Design Manager

Job Number: 26097621 | Location: 7750 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20814 | Schedule: Full Time | Hybrid position (candidates within commuting distance to Bethesda, MD; remote considered for candidates outside commuting distance)

About the Role

The Manager-Design leads the architectural design strategy and execution of multiple Marriott Select Business new build/conversion projects across managed and franchised hotel projects. This role ensures alignment with brand vision, operational requirements, and business objectives while acting as a design authority. The Manager-Design guides concept development, evaluates design solutions, and influences key design decisions with ownership groups and their representatives. They oversee internal teams and external consultants to deliver high-quality, innovative, and compliant design outcomes within established budgets and schedules. Additionally, this role serves as a trusted advisor to stakeholders by interpreting and adapting brand standards to diverse project conditions while maintaining brand integrity.

Responsibilities

• Lead design strategy and execution for Marriott Select Business projects (managed and franchised), ensuring brand integrity, design excellence, operational feasibility, and consistent quality outcomes.
• Serve 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.
• Support in-house Project Management co-workers with construction support services related to design decisions, clarifications, or updates during the construction phase.
• Influence concept design solutions, including feasibility support, test fits, and program requirements aligned with 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.
• Develop Property Improvement Plans (PIPs) in partnership with internal stakeholders, ensuring clarity of scope, cost alignment, and brand intent.
• Partner with Development and Brand teams to support owner engagement efforts, leveraging Marriott design expertise to influence decision-making and strengthen deal execution.
• Recommend design changes to address customer satisfaction data, operational concerns, brand initiatives, and development strategies.
• Embrace a 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.
• Travel approximately 30%, including periodic long-distance driving to remote locations.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in architecture at a design firm for large commercial or hospitality projects.
• Valid driver’s license, ability to rent a car, and willingness to drive long distances periodically.

Qualifications

• 4-year undergraduate degree in Architecture or related design discipline preferred.
• Experience in construction document development, preferably for hotel projects.
• Architectural license preferred.

Pay

$96,000-$129,000 annually | Bonus Eligible: Yes

Benefits

• 401(k) plan
• Stock purchase plan
• Discounts at Marriott properties
• Commuter benefits
• Employee assistance plan
• Childcare discounts
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Health care flexible spending account
• Dependent care flexible spending account
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Accident insurance
• Adoption expense reimbursements
• Paid parental leave
• 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.