Manager, Hotel Interior Design

Carnival Corporation•Seattle, WA

6h•Onsite

About The Position

Holland America Line has been exploring the world since 1873. Our ships offer innovative features and enriching experiences focused on destination exploration and personalized travel, inviting guests to savor the journey. We are looking for an amazing Hotel Interior Design Manager to fill this role, located in our Seattle office. The Hotel Interior Design Manager is responsible for shaping the visual and experiential identity of both brands through innovative interior design concepts for newbuilds, refurbishments, and fleet-wide enhancements. This role involves leading the creative process from concept development to presentation, managing FF&E sourcing, and ensuring compliance with IMO safety standards and sustainability goals. The Hotel Interior Design Manager will work closely with senior leadership, shipboard teams, contractors, and vendors to deliver designs that align with brand aesthetics and operational requirements. Responsibilities include overseeing design implementation, negotiating with vendors, managing budgets exceeding $3M, and providing hands-on oversight during shipboard installations. The position also requires expertise in space planning, renderings, and documentation of specifications to maintain design integrity. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in interior design, at least four years of experience in marine or hospitality environments, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, and project management tools. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills are essential to balance creativity with operational and fiscal constraints. This role is pivotal in creating elegant, immersive spaces that enhance guest experience and reinforce brand differentiation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design (required).
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD or similar CAD software, and 3D modeling tools.
Strong knowledge of FF&E sourcing, maritime safety standards (IMO), and space planning principles.
Ability to create detailed design presentations, including renderings and material boards.
Familiarity with AMOS or similar systems for purchase orders and part number creation.
Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Willingness and ability to travel for shipboard installations and dry dock surveys.
Minimum 4+ years of professional experience in interior design, preferably in hospitality or marine environments.
Demonstrated experience leading design projects from concept through implementation, including vendor negotiations and budget oversight.
Proven ability to manage FF&E packages and ensure compliance with safety regulations and sustainability goals.
Hands-on experience with shipboard or large-scale installation oversight, resolving design challenges under dynamic conditions.
Strong background in cross-functional collaboration, working with senior leadership, contractors, and shipboard teams.
Experience in budget management for projects exceeding $1M, including cost optimization strategies.
Track record of delivering high-quality, brand-aligned designs under strict timelines and operational constraints.

Responsibilities

Design Development & Presentation: The Hotel Interior Design Manager leads the creative process for interior spaces across newbuilds, refurbishments, and fleet-wide enhancements. This includes developing original design concepts that reflect brand aesthetics and meet operational requirements. The manager prepares detailed presentations for senior leadership, incorporating renderings, material boards, and FF&E specifications. Concepts must balance visual appeal with durability, regulatory compliance, and cost considerations. The role requires translating strategic vision into tangible designs that elevate guest experience while adhering to IMO standards. Presentations often involve custom furniture and fabrics, requiring technical knowledge of maritime safety and stability requirements. The manager ensures all proposed designs align with sustainability goals and lifecycle strategies. By delivering compelling, brand-aligned concepts, this accountability area sets the foundation for successful project execution and reinforces the luxury positioning of Holland America Line.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Implementation: This accountability focuses on coordinating with internal teams and external partners to bring design concepts to life. The Hotel Interior Design Manager works closely with shipboard teams, project managers, and contractors to ensure seamless implementation of approved designs. Collaboration extends to negotiating with vendors to maintain quality standards while achieving cost efficiencies. The manager provides guidance on space planning and layout to meet safety and operational requirements, including Solis standards for emergency flow. Effective communication is critical to resolve design challenges and adapt plans to shipboard conditions without compromising brand integrity. The role also involves monitoring timelines and ensuring that installations align with project schedules. By fostering strong partnerships and maintaining alignment across stakeholders, this area ensures that design intent translates into functional, aesthetically pleasing environments onboard. Successful execution depends on proactive problem-solving and meticulous attention to detail throughout the implementation process.
FF&E Sourcing & Compliance: The Hotel Interior Design Manager oversees the development and management of FF&E packages for all interior projects. This includes selecting materials and furnishings that meet IMO safety regulations, fire codes, and weight restrictions specific to maritime environments. The manager ensures that all items comply with sustainability objectives, including circularity strategies and end-of-life take-back programs. Detailed documentation of specifications is required for departmental records and future reference. The role demands balancing aesthetic goals with technical constraints, ensuring that every piece is suitable for installation on a cruise ship. Vendor relationships are managed to secure high-quality products that align with brand standards and durability requirements. The manager also monitors compliance during procurement and installation phases to mitigate risk and maintain safety. By integrating sustainability and regulatory adherence into sourcing decisions, this accountability area supports operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Budget Management: This area involves full ownership of interior design budgets across multiple projects, collectively exceeding $3 million. The Hotel Interior Design Manager develops cost outlines to support capital project requests and annual reviews. Responsibilities include creating part numbers, processing purchase orders in AmosW, and tracking expenditures against approved budgets. The manager negotiates pricing with vendors to leverage economies of scale and reduce costs without compromising quality. Regular financial reporting ensures transparency and alignment with corporate objectives. Strategic planning is essential to forecast expenses and allocate resources effectively across brands. The role also requires identifying opportunities for cost optimization through design standardization and vendor partnerships. By maintaining rigorous budget control, this accountability area ensures projects are delivered on time and within financial parameters, supporting long-term operational sustainability.
Shipboard Engagement & Installation Oversight: The Hotel Interior Design Manager provides hands-on leadership during shipboard installations and dry dock surveys. This includes traveling to vessels to oversee the execution of design plans and resolve any on-site challenges. The manager acts as the primary design authority onboard, making critical decisions in the absence of the Design Supervisor. Responsibilities include verifying that installations meet design intent, brand standards, and safety requirements. Close coordination with contractors and ship staff ensures timely completion and adherence to quality benchmarks. The role also involves inspecting materials and finishes to confirm compliance with approved specifications. Effective problem-solving is essential to address unforeseen issues during installation without delaying project timelines. By maintaining a strong presence during implementation, this accountability area guarantees that the final product reflects the original vision and delivers an exceptional guest experience.