
• Champion excellence in business ethics and social responsibility.
• Provide clear vision and goals for the team aligned with company and discipline strategy.
• Develop and implement processes for excellence, effectiveness, and quality assurance in all facets of projects including feasibility, design (both architectural and interior design), procurement, and accounting control and reporting.  Develop programs that focus on delivery of cost-effective projects that meet budget, schedule and brand and technical standards.
• Cultivate strong, trusting relationships with owners, key partners, and consultants in support of Marriott International’s interests. 
• Recruit and retain top talent and establish succession strategies for key roles to ensure stability and continuity and to provide opportunities for professional growth.
• Strategically plan and manage the allocation of Global Design Greater China personnel and financial resources to ensure effective structure, processes, roles, and tools are in place for associates to perform successfully. 
• Manage and coordinate design and construction quality assurance related activities on all Marriott branded projects, including the Continent Design Review process as required.
• Manage front-end pipeline design and planning support for the regional Marriott development staff.
• Direct regional/continent responsibility for the coordination of new products and prototypes and the review and maintenance of product line criteria and standards, working closely with the Global Design Strategies team.
• Ensure that regional/continent best practices and lessons learned are shared across all functions and Global Design groups.
• Ensure communication on regional/continent activities with Brands, Operations, Development, Global Asset Management, Global Design and maintain current data on project cost, quality and schedule.
• Ensure that training programs are in place for the regional/continent Global Design team which allows them to stay current in their areas of responsibility, provides personal and professional growth, and permits cross-training where appropriate.
• Actively support and seek out technology and other solutions for continual process improvement. 
• Develop and maintain quality assurance program to protect Marriott International interests.
• Provide input to and resource for research and development of brand standards and brand positioning criteria for Marriott branded products.
• Adapt Marriott International business and brand requirements/ practices, as required, to reflect the regional location customs, laws, needs and capabilities.
• Prepare materials for Continent Design Review submissions and attend and comment as required.
• Create and manage to annual Global Design budget relative to headcount, programs and projects (department and project basis).
• Assure regional expertise and functionality to maintain up-to-date status of all data and information technology and operating systems such as Oasis, lobo, MGS, Mosaic etc. for the effective management, tracking and reporting of project and team performance.AE PROFILE

KEY TALENTS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 15 years experience in the design and construction industry with experience on hospitality projects.
• Strong leader of people – influential, demonstrates flexibility in approach, and motivates others (who may, oftentimes, not be direct reports) to achieve desired results; ability to work in a matrix organization and leverage shared resources to achieve results.
• In-depth knowledge of lodging development and design, understanding of hospitality business models, management/franchise contracts, and technical services agreements.
• Excellent business judgment and creative problem-solving attributes and working experience and knowledge of International Construction, Design and Procurement practices.
• Ability to evaluate business trends and develop and successfully implement new business programs and strategies that enhance business performance.
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills; role requires considerable liaison with multiple stakeholders and maintenance of considerable internal and external relationships.
• Operates with an open, collaborative approach to foster strong relationships and ensure key stakeholders’ priorities are considered and balanced. 
• Skillful negotiator in tough situations; sells ideas persuasively; settles differences and wins concessions without damaging relationships; can be both direct and forceful while remaining diplomatic.
• Broad experience and knowledge of International contracting legalities and procedures and an understanding of multiple cultural variances and their impact on the development/design/construction process.
• Ability to consistently make decisions in a timely manner sometimes with incomplete information and under tight deadlines and pressure; comfortable challenging organizational norms and accepted thinking to improve effectiveness.
• Results oriented; delivers results under difficult conditions and demonstrates balanced judgment under pressure.
• Ability to integrate and balance priorities, work activities and resources for the benefit of multiple key stakeholders.
• Ability to assess, plan and get “the right priorities” done, on time and budget, at high quality levels.
• Regional/continent language capability desired but not essential.
• Desire to be a leader as well as a partner. 
• Fluent in Chinese (reading and speaking).

Education and Professional Certification 

• Baccalaureate degree in relevant field required (architecture, interior design, construction/project management). Master’s degree preferred. Licensure as Architect or Interior Designer preferred. 

LOCATION                                                     

• This position will be based in Greater China.

Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.

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.