Design Manager

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way.  

Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong.  Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.   

What this Role Involves

In this role as Design Manager within our Hospitality Design & Construction team, you'll leverage your extensive high-end hospitality design expertise to deliver exceptional guest experiences through sophisticated, detail-oriented environments. You will work collaboratively with project management teams to maintain project schedules, navigate complex design challenges, and ensure design integrity and furniture specifications remain within established budgets. This position requires a seasoned professional who can balance creative excellence with practical project execution while managing the intricate details that define luxury hospitality.

 

Job Responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with project management teams, brand, architects and other stakeholders to maintain design schedules, proactively identify potential delays, and implement solutions to keep projects on track

• Navigate and resolve complex design details inherent to high-end hospitality projects, including custom millwork, specialty finishes, bespoke furniture, and intricate installation sequences

• Monitor and control design and FF&E budgets throughout all project phases, providing cost analysis, value engineering recommendations, and budget reconciliation

• Develop and refine design concepts that reflect brand standards and elevate the guest experience in luxury hospitality environments

• Review and provide detailed commentary on design documents at all stages, ensuring technical accuracy, constructability, and alignment with project objectives

• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, ownership groups, brand representatives, and external consultants to maintain design vision while addressing operational requirements

• Prepare comprehensive presentation materials and effectively communicate design intent, material selections, and project progress to executive leadership and ownership

• Collaborate with specialized vendors and artisans to develop custom design solutions that meet the elevated standards of high-end hospitality

• Incorporate sustainable design practices and wellness-focused elements that align with contemporary luxury hospitality expectations

• Maintain thorough documentation of design decisions, specifications, budgets, and schedules throughout project lifecycle

 

Required Qualifications, Capabilities, and Skills:

• Professional degree in Interior Design or Architecture with 10+ years of direct experience in high-end hospitality design, including boutique hotels, luxury resorts, or premium restaurant environments

• Demonstrated success managing all phases of complex hospitality projects from concept through completion, with proven ability to handle multiple sophisticated projects simultaneously

• Extensive knowledge of luxury hospitality operations, guest experience design, and the intricate detailing required for premium environments

• Expert understanding of FF&E procurement, specification, budgeting, and installation coordination for high-end hospitality applications

• Comprehensive knowledge of building codes, accessibility standards, hospitality-specific regulations, and building systems as they relate to guest-facing environments

• Strong technical proficiency in construction documentation, custom millwork detailing, material specifications, and coordination with specialized trades

• Applied knowledge of AutoCAD software with ability to produce and review detailed construction documents

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project) for budget tracking, scheduling, and presentation development

• Exceptional communication skills with ability to articulate complex design details to diverse audiences, from craftsmen to executive leadership

• Proven leadership abilities with strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and effective relationship management capabilities

• Familiarity with MEP and structural systems and their integration within hospitality design solutions

 

Preferred Qualifications, Capabilities, and Skills:

• Experience with internationally recognized luxury hospitality brands or independent high-end properties

• Portfolio demonstrating sophisticated material palettes, custom furniture design, and completed high-end hospitality projects

• Additional proficiency in Revit, SketchUp, InDesign, or rendering software

• Registration or certification with NCIDQ, AIA, or relevant professional association

• Experience with historic renovation or adaptive reuse projects within hospitality contexts

• Knowledge of emerging hospitality design trends, wellness-focused design, and experiential guest environments

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Estimated compensation for this position:

100,000.00 – 150,000.00 USD per year

This range is an estimate and actual compensation may differ. Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.

Location:

On-site –Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet all the requirements.  We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!

Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:

JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits may include:

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care

• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary 

• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays

• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay

At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.

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Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading global provider of real estate and investment management services. We take our responsibility to protect the personal information provided to us seriously. Generally the personal information we collect from you are for the purposes of processing in connection with JLL’s recruitment process. We endeavour to keep your personal information secure with appropriate level of security and keep for as long as we need it for legitimate business or legal reasons. We will then delete it safely and securely.

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For candidates in the United States, please see a full copy of our Equal Employment Opportunity policy here.

Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.  If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process – including the online application and/or overall selection process – you may email us at [email protected]. This email is only to request an accommodation. Please direct any other general recruiting inquiries to our Contact Us page > I want to work for JLL.

Pursuant to the Arizona Civil Rights Act, criminal convictions are not an absolute bar to employment.

Pursuant to Illinois Law, applicants are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest.

Pursuant to Columbia, SC ordinance, this position is subject to a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.

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Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, JLL will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Accepting applications on an ongoing basis until candidate identified.