Design & Strategy Director

**About the role**

The Great Room seeks a Director of Design & Strategy who is responsible for design and strategy management of our locations. Leading a team, you will work closely with our design consultants, project management team and landlords on our new openings, through construction till handover to our Operations team. You will also coordinate maintenance programmes and renovation scopes for our existing ones.

A successful Director of Design & Strategy will be working with leading designers and consultants to achieve the maximum value for each project. With good eyes for things beautiful, integrity of the highest, and a passion for structure and details, ensuring that every office is built efficiently and in line with TGR’s design and brand standards.

You will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

**What you’ll do**

The Bridge Between Stakeholders
- Manage and coordinate activities of the project inception to project close-out to achieve successful completion of the project within agreed cost, time and quality parameters.
- Liaise with the property owners and appointed consultants to propose their construction and development plans to construct TGR offices to ensure the readiness of the property for operations
- Liaise with the landlord(s) and appointed consultants on the design development and construction completion for the various projects
- Coordinate the preparation and documentation of the collaborative design scheme for tender process
- Liaise with other operating Departments on issues relating to the Project
- Liaise with other operating Departments on handing over of the Project upon completion.

Performs In-House Project Management
- Responsible for the design direction, administration, management and communication co-ordination to deliver the project including developing and regulating the master programme, key documents and general process.
- Highlight any problems that threaten the successful completion of the project and thus provide alternative solutions as required to maintain the project cost and programme within the agreed parameters.
- Take lead in conducting tender process of all required components, evaluate the returns (with relevant involved consultants) and provide recommendations to management for the award of contracts
- Ensure compliant to the company branding specifications and Design Guide
- Ensure compliance with the local statutory requirements and obligations. Coordinate relevant submission to the respective agency. Coordinate inspection when required.
- Conduct regular checks (e.g. site meetings, site walks, etc.) to inspect the progress and quality of works and reporting on the construction process to ensure that work done comply fully with all tender specifications.
- Ensure all contractors and/ or direct agents/ vendors/ specialists engaged respect safety and security policies and procedures at all the times in the conduct of their work and to ensure property is not compromised in any way.
- Monitor the cost and work closely with Quantity Surveyor to procure long lead packages to prevent delay in opening
- Ensure adherence to the project completion timeline
- Proactively monitor progress and take necessary steps to ensure variations are aligned to the company branding specifications and service standards
- Coordinates to assure testing and commissioning for critical infrastructure and construction are carried out upon successful installation of the system. To ensure necessary equipment and/or system training for the Client is conducted.
- Inspect all work to ensure defects and omissions are duty rectified before handover to users. Documents outstanding defects and omissions and monitors their proper and timely rectification throughout the defects of liability period.

**Who you are**

**Requirements**:

- Having a qualification in Architecture, Interior Design or the equivalent
- With minimum of 8 years of experience in related fields
- Prior experience in architecture, technical services, property management or other related field.
- Experience opening new business units, including restaurants, hotels, commercial properties, etc.
- Deep understanding of building financials in order to continually optimise vendor and team performance is essential.
- Strong time management skills and experience managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Design related softwares.

Qualities
- Ability to organise, plan and manage multiple activities to accomplish desired results
- Ability to effectively make sound decisions under tight deadlines
- Enjoy working in a fast-paced environment
- Strong technical aptitude and analytical skills
- Must be team oriented and be able to lead productive, multi-discipline meetings
- Act in a manner of integrity that shows support for the company, its values, and the employees, while maintaining constant focus on meeting/exceeding requirements and expectations

**What’s in