Director of Design - Cape Town, South Africa - AccorHotel

AccorHotel

Verified Company

Cape Town, South Africa

1 week ago

Posted by:

Thabo Mthembu

beBee Recruiter

Description

Company Description
Today, Mantis is a leading, conservation-focused hotel group with curated eco-resorts, eco-lodges and waterways located in Africa and beyond. Sustainable travellers have been enjoying eco-tourism, safaris and adventure travel with Mantis since 2000.

Rooted in conservation, Mantis pursues sustainable business practices and develops tourism products that are respectful of the environment and communities in which they operate.

We believe our group's growth and respectability in the marketplace has been founded on our acknowledgement and respect of the environment, hence the acronym for Mantis:
Man And Nature Together Is Sustainable.

Every Mantis property has its own unique story to tell. It tells the story of its people. Of its culture. It celebrates the authenticity of its location. It is through its interiors and décor that these stories are communicated, felt and understood.

Our design approach is thoughtfully crafted. Materials, art works, and every comfort piece is carefully selected. Eco-design is a fundamental key to our approach. Wherever possible, we follow and implement sustainable practices. We are passionate about honouring our commitment to the conservation and preservation of our natural world.

Mantis is a brand of Accor's with a strong development focus aimed at seeing the Brand grow globally and firmly establish itself in the luxury segment.

Job Description Director of Design & Technical Services - Mantis**The position is responsible for leading the planning, design review, and approval process of new-built and renovation projects for Accor's Mantis Brand, from the initial assessment of leads to project completion and handover to operations, in accordance with the relevant Accor/Mantis brand standards. He/she will be the primary point of contact for the owner on all assigned projects after handover from Development and will lead the design review and approval process in accordance with the services set out in the Hotel Consultant Service Agreement (HCSA) for the project. The primary focus of his/her review will be related to alignment with the overall vision and strategic goals, incorporation of operational input, architectural design and planning, and other technical aspects of the design not covered by others.

He/she will be responsible for managing between 10 and 20 projects at various stages of design and construction and will be expected to travel approximately 20-30% for project-related meetings and site inspections.

Key Interactions

Internally

D&TS Luxury & Lifestyle Team
Development team
Operations team
Marketing team
Brand team
IT team
Procurement team
Wellness team
F&B team
Hotel Pre-Opening team

Externally

Owners
Consultants

Primary Responsibilities

D&TS Project

Review potential projects identified by the Development Department and prepare High-Level Reports and/or Property Improvement Plans.
Assist in preparing Preliminary Area Programs.
Assist in preparing the project Design Brief and planning diagrams.
Prepare the list of preferred consultants for the project.
Lead the internal visioning workshop and prepare the final Visioning Statement.
Provide input as required for the Brand Validation presentation.
Lead project kickoff meetings with both the owner and the consultants.
Review and comment on all project documentation produced by the consultants for compliance with brand standards and design direction.
Coordinate feedback from all other internal stakeholders, particularly the D&TS MEP Director and ID Lead for the project.
Review the mockup room and onsite installations for compliance with the approved design and relevant brand standards.
Assist the Pre-Opening team in developing the critical path for handover and opening, including participating in final inspections and creating punch lists of deficiencies.

Other Responsibilities

Prepare periodic reports on the status of projects, anticipated openings, etc.
Prepare project presentations using standard templates as advised for internal approval of design and other aspects of the project.
Assist in updating and enhancing the brand standards and project procedures as required.

Main Complexity/Critical Issues in the Job

Find the right approach with owners and designers/consultants to ensure compliance with as much of the brand standards and brand essence as possible.
Facilitate, maintain, and improve a common understanding of brand requirements among Marketing, Development, Operations, Technical Services, and other internal departments to present a unified front to owners and consultants.

Qualifications

Bachelor's/Master's Degree in Design, Architecture, Engineering, or Project Management.
Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in the hotel industry, working on luxury projects.
Specific experience in luxury safari projects or remote projects would be desirable, as well as an understan