Project Director - Design Services
Description
Who We Are
At Hyatt, we believe in the power of belonging and creating a culture of care, where our colleagues become family. Since 1957, our colleagues and our guests have been at the heart of our business and helped Hyatt become one of the best, and fastest growing hospitality brands in the world. Our transformative growth and the addition of new hotels, brands and business lines can open the door for exciting career and growth opportunities to our colleagues.
As we continue to grow, we never lose sight of what’s most important\: People. We turn trips into journeys, encounters into experiences and jobs into careers.
Your Role
As Project Director of Design Services, you will guide the design and delivery of full-service hotel projects across new builds, conversions and renovations. Reporting to the Regional Vice President – Design Services, you will lead multidisciplinary teams throughout the project lifecycle, from early planning and design through construction, commissioning and post-opening review.
Working closely with owners, designers, consultants and Hyatt’s operational and technical specialists, you will bring together thoughtful design, operational needs and Hyatt’s brand standards. You will also manage and develop Project Managers, encouraging collaboration, fresh thinking and a shared commitment to quality.
Location\: This role is based in Dubai.
Your Responsibilities
Lead projects from concept to opening. Establish Project Management Plans, coordinate deliverables and oversee Technical Services Agreement accounting, while managing departmental expenses within approved budgets.
Shape early project planning. Partner with Hyatt’s Development Group on pre-development activities, prepare Preliminary Area Programs that maximise space efficiency, and guide preliminary architectural reviews.
Bring Hyatt’s design standards to life. Advise owners and project teams on design requirements, support Property Improvement Plans, and review drawings, specifications, furnishings and fixtures for alignment with approved designs and brand standards.
Connect people and expertise. Lead project kick-off meetings and collaborate with Project Management, Building Systems Design, Operational Planning, Culinary and external specialists to deliver coordinated solutions.
Guide consultants and design partners. Research and pre-qualify hospitality architecture and interior design firms, maintain a database of potential partners, and oversee outsourced design reviews covering engineering, fire and life safety, and ultra-low-voltage systems.
Support informed project decisions. Coordinate Hotel Equipment Specification Books and furniture, fixtures and equipment budgets for new builds and renovations. Review mock-up rooms, document feedback and ensure required changes are incorporated into the prototype.
Monitor progress and quality. Maintain monthly reports covering construction status and projected opening dates, attend key construction meetings, and assess on-site work against approved drawings and Hyatt standards. Escalate deviations promptly and work with owners on corrective action.
Champion continuous improvement. Help implement prototype programmes, innovation and departmental initiatives, complete post-opening follow-up reports, and stay current with industry developments.
Lead with care and integrity. Build strong relationships across cultures, support your team’s development, and represent Hyatt with professionalism, diplomacy and empathy.