Design Manager

Ryman Hospitality Properties•Nashville, TN

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Manage project design deliverables from conception to completion for new construction and renovations across Ryman Hospitality Properties’ portfolio, including Gaylord Hotels and other brands. Support Design and Construction leadership with project timelines, budgets, work quality, specifications, and company standards. Serve as the primary contact for leadership updates and changes throughout the project lifecycle. Manage external consultants and guide project teams to achieve business strategies and optimal performance. This position reports to the Senior Director of Design and is based onsite full-time in Nashville, Tennessee. The Design Manager works with ownership, department leadership, and stakeholders to align designs with brand standards, values, and strategic objectives while maximizing ROI and enhancing guest environments. The role oversees projects from requirements gathering through deployment, setting schedules, scope, budget estimates, implementation strategies, and risk mitigation plans. It develops design briefs and direction, produces and reviews technical design documentation, coordinates internal and external resources, and monitors project progress against objectives. The position leads or participates in design coordination and construction meetings, onsite field coordination, and OACs; resolves site-specific issues; sources products and design methods relevant to hospitality trends; and coordinates FF&E procurement, delivery, and installation schedules. It collaborates with project teams to maintain brand standards and reviews shop drawings, specifications, product selections, value engineering, materials, and finishes. The role also maintains effective relationships with consultants, vendors, and onsite operations team members and promotes a positive work environment. The work is performed under normal office conditions and includes regular travel for property visits and stakeholder meetings. Construction site visits may involve extreme cold or heat. The position follows standard business hours, with extended availability during major projects, and requires domestic travel of up to 20% as necessary.

Requirements

At least 6 years of experience in interior and architectural design in retail, hospitality, or restaurant design, working with design agencies and/or development organizations.
Experience applying preliminary site planning principles and demonstrated design competence and expertise in FF&E.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills to convey design solutions, describe vision, and explain programmatic, technical, and regulatory constraints.
Ability to present information effectively, respond to questions from internal stakeholders and external partners, and provide assistance, technical guidance, and training to peers.
Results-driven approach to budget, schedule, and quality, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deliverables concurrently within expected timelines.
Accountability for projects and deliverables and the ability to consistently produce high-quality work.
Strong proficiency interpreting shop drawings and elevation mock-ups and using 3D modeling tools.
Proficiency in Bluebeam Revu, Adobe Creative Suite, Procore, and Plan Grid.
Strong Microsoft Project, Planner, and Microsoft Office skills, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
Ability to speak and hear effectively and use near and distance vision for computer work, document review, and office or property navigation.
Ability to sit, stand, and walk extended distances across large properties; regularly lift and carry up to and exceeding 50 pounds; and perform continual manual dexterity and frequent fine motor tasks.

Nice To Haves

Degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field preferred.
Management experience in design delivery for all-inclusive hotels and resort environments preferred.
Experience with other visual media is a plus.

Responsibilities

Manage design deliverables from conception through completion for new construction and renovation projects across the company’s portfolio.
Support Design and Construction leadership in managing project timelines, budgets, work quality, specifications, and company standards.
Serve as the primary contact for leadership updates and changes throughout the project lifecycle.
Manage external consultants and guide project teams to support business strategies and optimal performance.
Coordinate with ownership, department leadership, and stakeholders to align design with brand standards, values, and strategic objectives while maximizing ROI and enhancing guest environments.
Oversee projects from initial requirements gathering through final deployment, defining schedules, scope, budget estimates, implementation strategies, and risk mitigation plans while coordinating internal and external resources.
Develop project design briefs with leadership and present design direction through visual and verbal presentations.
Provide and coordinate technical design deliverables, including design drawing sets, specifications, finishes, and shop drawings, from concept through execution.
Establish and maintain design schedules for internal coordination and external project controls; monitor progress and adjust scope, timelines, or budgets as needed.
Lead or participate in design coordination and construction meetings, onsite field coordination, and OACs, representing design priorities and providing project-specific solutions.
Resolve site conditions and anomalies during implementation using analytical skills and creativity.
Source products, design techniques, and production methods suited to hospitality trends and corporate needs.
Maintain industry relationships to assist with procurement and establish FF&E delivery and installation schedules to support on-time project openings.
Collaborate with project teams to ensure adherence to brand standards and review shop drawings, specifications, products, and value engineering of materials and finishes.
Maintain effective working relationships with consultants, vendors, and onsite operations team members and promote a positive work environment.
Perform other duties as required.