Manager AD&C, North & Western Europe

Job Summary

The role would be field based in United Kingdom with significant travel throughout Europe and occasional travel to Middle East, Eurasia and Africa, as and when required, however the main territory the position will cover UK and Mainland Europe.

Responsibilities

The successful applicant will be responsible for reviewing architectural site plans or site assessments for potential franchised or managed new construction and conversion projects resulting in the completion of a Property Report for each proposed hotel opening or refurbishment.  They will work closely with Internal Associates in the process of new hotels joining the WHR systems and will continually report progress internally via Salesforce.  Where appropriate they will develop, deliver and document services in accordance with the AD&C Technical Services Agreement (TSA).  These services may include, but not be limited to, design reviews, meetings and site visits, mock-up room inspections and the sign-off of completed hotels or refurbishment projects. In performing their duties the incumbent will be expected to develop strong relationships with Business Partners, external suppliers and consultants whilst protecting WHR’s brands and products. The role will involve approximately 40% travel throughout the region.

Complexity

• Manage across multiple brands and countries in conjunction with many Business Partners and Internal Associates.
• Take initiative to avoid problems and anticipate the needs of team members. When problems occur, take positive steps to solve them.  Bring relevant issues to the immediate attention of the Senior Director, AD&C for resolution.
• Participate in site visits and market surveys to develop better understanding of site and market demands and evaluate design implications for all brands.
• Manage the process for applying lessons learnt from prior projects to current and future projects.
• Make effective decisions on behalf of the company to ensure the continuation of projects on time and within budget to maximise performance and efficiency.

Scope and Financial Responsibility

• Manage multiple hotel projects in various stages of planning or construction.
• Manage and accurately forecast the anticipated opening dates in Salesforce.
• Add value and revenue to the business via functioning TSA agreements.
• Manage time allocation on projects in accordance with specific project budget or allocations as established with the Senior Director, AD&C.
• Manage consultant’s proposals, contracts and invoicing, as required.
• Manage own travel budget.

Key Competencies, Skills and Abilities

• Make decisions or solve problems by using logic to identify key facts, explore alternatives, and proposes creative quality solutions.
• Communicate information and ideas clearly and concisely, verbally, in drawings and in writing.
• Conceptual design and freehand sketching ability.
• The ability to read and understand information presented in drawings and architectural sketches or diagrams.
• Evaluate information against a set of standards and criteria.
• Read, interpret and apply laws and regulations, policies and procedures with respect for differences in culture and legislation in different territories.
• Reporting and project management skills of the highest quality.
• The ability to anticipate, course-correct and avoid potential problems or obstacles.
• Excellent oral & written communications skills and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Good understanding of architectural design, particularly in the hotel industry.
• Good technical and project management skills.
• Computer skills: including experience of architectural software such as AutoCAD, word processing, spreadsheet, database, project planning and scheduling to a professional level of competence.

Organizational Relationships

• Reports to the Senior Director, AD&C. 
• Liaises significantly with Internal Associates.
• Provides consultative advice to Business Partners.
• Represent the business within the architectural, construction and design community and with suppliers and external consultants.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Interior Design or Architecture, or a related construction or design discipline from an accredited college or university.
• Significant and progressive post-qualification experience at a reputable design studio or in-house within a large commercial or hospitality business.
• Proven experience in interior design and delivery of hotel projects and work-streams.
• Fluency in English essential.
• Ideally French as a second language, however not essential