Senior Director, Design Strategy, APEC (Full Potential)

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Director, Design Strategy, APEC role will collaborate closely with the APEC Design & Execution team, leading architectural and interior design initiatives, executing conceptual design studies, and prototyping at different levels of fidelity. They will ensure all efforts align with quality, operational excellence, and brand voice. They will use their mastery of human-centered design to drive performance and foster an atmosphere of innovation. This strategic designer will bring the right people and resources together to generate ideas, push beyond expectations, and to deliver meaningful results. They will partner with and influence external partners to create distinctive and renown brands. Additionally, they will select, negotiate, and contract with external consultants, direct and supervise their work, and lead the development and evolution of business processes enabling continuous improvement. The Senior Director will also collaborate with other members of the Design Strategies team to proliferate best practices and ensure consistency across all initiatives. This role requires a visionary leader who can deliver meaningful end results on time.

CANDIDATE PROFILE 

Education and Experience 

Required

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Ten or more years’ design experience, demonstrating progressive career growth and a pattern of exceptional performance
• Demonstrated ability to take a project from design through detailed design documentation, start to finish

Preferred

• Master’s degree
• Experience in the hospitality design industry              

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES 

• Lead design initiatives (architecture and interior design) on APEC projects, ensuring strategic leadership and category positioning.
• Provide conceptual design studies, inspirational ideas, and sketches to influence final deliverables and brand strategies.
• Support brand initiatives, innovation activities, and storytelling with APEC design segment leaders and communications teams.
• Coordinate and review outside consultant proposals, contracts and invoicing.
• Coordinate and review project plans, budgets and scopes of work for brand and internal initiatives.
• Utilize design expertise and business acumen to make optimal project decisions and improve processes and deliverables.
• Partner with the Brand organization to provide innovative and cost-effective solutions supporting strategic growth goals.
• Collaborate and align with internal and external stakeholders on design projects.
• Work creatively and collaboratively under tight deadlines and strict budgets.
• Synthesize industry trends to create informed perspectives and drive the work and design strategy forward.
• Research latest design and technology developments within or outside the industry to inspire brand design teams and support current and future projects.

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.