Manager, Design & Product Development

** JOB SUMMARY
** The Manager of Design & Product Development leads a team of creative professionals and consultants to shape the future of Choice Hotels’ brand environments through innovative design and product development. This role combines design excellence, strategic leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver compelling, brand-aligned solutions that enhance guest experience and drive franchisee ROI. The Manager oversees FF&E design packages, vendor programs, and prototype development while championing continuous improvement and innovation across the Choice portfolio.
** KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
**** Design & Product Development
*** Lead design and FF&E product development for new and existing brand packages, ensuring alignment with brand strategy and operational feasibility.
* Oversee concept generation, prototype development, and creation of design guides, toolkits, and standards.
* Manage vendor qualification and approval processes, optimizing timelines and quality through data-driven dashboards.
* Direct consultants and internal teams to deliver high-quality, on-brand design outcomes within budget and schedule.
** Research & Innovation
*** Monitor hospitality, design, and cultural trends to inform brand evolution and maintain market competitiveness.
* Translate consumer insights and operational needs into design frameworks and innovation roadmaps.
* Drive continuous improvement through evaluation of adoption trends, product performance, and stakeholder feedback.
* Maintain material libraries and design labs to support experimentation and prototype development.
** Leadership & Cross-Functional Influence
*** Lead and develop a broader team, fostering creativity, accountability, and collaboration.
* Partner with Brand, Development, Procurement, and Lifecycle teams to ensure design initiatives support enterprise goals.
* Communicate updates to brand standards and design programs across the organization.
* Support major initiatives, including annual convention and enterprise-wide design programs.
** QUALIFICATIONS
* *** Education & Experience
*** Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
* Minimum 7+ years of relevant experience in hospitality design, with a strong portfolio demonstrating strategic and creative leadership.
* At least 2 years of experience managing teams and external consultants in a design-driven environment.
** Technical Skills
*** Proficiency in Smartsheet, Microsoft Office Suite;
Adobe Creative Suite and 3D modeling tools (Sketch Up, AutoCAD) preferred.
* Strong visualization and hand-sketching abilities.
** Core Competencies
*** Expertise in architecture, interior design, and FF&E specifications.
* Strategic thinker with ability to balance creativity, business goals, and operational feasibility.
* Skilled in developing scalable design systems and cost models.
** Leadership Expectations
*** Demonstrates ability to lead a broader team, influence cross-functional stakeholders, and drive enterprise-level initiatives.
* Builds trust, fosters creativity, and maintains high standards under pressure.
* Strong communication and storytelling skills to engage senior leadership.
** Additional Information
*** Ability to travel up to 10%.
* Must uphold Choice Hotels’ Values & Performance Principles: collaboration, integrity, inclusion, customer focus, and respect.
** YOUR WORK LOCATION
** Candidates must reside in the Washington, D.C. metro area and commit to a hybrid work schedule consisting of four days per week onsite at our Pike & Rose headquarters in North Bethesda, Maryland, and one day working remotely from their home office.
** SALARY RANGE
** The salary range for this position is **$107,533 - $126,500 annually**. In addition to the annual salary, this role is eligible for an annual bonus based on the terms of Choice's Management Incentive Plan (MIP).Pay ranges listed are for this position and are what Choice Hotels reasonably expects to pay. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future.

An employee’s pay position within the pay range will be based on several factors including, but not…