Convene

SVP, Design & Development

Convene$250K — $285K *
Hospitality & Recreation
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 15+ years of leadership experience in real estate development and construction in hospitality/retail sectors.
  • Strong background in engineering or architecture with expertise in structural and site infrastructure systems.
  • Experience with Agile or Scrum project management frameworks in construction and development contexts.
  • Expert budget management skills, treating capital expenditure with operational rigor.
  • Ability to clearly communicate complex issues to non-technical stakeholders and executives.
  • Proven track record of driving results in a matrixed corporate structure.
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Management preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Define and lead a development lifecycle ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery through project management.
  • Conduct technical and cost feasibility assessments for potential development sites.
  • Establish systems for new location development and market entry with clarity and consistency.
  • Manage the global development budget, implementing cost management practices to achieve build cost goals.
  • Oversee a multi-site project pipeline, ensuring adherence to timelines by working with internal and external teams.
  • Direct a network of designers and contractors, holding them accountable to brand and budget standards.
  • Communicate cross-functionally and provide updates on project health to leadership and the board.

Benefits

  • Day-one health coverage for employees and families, including 24/7 virtual care.
  • Generous PTO, including a birthday off and year-end holiday closure.
  • 401K with company match and support for professional development.
  • Ongoing career growth opportunities and recognition for milestones.
  • Volunteer opportunities to make an impact in the community.
Full Job Description
SVP, Design & Development

The Role

Convene Hospitality Group is entering a new phase of global growth following a $230 million financing round and the appointment of Fortune 500 leadership to our executive team. As we scale our multi-brand event and hospitality platform, we are looking for a senior leader to oversee the physical realization of our portfolio. This role is focused on the development side of the house; transforming site identification into high-ROI assets through brand-led design, engineering discipline, process rigor, and fiscal control.

Reporting to the Chief Growth Officer, you will manage a high-performing team and work across the organization to ensure our expansion is both scalable and financially sound.

What You'll Do

Process & Analysis
  • Define and lead a development lifecycle that delivers consistent results - on time and on budget - through technical excellence and rigorous project management
  • Partner with Real Estate to conduct deep technical and cost feasibility for potential sites, ensuring infrastructure and local conditions support our design standards and brand requirements.
  • Build and execute the systems and processes required to develop new locations and enter new markets with consistency and brand clarity

Fiscal and Operational Rigor
  • Own the global development budget and implement estimating, cost management and value engineering practices to meet and/or exceed build cost and return thresholds
  • Own and manage the critical path of our complex multi site project pipeline, working with the team and third parties to ensure delivery timelines are met
  • Direct a global network of designers, architects, engineers, and contractors, holding partners accountable to brand standards, design typology and budget requirements

Leadership and Communication
  • Work cross-functionally and communicate clearly with Real Estate, Finance, Operations, and Legal to gather inputs and facilitate alignment
  • Provide consistent, succinct, data driven updates to the CGO, leadership team and board regarding project health, capital spend, timelines and risks
  • Lead and mentor a distributed team of professionals, fostering a culture of curiosity, excellence and continuous learning

What We Look For
  • 15 plus years of progressive leadership in real estate development and construction, with a track record of scaling multi unit hospitality or premium retail brands across diverse markets.
  • A strong foundation in engineering and/or architecture with a deep understanding of structural, MEP, and site infrastructure systems.
  • Practical experience implementing Agile or Scrum project management frameworks within physical construction and development.
  • Expert level budget management with the ability to treat capital expenditure with the same rigor as an operator treats a P&L.
  • The ability to communicate complex technical or financial issues clearly and succinctly to non technical stakeholders and executive leadership.
  • Proven ability to drive results within a matrixed corporate structure, using influence and expertise to move projects forward.
  • A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Management is preferred.

While this role offers flexibility, candidates must reside within commuting distance of New York City for regular collaboration, with travel required as needed to oversee site transformations and regional project milestones.

Compensation:

The above job definition information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on changing business needs and conditions.

Compensation & Benefits
  • Base Salary Range: $250,000 - $285,000 per year
    • Note: Final base salary within this range will be determined based on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and qualifications.
  • Bonus Eligibility: Eligible for our annual performance-based bonus program, with a target potential of 50% of base salary.
  • Equity: This role includes an executive-level (SVP) equity package, with details provided during the interview process.

This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Salary may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors.

We're Here For You:

At Convene Hospitality Group, we want you to feel supported in every part of your life. Here's what you can expect:
  • Health & Wellness: Day-one health coverage for you and your family, 24/7 virtual care, emotional well-being support, and fertility & family planning benefits. Because your well-being matters, inside and outside of work.
  • Time Off & Balance: Generous PTO, your birthday off (because, of course!), paid parental leave, and a year-end holiday closure to recharge.
  • Financial Growth: 401K with company match and support for education, courses, and certifications. We invest in you so you can grow personally and professionally.
  • Development & Recognition: Ongoing career growth opportunities plus recognition programs to celebrate milestones.
  • Community & Impact: Volunteer and give-back opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact in the work you do.

About Convene

Convene is a workplace hospitality platform that provides flexible meeting, event, and office space solutions to businesses. Convene was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in New York City. The company offers a range of services, including meeting and event planning, catering, audiovisual technology, and workplace design. Convene has locations in major cities across the United States, including New York, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. The company has received several awards for its innovative workplace solutions, including the 2019 Fast Company Most Innovative Companies award and the 2018 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America.
Learn more about Convene
Size
500 employees
Industry
Founded
2009

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