We are searching for an experienced Project-Design Manager with a successful track record of managing all phases of hospitality driven projects and leading multiple complex project teams simultaneously.
Your RoleA Project Manager at Gensler works with autonomy and is responsible for executing a variety of hospitality-focused project types and scales, leading all phases of projects from concept through completion.
Potential projects include hotels and resorts, branded residences, restaurants and food & beverage environments, lifestyle and mixed-use hospitality developments, and experiential destinations that redefine how people gather, travel, and connect.
This role is involved throughout the full project delivery process and requires a strong working knowledge of hospitality design and operations to ensure exceptional project outcomes. The Design Manager leads relationships with clients, operators, developers, contractors, agencies, and specialty consultants.
They also collaborate with and mentor junior staff to foster design excellence and deliver outstanding guest-centric environments, serving as the primary point of contact for all work produced.
What You Will Do - Act as a design manager for a variety of hospitality and lifestyle-driven projects
- Lead the execution of projects through all phases of design, documentation, and construction administration
- Build and maintain strong client relationships, including owners, operators, and brand stakeholders
- Generate new business opportunities and support marketing efforts, including proposals, presentations, and interviews
- Drive project delivery, ensuring alignment with design intent, brand standards, and guest experience goals
- Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and work plans
- Prepare and review proposals, contracts, and consultant agreements
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including architecture, interior design, F&B consultants, lighting designers, and branding agencies
- Review internal project accounting documents and process draft project billing
- Lead project teams, assign tasks, and monitor progress across multiple concurrent projects
- Mentor and support the professional development of junior staff
- Oversee design documentation and coordinate project deliverable
- Ensure compliance with applicable codes, brand standards, and operational requirements
- Other related duties as assigned
Your Qualifications - Bachelor's Degree or higher in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field
- 7+ years of relevant design experience, including 2+ years of project management experience in a design or architecture firm with a focus on hospitality projects
- Experience delivering hospitality environments such as hotels, resorts, restaurants, or mixed-use developments
- Strong understanding of hospitality design principles, guest experience, and operational workflows
- Experience working across multiple disciplines and coordinating complex building systems
- Knowledge of all project phases, including interior design and core & shell architecture
- Ability to provide exceptional client service while maintaining project profitability
- Proven experience managing multiple large-scale, fast-paced projects simultaneously
- Strong programming, planning, and FF&E expertise, with attention to brand storytelling and detail
- Knowledge of building codes, accessibility standards, and jurisdictional requirements
- Sustainable design experience, with preference for LEED accreditation or project involvement
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Project) and design tools such as AutoCAD
- Revit, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign) are a plus
- Experience with construction administration and/or design-build delivery methods preferred
- Passion for hospitality environments and creating exceptional guest experiences
- Desire to mentor and lead teams
This role is not remote or hybrid; we look forward to working with our new team member in our incredible Chicago office.
**The base salary will be estimated between $100,000 - $130,000 plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience. To learn more about our compensation philosophy and full benefits offerings, please visit Great People, Great Rewards | Gensler
