Director of Design

Purpose: The Director of Design manages the design strategy and execution for F&B and retail venues, concept/brand conversions, and remodel projects in North America. This role leads design teams, oversees the development of design standards and specifications, and aligns design solutions with brand standards, operational requirements, and budget parameters.

Essential Functions:

• Leads design teams and external design consultants in developing comprehensive design concepts for business pursuits, lease extensions, and remodel projects across F&B and retail venues
• Manages the design development process from concept through 10% construction documentation, ensuring alignment with brand standards, operational functionality, budget parameters, and schedule requirements
• Develops and maintains design standards, specifications, and guidelines to drive consistency and quality across all venue types while allowing for location-specific customization
• Collaborates with Operations and Business Development teams to understand business requirements and translate them into effective design solutions
• Oversees interior design, food service design, architectural coordination, and fixture/equipment specifications while verifying selection and development align with project needs and quality standards
• Manages relationships with external design consultants and architects to provide strategic oversight and optimize design quality and performance
• Provides design expertise and support for RFP responses, including development of conceptual designs and renderings that support business development efforts
• Monitors design project schedules and deliverables to maintain timely completion and coordination with construction timelines and airport requirements
• Drives innovation in design methodologies and standards while balancing compliance and operational functionality across diverse airport environments
• Reviews and approves design deliverables including schematic designs, design development documents, 10% construction documents, finish selections, and equipment specifications to maintain quality and adherence to company standards

Reporting Relationship:The position reports to the Senior Director of Retail and F&B Design

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Work Environment:

• Education and Experience: The combination of education and professional experience must exceed 8 years:
• In a leadership role: Requires 3 years of experience supervising design teams or managing external design consultants engaged in executing commercial design programs
• In a technical role: Requires 8 years of experience engaged in developing and delivering design programs for commercial or hospitality environments
• A bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, or related field can count for 3 of the 8-year requirement
• Industry: 3-5 years of experience in F&B, Retail, or Hospitality
• Specialized Training:
• Training that leads to advanced knowledge of design software including but not limited to, AutoCAD, BlueBeam, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.
• Specialized Skillset/Competencies/Traits:
• Extensive knowledge of construction management, design processes, and project delivery methods in commercial and hospitality environments
• Strong financial acumen with ability to develop design solutions within approved budget parameters and understand cost implications of decisions
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to articulate design concepts to internal stakeholders and external clients
• Strong design aesthetic with ability to balance brand standards, operational functionality, and budget constraints
• Strategic thinking capabilities with ability to develop standardized processes and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Business acumen and mindset required to understand long-term implications of design and construction decisions and advance organizational goals
• Demonstrated history of understanding business needs, stakeholder requirements, and project complexities in airport and hospitality environments
• Demonstrated history of creating and maintaining positive work environments through coaching, developing, and leading teams to achieve common goals

• Location/Travel:
• This role may be based at the North America Support Center in Bethesda, MD, or may be remote depending on the candidate’s qualifications and profile. This role may require up to 30% travel to airport locations.