Executive Director Design (Hospitality Assets)📣 Job Ad

Executive Director, Design (Hospitality Assets)

The Management Recruitment Group (MRG) is exclusively supporting a PIF subsidiary developer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the appointment of an Executive Director, Design. This full-time leadership position is central to the development and delivery of a significant portfolio of luxury hospitality assets.

Role Purpose and Scope

Reporting to the executive leadership team, the Executive Director will lead the design function across multiple hospitality projects, from concept through to delivery. This role is responsible for setting and maintaining design standards across a portfolio that includes luxury hotels, resorts, and mixed-use hospitality assets, ensuring design quality, consistency, and commercial viability throughout the development lifecycle. You will provide strategic direction to internationally recognised architects, interior designers, and specialist consultants, translating the client's vision into clear design briefs and measurable design outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design function across a portfolio of hospitality developments from concept through construction.
• Establish and maintain design standards, governance processes, and quality benchmarks across the portfolio.
• Provide strategic direction to architectural, interior design, landscape, and specialist consultant teams.
• Review and guide design proposals through all stages of development.
• Balance design quality with operational requirements, commercial objectives, programme, and buildability.
• Chair design reviews and provide recommendations on design development and value optimisation.
• Promote innovation, sustainability, and best practice across architecture, interiors, and public realm.
• Work collaboratively with development, technical, commercial, and future operator teams throughout project delivery.
• Build and lead a high-performing design team, promoting consistency and continuous improvement.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is an inspirational design leader who combines creative instincts with the ability to influence senior executives, challenge leading international consultants, and successfully guide complex hospitality developments from vision to reality. This role requires over 10 years of experience in relevant design leadership positions.

Required Experience and Background

Candidates will typically have commenced their career within a respected architectural practice before advancing into senior design leadership roles on the developer or consultancy side. Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary design functions across large-scale hospitality, high-end hotels, and resort portfolios is essential. Consultancy and developer experience is particularly valued, while operator experience should complement this background rather than define it.

Compensation and Location

This position offers a competitive executive package, including a bonus and benefits. The role is based full-time in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.