Director, Construction - Premium Brands

Execute construction projects for Premium brands, with consistency in process and direction across the region. Ensure that design and innovation strategies are developed into structurally safe designs and standards that are implemented and maintained by all assigned brands franchise properties in the America’s. Directly support all initiative and programs in conjunction with the Hotel Openings and Risk Management teams in support of system efforts to ensure hotels open on time. 

Lead assigned new development (ND) and adaptive reuse construction projects, and selected Brand Design Pilot projects as assigned. Serve as a lead recognized architectural and construction expert for IHG premium branded hotels. Responsibilities include managing construction activities to ensure compliance with Brand Design Initiatives, franchise License Agreement, Plan Review and FF&E submittals, and brand standards. Provide construction expertise and implementation assistance to IHG franchisees and their assigned project team members through all phases of construction, including solving design / construction issues as project field conditions arise, thus ensuring timely and successful completion of projects. Provide progress evaluation of assigned projects to Senior Management in support of system size initiatives.

Your day to day 

• Lead New Development (ND) and Adaptive Reuse (AR) projects in the Americas, both domestically and internationally – Referencing to franchise agreement, various Plan Review documents and correspondence Director conducts progress site visits as hotels prepare for construction, and throughout the construction process. Periodically perform special inspections as assigned.
• Meet with owner’s representatives during the construction phase to define project expectations, determine project readiness, resolve any field design and construction issues, ensure conformance to Brand Design Vision and Brand Standards, and oversee conformance to IHG requirements, including Plan requirements and adherence to brand and life safety standards, building codes and ADA.
• Organize, schedule and lead project status meetings with owner’s construction and project management teams as needed throughout the purchasing and construction phases to ensure proactively engaged throughout the renovation and construction timelines. As part of the License Agreement documentation trail, provide timely written follow-up (reports, letters, and emails) associated with all site visits and other forms of communication or agreements with Licensee and their assign representatives
• Responsible for making sure that all construction milestones are monitored on a pro-active basis and that information is communicated to leader when necessary, and Plan Review teams to speed openings or enforcement. Reporting on project schedules and status of construction for all projects on a timely basis to Brand, Plan Review, HOST, and other required internal IHG partners.
• Develop good franchisee/owner/design professional relations, consulting with them to assist in the development of construction schedules, offering design solutions to problems, and aiding as generally needed and within reason.
• Maintain knowledge of hospitality industry and current design trends and products relative to brand growth, maintain innovative design criteria and ensure IHG is competitive in the marketplace.

What we need from you

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Architecture, or a relevant field of work, or an equivalent combination of education and work related experience. AIA certification preferred.
• Minimum 7 years work-related experience in construction management / construction administration, with demonstrated technical proficiency utilizing project management skills related to the position in the hotel industry or similar industry.
• Demonstrated project management experience in organizing, planning and executing complex, large-scale projects from conception through implementation.
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills to provide information to clients, vendors, senior management, and staff. Demonstrated ability to communicate supportive program details to present a persuasive argument or to effectively negotiate a position. Must be able to communicate both orally and in writing with Owner’s Representatives, architects, designers, and contractors and clearly explain requirements for active projects.
• Demonstrated computer skills, with an emphasis on Microsoft Word  and Excel; Demonstrated knowledge of Gantt chart interpretation and multi-trade construction sequencing.
• Demonstrated knowledge of brand standards, Building Codes, Life Safety Requirements, and ADA Standards. Must maintain a working knowledge of all requirements described in brand standards manual.
• Demonstrated ability to read blueprints including architectural and interior design, mechanical, plumbing, sprinkler systems, fire alarm, and electrical drawings. Demonstrated ability to read architectural and interior design specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to remain current with construction trends, code requirements and design through participating in annual continuing education classes.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize project details and manage time usage to track active adaptive reuse and new development projects, and to determine if plans have been submitted in a timely manner. Must make immediate time available to return telephone calls and work with franchisees when problems arise regarding project development, Brand standards or vendor-related issues.
• Bilingual: Spanish is a plus 

Travel – 75%

Location – Remote:  Candidate must reside in the U.S. - preferably Eastern U.S.; Candidate must reside within 1 hour proximity of a major U.S. airport 

The salary range for this role is $135,000.00 to $140,000.00.  This role is also eligible for bonus pay (as applicable). We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401K, and other benefits to employees.  

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