Director of Design & Planning, Renovations - Classics and Luxury ( Chicago - Hyb

Director of Design & Planning, Renovations - Classics and Luxury (Chicago - Hybrid Opportunity)

Organization: Hyatt Corporate Office

Summary: Hyatt Hotels Corporation seeks an enthusiastic Director of Design & Planning, Renovations to join our Classics Design team. In this role you will collaborate closely with the broader Design & Construction team— including Essentials, Classics, and Construction & Engineering specialties—playing a key role in continuing to make Hyatt a leading hospitality company. You will be part of a team passionate about our purpose, committed to nurturing curiosity and new skills, and building connections across the organization.

Who We Are: At Hyatt, we believe in the power of belonging and creating a culture of care, where colleagues become family. Since 1957, we have put our guests at the heart of our business and grown into one of the fastest growing hospitality brands worldwide. Our transformative growth and the addition of new hotels, brands, and business lines provide exciting career opportunities. We never lose sight of what matters most: People. We turn trips into journeys, encounters into experiences, and jobs into careers.

Why Now? This is an exciting time to be at Hyatt. We are growing rapidly and are looking for passionate changemakers to join our journey. The hospitality industry is resilient and continues to offer dynamic opportunities for upward mobility.

How We Care For Our People:

• Annual allotment of free hotel stays at Hyatt hotels globally
• Flexible work schedule
• Well‑being initiatives such as a complimentary Headspace subscription and discounts at the on‑site fitness center
• A global family assistance policy with paid time off for birth or adoption and financial assistance for adoption
• Paid Time Off, medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match

Who You Are: You understand the power and purpose of our culture of care, embodying our core values of empathy, inclusion, integrity, experimentation, respect, and wellbeing. You enjoy working with others, are results‑driven, and seek opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Responsibilities: The role executes renovation‑specific design and technical services as part of the Americas Design & Construction Services department, overseeing design and approval of all renovation projects throughout the Americas across Classics and Luxury portfolios. You will advise and direct owners and consultants on brand compliance, optimization, and execution with a data‑driven, insights‑led philosophy, and oversee a team of Renovation Design Managers.

• Lead hotel renovation design projects across the Americas, ensuring brand compliance, ROI, and project alignment.
• Collaborate with brand leaders and creative directors to evolve and implement brand direction.
• Translate project insights into brand standards and provide design input for continuous improvement.
• Serve as primary contact with owners, operators, architects, designers, consultants, and contractors.
• Guide project teams through design phases, from concept to completion, ensuring adherence to brand standards.
• Review and approve design submissions, providing timely feedback and direction.
• Prioritize project goals to balance budget, scope, and client needs.
• Support and interpret regional/local brand adaptations, while maintaining clarity of brand identity.
• Track project progress against timelines, budgets, and construction milestones.
• Mentor and oversee design managers, providing leadership and project guidance.
• Assist with CapEx planning, reporting, and design data tracking.

Qualifications:

Experience Required:

• 9+ years of experience in the architectural or design field, with strong familiarity with all phases of the design & development process.

Experience Preferred:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design/Architecture, or a foreign equivalent.
• Experience with Bluebeam Revu, Adobe Creative Suite, and AutoCAD.

The position responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.

The salary range for this position is $112,500 to $150,000. This position is also eligible to earn incentive awards and an annual bonus. The final pay rate/salary offered to the successful candidate will depend on experience, skill level and other qualifications for the role, as well as the location of performance of work. Pay will meet local requirements, including the minimum local wage rate.

We value our relationships with recruitment partners and require that agencies contact us first before submitting any candidates. Hyatt will not be responsible for any fees or obligations associated with unsolicited submissions unless a formal agreement is in place.

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