Deputy General Manager - Design

PURPOSE

To provide strategic leadership and design direction for DLF’s hospitality projects, ensuring concept-to-GFC delivery of world-class experiences across clubs, hotels, F&B, and wellness verticals. The role focuses on design innovation, cost and timeline adherence, cross-functional collaboration, and integration of global design trends in sustainability, wellness, and digital guest experience.

REPORTS TO

VP – Design

REPORTING ROLES

Asst. General Manager| Senior Manager| Design Managers| Architects| Interior Designers| Specialist Consultants (as applicable)

INTERACTS WITH

• External - International design consultants, global hospitality operators, architects, façade & lighting consultants, acoustics/AV/kitchen/laundry vendors, regulatory authorities, sustainability certification bodies.
• Internal - Projects, MEP, Procurement, Costing, Operations, Finance, Legal and Senior Management

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Drive Operational Excellence

• Drive conceptualisation, design direction & stage-gate approvals (Concept, SD, DD, GFC).
• Collaborate with international design consultants and global hospitality brands to align with best practices.
• Integrate the latest design trends in hospitality, wellness, sustainability, and digital guest experience.
• Ensure design quality and adherence to project budgets, timelines, and brand standards.

Strategic Design & Innovation

• Champion creative solutions, value engineering, and design innovations without compromising excellence.
• Integrate sustainability and green building principles (IGBC/LEED) into all projects.
• Ensure compliance with codes and regulatory standards (NBC, ECBC, Fire Safety, etc.).
• Leverage technology (BIM, digital visualization, design software) to enhance efficiency and design communication.

Cross-Functional & Consultant Coordination

• Coordinate with internal teams (Projects, MEP, Procurement, Costing, Operations) for seamless execution.
• Manage consultants & vendors across architecture, interiors, façade, lighting, landscape, AV, acoustics, kitchens & laundry.
• Review and validate consultant deliverables across design phases, ensuring timely approvals.

People Management

• Mentor and inspire the in-house design team, building a culture of creativity and innovation.
• Develop design leaders through guidance, exposure to international practices, and knowledge sharing.
• Foster collaboration and cross-disciplinary learning among design, projects, and operations teams.

Business & Financial Acumen

• Align design planning with project budgets and cost controls.
• Support procurement and costing teams in vendor negotiations, material finalisation, and design value optimisation.
• Balance design aspirations with financial feasibility and operational efficiency.

Leadership

• Represent the design vision at leadership and board-level discussions.
• Build and nurture relationships with global hospitality operators and design leaders.
• Lead transformation in design thinking, integrating innovation and customer-centricity into every project.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure all design deliverables meet regulatory, legal, and statutory compliance.
• Mitigate risks associated with design changes, consultant dependencies, and vendor quality.
• Uphold the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct in design engagements.

Occupational Health & Safety Responsibilities

• Incorporate OH&S compliance in all design specifications, particularly for equipment, services, and project-related works.
• Ensure safety and environmental considerations are embedded in design guidelines and consultant contracts.
• Monitor OH&S adherence through design audits and consultant performance reviews.

QUALIFICATIONS

• B.Arch/M.Arch (Interior Architecture preferred)

WORK EXPERIENCE

• 15+ years of progressive design experience, with at least 5 years in hospitality design.
• Minimum 5 years in design consultancy handling large-scale projects.