We are currently hiring a Managing Director of Hospitality and Branded Environments within our Architectural Studio, for projects located in various regions of the country.
A Managing Director (MD) of Hospitality and Branded Environments is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic growth, creative vision, and operational success of the firm’s hospitality and branded environments studio. Leaders in this role bridge the gap between high-level business development and design execution, ensuring that projects align with brand identity, luxury standards, and financial performance targets. The role includes collaborating with clients, managing design and technical teams, and ensuring projects meet budget and timeline requirements while maintaining high aesthetic and functional standards to ensure projects align with brand identity, guest experience goals, and industry trends.
Duties:
Key roles and responsibilities include:
1. Strategic Leadership and Business Development
• Market Expansion: Develop and execute business plans to grow the hospitality practice portfolio, identifying new sectors and opportunities for expansion.
• Business Development & Relationship Management: Actively identify new business opportunities, cultivate relationships with elite hotel brands and developers, and lead project pursuits and interviews to secure new business opportunities. Nurture strong relationships with hotel brands, operators, owners, and developers to secure repeat business.
• Client Relationship Management: Act as the primary point of contact for clients, owners, and operators, navigating complex stakeholder environments.
• Thought Leadership: Act as a public speaker and brand ambassador, promoting the firm’s expertise at industry events and conferences.
• Pursuits and Proposals: Lead RFP responses, presentations, and fee negotiations to secure projects.
2. Creative and Brand Direction
• Design Quality Assurance: Collaborate with Firm Design leadership to oversee the creative vision and design output for hospitality projects, ensuring a high standard of excellence from concept to completion.
• Brand Alignment: Guide the development of unique "branded environments" that combine interior design and architecture to create immersive guest experiences. Work closely with clients to translate their brand identity, culture, and operational requirements into physical environments. Ensure that projects, whether new developments or renovations, reflect the client’s guest-centric philosophy and brand identity.
• Technical Knowledge: Ensure designs comply with relevant building systems, codes, and operational standards (e.g., FF&E specifications, ADA requirements).
3. Operational and Financial Management
• Profitability Management: Drive the studio's financial performance, including setting project fees, managing budgets, and monitoring profitability.
• Process Implementation: Establish operational processes to make the studio effective, ensuring adherence to quality standards and timelines.
• Risk Assessment: Take an objective and rigorous approach to assessing project risk, including contractual and technical liabilities.
4. Team Leadership and Mentorship
• Mentorship: Provide guidance to staff, fostering a culture of innovation, creative inspiration, and career development.
• Resource Management: Determine staffing needs, oversee project team compositions, and direct the work of architects and designers to drive maximum performance.
5. Project Delivery Support
• High-Level Advisory: Partner with developers, operators, and consultants in the early stages of projects to evaluate planning and design concepts.
• Technical Oversight: Ensure that design concepts are translated into feasible, high-quality built products that meet all code, sustainability, and operational requirements.
Requirements
• 12+ years of progressive experience in hospitality design, luxury hotel development, or high-end branded environments.
• Leadership Experience: Proven track record of leading large-scale projects and teams, 12+ years of total experience, requiring licensure (Architect or Interior Designer).
• Skills: Exceptional communication, negotiation, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of current trends in hospitality, branded environments, and the competitive luxury market.
Benefits
Body, mind, and wallet—LaBella’s benefits support a holistic approach to your health and wellness, creating the foundation for physical, mental, and financial well-being. Our benefit offerings cover the must-haves (healthcare and retirement), the just-in-cases (insurances and employee assistance programs), and the cherry-on-tops (fitness reimbursements, year-end incentive pay, and tuition assistance). Visit our website for more details on benefits listed below.
Flexible Work Schedule
Health/Dental Insurance
401k Plan with Employer Match
Paid Parental Leave
Short & Long Term Disability
Profit Sharing
Paid Time Off
Leadership Development Program
Fitness Reimbursement
Tuition Reimbursement
Referral Bonus Program
Wellness Program
Team Building Events
Community Service Events
LaBella is committed to facilitating a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion are respected, valued, and celebrated by implementing thoughtful, practical, and innovative strategies that support our employees and serve the communities in which we reside. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws.
LaBella Associates does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting professionals or agencies, nor do we accept resumes from any source that does not reference a specific, open position. LaBella Associates will not be responsible for any fees arising from the use of resume submitted by recruiting professionals or agencies that do not have a current placement fee agreement with LaBella Associates. All initial communication with recruiting professionals or agencies must go through human resources.