Project Director - Design Services

Organization- Regional Office - EAME

Summary

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.
  
  

Qualifications

Your Qualifications & Experience

• A degree in Architecture or Interior Design from an accredited institution.
• At least 10 years of experience in architectural or interior design, supported by strong project management skills.
• Experience leading internal multidisciplinary teams in hospitality development and managing external consultants.
• The ability to guide complex projects, balance stakeholder priorities and translate design requirements into practical solutions.
• An independent, proactive approach, with confidence in introducing ideas, managing change and leading departmental initiatives.
• Cultural awareness and adaptability, with experience responding thoughtfully to local contexts and changing project needs.
• Excellent written and spoken English, with strong presentation skills and the ability to communicate effectively with owners’ representatives, senior leaders and hotel operations teams. Additional languages are an advantage.
• Proficiency in relevant design and project management software, including Microsoft Project and AutoCAD.
  
  

How We Care For Our People

What sets us apart is our purpose—to care for people so they can be their best. Every business decision is made through the lens of our purpose, and it informs how we support each other as members of the Hyatt family.

Our care for our colleagues is the key to our success. We’re proud to have been recognised on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for 13 consecutive years, reflecting our commitment to a culture of inclusivity, empathy, respect and belonging.

We’re proud to offer the following benefits, subject to local policies and eligibility:

• An annual allotment of complimentary stays at Hyatt hotels worldwide.
• Attractive colleague , friends and family hotel rates globally.
• Flexible work arrangements to support work–life balance.
• Learning and development opportunities through Hyatt’s myLearning platform.
• Tuition reimbursement to support continued education and long-term career growth.
  
  

We Welcome You

Research shows that individuals tend to apply to jobs, only if they meet all the listed job qualifications. Unsure if you check every box, but feeling inspired to enhance your career? Apply. We’d love to consider your unique experiences and how you could make Hyatt even better.

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