Manager Design Review - Premium Brands

Role Purpose

Co-manage hotel projects, aligned with assigned Manager, Property Improvements, for an assigned territory of franchised hotels which may include a Property Improvement Plan (PIP) for a renovation and/or new development (ND) hotel construction project. Serve as a recognized architectural design expert for upscale IHG brand hotels. Manager, Review will focus primary responsibilities on Plan Review discipline as assigned per hiring manager.

Plan Review Responsibilities (some or all may apply)

Responsibilities include approving (or not approving) project plans, design boards, life safety plans and other related project submittals for a broad range of complex of PIP and ND projects to ensure conformance with Hotel Brand Vision and Hotel Design Guidelines, Hotel Brand Standards, IHG Brand Safety Standards, ADA requirements, and other related design criteria requirements. Provide design guidance and assistance to IHG franchisees and their design consultants through all phases of the PIP or ND projects, ensuring timely and successful completion of projects while promoting Great Hotels Guests Love.

May lead and review the work of less experienced staff by providing mentoring, technical guidance and/or training in daily activities. From time to time provide feedback to management and brand on product related issues / recommendations for improvements.

Key Accountabilities

• Plan Review Responsibilities (some or all may apply)

• Effectively manage an assigned territory by evaluating a steady flow of proposed ND and PIP renovation project designs, including evaluation against IHG Brand Standards, suitability of designs, materials, style and coordination for all areas of a hotel project.

• Thoroughly review PIP documents to gain familiarity with project requirements as set forth by the PIP prior to commenting to franchisee on project submittals sent in for Design Review. Manager has the authority to accept submitted design modifications that are not as specifically listed in the PIP if the submitted design meets the intent of the PIP.

• Perform Design Review for all submittals received for all projects within your assigned territory provide appropriate written responses to owner. Review site plans to ensure compliance with applicable laws, IHG Brand Standards, and provide suggestions on required changes or improvements to such plans. Monitor milestone dates for ND and PIP renovation projects to ensure projects are progressing on schedule.

• Ensure that all documentation is maintained with project file.

• Lead and conduct initial and periodic meetings with Principal Correspondents (Owners), architects, designers, and contractors to discuss renovation requirements, construction direction, and design plans for specific projects. Consult with/guide the project team members through the design process and into the construction/renovation phase to ensure consistency of product. Responsible for communicating any design or construction trend changes or improvements in order to keep the brand’s Architecture & Design requirements current and competitive.

• Contribute to ongoing development of Architecture & Design department’s useful tools and resources to be shared with franchisee community via department website.

• Attend Brand Studio Meetings on a regular basis, providing feedback to the Brand Design team on product and prototype design related issues, request feedback on specific project issues, and provide input towards improvement and growth of the Brand Studio team structure.

• Work as an educator during Design Immersion program sessions and Investor Orientation Certification events, informing attendees of basic design review submittal requirements and brand standards.

Key Skills & Experiences

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Architecture, Design, Construction Management, or an equivalent combination of education and work related experience. AIA or ASID certifications preferred.

Experience

8+ years progressive work-related experience in design architecture, with at least years prior experience in hotel industry renovation or new build projects.

Technical Skills and Knowledge

• Demonstrate project management experience in organizing, planning and executing complex, large-scale projects from conception through implementation.

• Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills for the purpose of providing information to clients, Design teams, senior management and IHG Internal Partners. Demonstrated ability to communicate supportive program details (presentation, analysis) to present a persuasive argument or to effectively negotiate a position, and to clearly explain specific requirements for active projects.

• Demonstrate computer skills. Experience with Bluebeam, Google Drive/Docs, Microsoft Word preferred

• Demonstrate knowledge of brand standards and full understanding of the differences in the various brand standards. Must maintain a working knowledge of all requirements described in each brand standards manual.

• Demonstrate ability to read blueprints including architectural, mechanical, plumbing, sprinkler systems and electrical drawings.

• Demonstrate ability to interpret design boards and specifications and provide free‑hand renderings, layouts or other drawings to clarify design issues or as the need arises.

• Demonstrate ability to remain current with construction trends, code requirements and design through participating in annual continuing education classes.

• Demonstrate ability to effectively prioritize project details and manage time usage to track active renovation, conversion and new development properties, and to determine if plans have been submitted in a timely manner and/or if PIP Managers have performed milestone visits in a timely manner. Must make immediate time available to return telephone calls and work with franchisees when problems arise regarding project development, Brand standards or vendor-related issues.

• Demonstrate knowledge of national building codes requirements.

• Fluency in English and Spanish is required

Work Model:

This position offers a hybrid setup—4 days in‑office for collaboration and connection, and 1 remote day each week.

Some travel (30‑40%) may be required to support various phases of the assigned projects.

At IHG Hotels & Resorts, we work together to deliver True Hospitality for Good on a global scale. With corporate offices and over 6,000 hotel destinations worldwide, a career at IHG is the perfect way to broaden your horizons. You’ll experience our unique culture and brilliant colleagues who will support and inspire you. With a host of corporate opportunities to choose from, wherever you are on your career journey, and whatever you want to achieve there’s Room for You at IHG.

Over recent years, we’ve transformed our company. We have bold ambitions to drive performance and maintain our relentless focus on growth in order to be the hotel company of choice that guests & owners love.

We are a hospitality business at our core and value connections and being together helps us foster a unique sense of belonging that also supports productivity. That’s why here at IHG, we give our colleagues flexibility and balance – working in a hybrid way, blending office and remote working collectively. We recognise that every role is different, that’s why leaders work with teams to determine how and when they collaborate.

We provide a wide range of benefits designed to help you live your best work life. These include impressive room discounts across our many properties, recharge days and volunteering days throughout the year. Through our myWellbeing framework, we are committed to supporting wellbeing in your health, lifestyle, and workplace. We offer a unique and inclusive culture, where there is always Room for You to belong, grow and make a difference.

Our mission is to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams where we celebrate difference and encourage colleagues to bring their whole selves to work. IHG Hotels & Resorts provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by applicable laws. We promote a culture of trust, support, and acceptance. Always welcoming different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.