Principal Project Manager, Design Manager (Airport Lounge)

Capital One • McLean, VA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Principal Project Manager, Design Manager (Airport Lounge) is part of Capital One’s Airport Design & Construction Team and is primarily responsible for designing, documenting, and implementing new and renovated airport lounges. The role leads design management for lounge projects, including hospitality concepts, guest experiences, and branded environments, while driving execution and timelines. It works closely with internal teams such as Business Development, Guest Experience, and Project Delivery, and ensures designs and experiences align with customer experience strategy and priorities. The position reports to the Airport Lounge Design & Construction Program Lead and interacts with senior leadership. It is a hybrid position with 30–40% travel.

The role manages lounge business development opportunities and assigned project design pipelines, including outside design and technical firms, architect-of-record partners, consultants, and RFP processes. It leads projects from feasibility and site assessment through opening, covering concept and layout decisions, construction documentation, permitting, construction administration, punch-list, and opening activities. The role is accountable for project timelines and budgets and coordinates cross-functional work, risks, stakeholder communications, documentation, and delivery commitments.

Capital One describes its workplace as collaborative and inclusive, valuing diversity, belonging, openness, and diverse perspectives. The role is eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, which may include cash bonuses and/or long-term incentives. The company also offers health, financial, and other benefits, with eligibility varying by employment status and management level.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Interior Design.
• At least 5 years of experience in interior design or architecture within the hospitality industry.
• At least 5 years of experience working with AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, InDesign, SketchUp, and Illustrator.
• At least 3 years of experience in vendor management or relationship management.
• At least 3 years of experience working with and sourcing architectural materials, finishes, furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
• Understanding of construction means and methods, cost, and milestones.
• Proficiency in construction drawing, documentation, and oversight.
• Experience in construction administration and on-site project delivery presence.
• Ability to work on large-scale, complex, cross-departmental projects with direct company impact.
• Ability to travel 30–40%.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Architecture or Interior Design.
• NCIDQ or AIA certification.
• At least 3 years of experience managing all phases of interior design from concept through construction administration.

Responsibilities

• Manage airport lounge business development opportunities, including ownership of the initial design phase, coordination and management of outside design and technical firms, and the RFP process.
• Lead the design pipeline for assigned projects, managing the design phase, architect-of-record partners, and consultants as needed to achieve company goals.
• Lead projects from feasibility and site assessment through opening, including layout and concept lock, construction-document creation and review, permitting, construction administration, punch-list, and opening activities.
• Meet development timeline and project budget goals.
• Drive cross-functional projects according to defined priorities; ensure deliverables, timelines, and budgets are met; identify and mitigate or escalate risks and issues; and manage project impacts across connected workstreams.
• Communicate and partner with stakeholders at all levels to manage, inform, and influence outcomes.
• Prioritize and manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Use problem-solving skills to ensure project plans deliver on intent and maintain key project documentation.
• Conduct regular project-team meetings, document progress, and report project status to stakeholders.
• Partner with project customers to provide strategic and tactical thought partnership and drive project delivery effectively.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders to ensure delivery of commitments.
• Clearly communicate design ideas to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Provide construction administration and on-site project delivery oversight.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, financial, and other benefits supporting total well-being; eligibility varies by employment status and management level.
• Eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, which may include cash bonuses and/or long-term incentives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal