Who are we looking for?

Choice Hotels, one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors, has an exciting new opportunity as our Head of Design Strategy. This role will lead creative direction and strategic design delivery in support of Choice’s 22 Global Brands. As a key member of our Design and Innovation department the Head of Design Strategy will be responsible for supporting our value driven design approach to enable dynamic growth, deliver high returns for our owners, and shape compelling experiences for our guests.

Are you someone who enjoys working in a high paced, entrepreneurial, multi-disciplinary environment to shape the future of evolving experiences for travel? We invite you to apply today for our Head of Design Strategy role today and #MakeItYourChoice.

Your Responsibilities

• Core areas of focus:

• Product Design (Architectural Prototypes, and FF&E)

• Design guidelines

• Brand Design Standards

-Creation of Architectural, Design, and systems objectives to support Sustainability goals

• Continuous improvement related to all the above

• Hiring, managing, and directing internal, and external designers as needed

• Create and maintain Design library with a focus on understanding new and relevant products and materials

• Creates multi-disciplinary processes and efficient ways of working

• Shaping creative direction, and tactical development of all Architecture and Design initiatives throughout the life cycle.

• Ensures Design vision is achieved by collaborating with key stakeholders to ensure impactful delivery of Design tools, and products which support the business.

• Establishes, creates, and manages project schedules, design briefs, scopes of work, request for proposals, deliverables and financial accountability.

• Is responsible to inform “value” based design decisions at key milestones of the project and make decisions which align budget and schedule with a quality.

• Is responsible for annual evaluation of cost, estimation, benchmarking for construction, FF&E, OS&E and other related items critical to update and inform the Franchise Disclosure documents.

• Leads the Product Design for new and existing prototypes, specifications, and guidelines

• Evaluates and ensures regular updates to Brand Design Standards

• Works closely with the PIP team to align brand and design objectives to establish high value scope direction in support of franchisee success

• Will work to support all test room/ space builds, evaluation, and final product design direction.

• Will work closely with leadership team in long term planning and priorities and team management.

• Will work closely with Design management teams to maintain design consultant partnerships and industry outreach, representation, and relationships.

• Is responsible for managing all activities associated with delivering design objectives related to Choice’s annual convention.

• Will lead various teams internal and external, in continuous education and training on how to use our various Design tools.

• Engages in regular updates to executives, creation of presentation content, communicate effectively on the status of projects and adapt project information to be audience appropriate.

Your Experience, Skills & Competencies

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited design program or equivalent.

• 15+ years Hospitality Brand Design experience

• Minimum 15+ years of leadership experience managing/leading a team of creative professionals in-house and consultants. Extensive prior knowledge as a Design team leader with an emphasis on building a strong culture

• Core abilities in Design, with experience in one or more core disciplines such as architecture, interior design, and added experience in successfully leading design differentiation, product design, fabrication, and graphic design

• A proven background in Innovation in Design, process, and Sustainability is a plus

• Strong strategic analytical skills and solutions focused idea influencer. Exceptional presentation and organization skills. Confidence and proven experience to present and sell ideas/concepts to a wide variety of audiences.

• Ability to work in all phases of a project’s development, including large and complex projects.

• Strong proficiency in writing, reading and speaking

• Experience in working in multi-disciplinary environments, proven communication and organizational skills and the ability to flourish in a team environment. Strong relationship building and relationship management skills.

• Highly organized with ability to work well independently and in teams

• Thrives in high-pressure environments with strict deadlines.

• Takes ownership and accepts responsibility for all aspects of Design

• Proven success in successful presentations to franchisees

• High integrity and ability to work independently

• Must be able to uphold Choice’s Values & Performance Principles of collaboration, performance excellence, sense of urgency, openness to new ideas, inclusion & diversity, integrity, customer focus, and respect

• Ability to travel up to 10-15% of the time

• Strong computer and/ hand sketching skills. Excellent skills in use of MS Office Suite - Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Bluebeam. Skilled use of Adobe Creative Suite , Revit and/ 3D skills is a plus

• Ability to lead direction to establish build cost models, and FF&E cost independently and working with estimating consultants is required

Your Team

This is a leadership role that will report to the Vice President of Architecture & Design. You will have direct reports and collaborate with cross functional departments on a regular basis.

Your Work Location

As our Head of Design Strategy, you will be based in our beautiful, state-of-the-art worldwide corporate headquarters in North Bethesda, MD. Less than 15 miles from Washington, DC, we’re located one block away from the North Bethesda Metro station, with service on the Red Line and the MARC Brunswick line, easy access to I-270, and plenty of free parking provided by Choice Hotels.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $160,000 to $200,000 annually. In addition to the annual salary, this role is eligible for an annual bonus based on the terms of Choice's Management Incentive Plan (MIP), as well as annual awards of Choice Hotels International common stock through Choice’s Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTI Plan).

The pay range listed is for this position and is what Choice Hotels reasonably expects to pay. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay position within the pay range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, and business or organizational needs.

Choice prioritizes our associate wellbeing by offering a comprehensive benefits program that is both competitive and flexible to help you achieve your wellbeing goals - here are just a few:

• Competitive compensation and benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Leave and paid time-off for holidays, vacation, personal, family, volunteer, sick, jury duty, bereavement, military, and religious observance

• Financial benefits for retirement and health savings

• Employee recognition programs

• Discounts at Choice hotels worldwide

About Choice

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. With nearly 7,500 hotels, representing nearly 630,000 rooms, in 46 countries and territories, with a range of high-quality lodging options from limited service to full-service hotels in the upper upscale, upper mid-scale, midscale, extended-stay, and economy segments. We’re the hotel company for those who choose to bet on themselves – the underdog, the dreamer, the entrepreneur – because that’s who we are, too.

At Choice, we are united by the simple belief that tomorrow will be even better than today – for associates, our company, and our franchisees. At our worldwide corporate headquarters in North Bethesda, MD and St. Louis Park, MN as well as our technology center in Scottsdale, AZ, and through our associates around the globe, every voice is heard, and every idea is listened to, no matter what area of the company they come from. We are united in supporting the entrepreneurial dreams of our more than 18,000 franchise owners, which propels us forward – giving our work at Choice a purpose larger than our business.

* PLEASE NOTE: This role is not eligible for sponsorship *

Ability to model Choice’s Cultural Values: Welcome and Respect Everyone, Be Bold, Be Quick, Listen, Be Curious and Show Integrity.