Design Manager Italy Remote

Whether you’re leading at scale or ready to take on your next defining challenge, you’ll find support, purpose and the scope to make a real impact at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Across every stage of your career, there’s Room for You.

We’re looking for a Manager Design, Europe to support hotel development projects in Italy and across the wider European region.

What you’ll do

The role sits within IHG’s Hotel Lifecycle & Growth (HL&G) function and works closely with Development, Engineering and Interior Design. Together, these teams assess project viability for management or franchising, shape design strategies, and deliver brand-aligned solutions from feasibility through to opening and handover. 

You will manage assigned design and technical activities across new build, conversion, acquisition and refurbishment projects. You will apply architectural, technical and commercial judgement, collaborate with owners, developers and internal stakeholders, and support design solutions that balance brand standards, guest experience, owner return on investment, operational efficiency and delivery quality.

Key responsibilities

• Collaborate with the regional Development team to assess the viability of projects for management or franchising under an IHG brand, supporting design strategies that contribute to signings and long-term asset performance.
• Work closely with Engineering and Interior Design to develop practical, innovative and brand-aligned design solutions, helping to resolve project challenges effectively.
• Partner with senior Design colleagues to align design initiatives with owner investment objectives, brand vision and project requirements, and support the presentation of design concepts at key stages of the project lifecycle.
• Manage the review of potential hotel projects in line with IHG Brand Standards and design guidelines, covering concept and detailed design, documentation, inspections and pre-opening readiness.
• Support owners throughout the project lifecycle under the Technical Services Agreement, helping to maintain timely progress, clear decisions and effective communication on cost, resources, programme and brand compliance.
• Work closely with Brand Safety, Engineering, Interior Design and wider internal teams on matters affecting new build, conversion and refurbishment projects to maintain consistency in standards and delivery quality.
• Provide market and project feedback to brand teams on emerging trends and recurring challenges to support the ongoing development of brand standards, design guides and requirements.
• Prepare project reports, maintain deliverables schedules and provide accurate updates on progress, risks and compliance with agreed deadlines.
• Identify and support process improvements that enhance quality, efficiency and stakeholder experience.
• Support sustainability initiatives aligned with IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow agenda.

What we’re looking for

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Architecture, Construction, Project Management or a related discipline. Progress towards a relevant professional qualification is preferred.
• Fluent in Italian and English.
• Experience in international branded hotel design, construction or project management, with a sound understanding of front-of-house and back-of-house requirements within hospitality.
• Knowledge of architectural design, construction principles and applicable Italian laws and regulations relevant to hotel development.
• Ability to manage multiple project activities from concept through to completion while maintaining quality, programme and commercial discipline.
• Strong analytical, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with owners, developers, consultants and internal stakeholders.
• Cultural awareness and the ability to work effectively within cross-functional and international teams.
• Ability to apply professional judgement, constructively challenge where appropriate and escalate complex or non-standard matters to senior colleagues.
• Project management capability and proficiency in AutoCAD.
• Understanding of FF&E specifications, project expenditure tracking and alignment with owner and business objectives.

Your ambition. Your growth. Your success. 

If this is you, there’s Room for You.