Northland Properties is one of Canada’s fastest-growing hospitality companies, with an expanding portfolio of hotels, restaurants, resorts, and entertainment destinations across North America, the United Kingdom and Ireland. Over the next decade, we plan to add numerous properties, each delivering distinctive guest experiences built on exceptional design, quality, and innovation.
As Director of Design, you will define the creative vision for our portfolio, lead a multidisciplinary team, and deliver world-class hospitality environments that strengthen our brands and delight our guests.
The Opportunity
In this senior leadership role, you will:
- Shape the design strategy for all Northland-owned hotels, restaurants, and facilities.
- Lead a talented in-house design team and manage external consultants.
- Oversee large-scale, multi-million-dollar design and procurement initiatives.
- Ensure every project reflects our brand identity, operational needs, and guest expectations.
Key Responsibilities
Based in our Vancouver Head Office and reporting to the VP, Construction & Design, your key responsibilities will involve:
- Leadership & Strategy
- Provide strategic direction and vision for the Design Department.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of department managers, project managers, designers, and procurement specialists.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
- Manage departmental budgets, resource planning, and project scheduling.
- Drive process improvements and change initiatives aligned with company goals.
- Represent Northland at corporate and industry events.
- Design & Creative Direction
- Establish and maintain a cohesive aesthetic vision across all corporate properties.
- Develop and enforce design guidelines, including architectural, brand, furnishings, and safety standards.
- Oversee all phases of design projects—from concept to installation—ensuring alignment with brand, budget, and schedule.
- Manage outsourced design work and external consultant relationships.
- Integrate sustainable practices and emerging trends into design solutions.
- Project Management
- Direct planning, execution, and evaluation of multiple concurrent projects valued at $25M+ each.
- Define scopes, assign responsibilities, and monitor progress to ensure timely delivery.
- Conduct site reviews to maintain design intent through construction.
- Collaborate closely with development, construction, and operations teams.
- Manage consultant contracts, scopes of work, and pre-construction engineering selection.
- Oversee construction administration, including RFIs, ASIs, and shop drawing reviews.
- Capture and implement lessons learned for continuous improvement.
- Procurement & Vendor Management
- Oversee strategic procurement across multiple categories for design and construction.
- Manage a $250M+ budget, ensuring cost-effective, timely delivery of materials.
- Lead vendor selection, negotiation, and relationship management.
- Develop procurement policies, QA/QC processes, and inventory tracking systems.
- Experience: 15+ years in design leadership within hospitality, commercial, or related industries, managing large-scale projects from concept to completion.
- Leadership: Proven ability to inspire, develop, and retain high-performing teams.
- Design Expertise: Strong creative vision with refined aesthetic judgment, aligned with brand and operational needs.
- Collaboration: Skilled at working across disciplines with architects, engineers, contractors, and brand leaders.
- Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of building codes, safety standards, and construction best practices.
- Tools: Proficient in SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and project management platforms.
- Trend Awareness: Up-to-date on sustainability, innovation, and hospitality design trends.
- Travel: Willing to travel up to 20% of the time across Canada and the US.
- Extended health, dental, and vision coverage
- Group life insurance
- Annual bonus opportunities
- RRSP matching (after 6 months)
- Company cell phone or monthly reimbursement
- Discounts at Northland hotels, resorts, and select restaurants
- Half-price lift tickets at Grouse Mountain and Revelstoke Mountain Resort
- Free mental health support & counselling
- A collaborative, friendly, and inclusive work environment
- The opportunity to shape the future of hospitality design in a growing organization
Northland Properties thanks all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
At Northland Properties, we are committed to building a network of talented professionals who can help to provide exceptional hospitality experiences. As an equal opportunity employer, we are constantly seeking motivated and enthusiastic individuals to join us in various fields, including Construction, Finance, IT, HR, Marketing, and Support Center. To join our dedicated team and be a part of our thriving hospitality community, explore the exciting career opportunities available at https://northland.ca/careers/.
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