Design Manager

Opry Entertainment Group & Ryman Hospitality Properties•Nashville, TN

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Manage project design deliverables from conception to completion for new construction and renovation projects across Ryman Hospitality Properties’ portfolio, including Gaylord Hotels and other distinct brands. Support Design and Construction leadership in managing project timelines, budgets, and work quality while ensuring compliance with 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. The position reports to the Senior Director of Design and is based onsite full-time in Nashville, Tennessee. Work with ownership, department leadership, and stakeholders to align design with brand standards, values, and strategic objectives while maximizing return on investment and enhancing guest environments. Oversee projects from initial requirements gathering through final deployment, establishing schedules, scope, budget estimates, implementation strategies, and risk mitigation plans while coordinating internal and external resources. Develop project design briefs with leadership, present design direction, and provide technical design expertise spanning drawing sets, specifications, finishes, and shop drawings from concept through execution. Coordinate design and construction meetings, field activities, consultants, vendors, and onsite operations teams. Monitor and adjust project scope, schedules, and budgets as needed; resolve site-specific issues; source products and production methods suited to hospitality trends and corporate needs; and establish FF&E delivery and installation schedules. Promote a positive work environment and perform other duties as required.

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.
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 ability to produce consistently high-quality work.
Willingness to travel domestically up to 20% as necessary.
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 skills in Microsoft Project, Planner, and Microsoft Office applications, 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/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.
Availability during standard business hours, with extended availability during major projects.

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 applying preliminary site planning principles and a high level of design competence and expertise in FF&E.
Experience with other visual media.

Responsibilities

Manage design deliverables for new construction and renovation projects from conception through completion.
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 project changes throughout the project lifecycle.
Manage external consultants and guide project teams to support business strategies and performance.
Coordinate with ownership, department leadership, and stakeholders to align design with brand standards, values, and strategic objectives.
Oversee project requirements, schedules, scope, budget estimates, implementation strategies, risk mitigation, and coordination of internal and external resources.
Develop project design briefs with leadership and present design direction through visual and verbal presentations.
Provide technical design expertise, including detailed 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 project progress and adjust scope, timeline, or budget as needed to meet objectives and deliverables.
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 relevant to hospitality trends and corporate needs, and maintain industry relationships to assist with procurement.
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 productive working relationships with consultants, vendors, and onsite operations team members.
Promote a positive work environment and perform other duties as required.