Design Manager

This Design Project Manager will manage project design deliverables from conception to completion for new construction and renovations within the Hotels in the Ryman Hospitality Properties' (RHP) portfolio of assets. Support Design and Construction leadership in managing project timelines, budgets and work quality while ensuring compliance with specifications and company standards. Serve as primary contact for leadership updates and changes throughout project lifecycle. Manage external consultants to achieve business strategies and guide project teams to drive optimal performance. Reports to Senior Director of Design.

This position is based on site at the Corporate Office in Nashville, TN.

• Interface with ownership, department leadership, and stakeholders to ensure design alignment with brand standards, values, and strategic objectives while maximizing ROI and enhancing guest environments.
• Oversee projects from initial requirements gathering through final deployment, defining schedules, scope, budget estimates, implementation strategies, and risk mitigation plans while coordinating internal and external resources.
• Strategize with leadership to create project design briefs that execute corporate design standards and meet market expectations. Source and conceptualize design direction through visual and verbal presentations.
• Provide comprehensive understanding of technical design, including detailed design drawing sets, specifications, finishes, and shop drawings from concept to execution.
• Establish and maintain design schedules for internal departmental coordination and external project control measures. Monitor project progress regularly, and adjust scope, timeline, or budget as needed to meet objectives and deliverables.
• Lead or participate in key design coordination and construction meetings, onsite field coordination and OACs while representing design priorities and providing project-specific solutions.
• Apply analytical skills and creativity to resolve individual site conditions and anomalies during implementation.
• Source products, design techniques, and production methods relevant to hospitality trends and corporate needs.
• Maintain industry relationships to assist with procurement. Establish FF&E delivery and installation schedule to ensure on-time delivery for project opening.
• Collaborate with project teams throughout project lifecycle to ensure adherence to bran standards, review shop drawings, specifications, product reviews, and value engineering of materials and finishes.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with all consultants, vendors, and onsite operations team members. Promote a positive work environment.
• Perform other duties as required.

Education

• Degree in Architecture, Interior Design or related field preferred

Experience

• 6+ years of experience with interior and architectural design in retail, hospitality, or restaurant design, working with design agencies and/or development organizations
• Management experience in the design delivery of all-inclusive hotels and resort environments preferred
• Experience applying preliminary site planning principles and a high level of design competence and expertise in FF&E

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to convey design solutions,
• describe vision, and explain programmatic, technical, and regulatory constraints
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from internal stakeholders and external partners and provide assistance, technical guidance, and training to peers
• Must be results-driven in terms of budget, schedule and quality and capable of managing multiple projects and deliverables concurrently and within expected timelines
• Sense of accountability for projects and deliverables while producing consistently high-quality work
• Willingness to travel domestically up to 20% as necessary
• Strong proficiency in interpreting shop drawings, elevation mock-ups, and utilizing 3D modeling tools. Proficient in Bluebeam Revu, Adobe Creative Suite, Procore, and Plan Grid. Other visual media experience is a plus
• Strong Microsoft Project, Planner, and Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) skills necessary

Licenses / Certifications

• Valid driver's license with satisfactory driving record required

Physical Requirements

Speak and hear to communicate effectively and use both near and distance vision. Close and distance vision necessary for computer work, document review, and office/property navigation. Frequent sitting, standing, and walking extended distances across large properties. Regularly lift and carry up to and exceeding 50 lbs. (files, supplies, equipment, FF&E). Continual manual dexterity and frequent fine motor skills required for computer and office tasks.

Working Conditions

Normal office conditions, often in close contact with others. Regular travel required for property site visits and stakeholder meetings. Construction site visits may include extreme cold and heat. Standard business hours with extended availability during major projects.