Executive Director, Design & Technical Services Luxury Europe

Leading the hospitality revolution, Accor is more than a hotel group. With luxury to economy, homestays to resorts, we are a holistic ecosystem of 40 brands in 110 countries, Talent and Solutions, ready to engage with the future’s endless possibilities. Accor has an offer to bring new life to the way you live, work, play and do business with a personalized guest experience.

Accor Luxury Hotels is seeking a seasoned Executive Director, Design & Technical Services (D&TS) to lead the coordination and development of luxury hotel and residential projects. This role is crucial in maintaining our high design standards and ensuring project success through effective management and communication with stakeholders.

The Executive Director, Design & Technical Services (D&TS) will oversee the coordination and development of luxury hotel and residential designs. This pivotal role ensures that Accor’s high standards are met and maintained across all design projects. It will act as the main liaison with senior management, owners, developers, designers, and consultants to drive projects to successful completion.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Design & Project Management:

• Develop and manage design briefs, area summaries, operating criteria, and consultant scopes in line with Accor’s design standards.
• Guide consultants through all project phases, including concept, schematic design, development, and post-opening.
• Oversee the preparation and review of detailed layout drawings and specifications to ensure adherence to design standards.
• Monitor project budgets, participate in value engineering, and coordinate cost control and scheduling efforts.

2. Quality Assurance & Compliance:

• Supervise model guestroom coordination to resolve design and construction details and ensure quality standards.
• Conduct final inspections of model rooms and all project areas to confirm compliance with design specifications and operational standards.
• Ensure that new hotel designs meet global energy efficiency and environmental standards.
• Provide technical support for Accor’s owned and leased assets, ensuring that all capital projects meet brand requirements.

3. Reporting & Relationship Management:

• Prepare detailed monthly reports for owners, including updates on TSA fees, budgets, design issues, and construction progress.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, consultants, and internal teams to facilitate smooth project execution.
• Liaise with various departments—Operations, Food and Beverage, Procurement, Technology, Spa & Wellness—to integrate their feedback into the design process.

4. Technical Support & Innovation:

• Represent Accor during refurbishments and renovations, providing expert advice to hotel operations teams and owners.
• Stay abreast of new construction technologies and methods to enhance project delivery and efficiency.
• Perform site inspections and assessments as required.

• Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in hospitality or a similar role with a focus on luxury design and project management.
• In-depth understanding of hotel and resort operations, including rooms, F&B, and spa facilities.
• Proven experience in an international hospitality organization.

Competencies

• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to make sound business decisions.
• Highly organized with excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Fluent in English and French; proficiency in German, Italian, or Spanish is a plus.
• Willingness to travel frequently