Head of Design & Development

Company Description Warrior Group is a pioneering adventure and experience company redefining how people explore, stay, and connect with nature. We create transformative adventure experiences by combining the power of six specialised divisions: construction, operations, hospitality, consultancy, gear and events. From unique adventure attractions to fully operational destinations, we design, build and manage with passion, purpose and impact.

WYLD is a pioneering brand within Warrior Group, redefining adventure-driven hospitality through an integrated design, build, and operate model. From rugged lodges in mountain escarpments to desert camps and coastal hideaways, WYLD brings together comfort, courage, and connection with nature. Each destination celebrates raw landscapes, authentic adventure experiences, and transformative journeys for discerning travellers.

Warrior is seeking a Hospitality Development & Project Manager to support the growth of the WYLD brand from early-stage concept development through to project delivery. This is a hybrid role that evolves from strategic development - supporting feasibility, design, and partnership work - into hands-on project management once the first sites are launched.

Role Description: The Head of Design & Development is responsible for leading the complete design-to-build journey across all WYLD and Warrior Destinations projects. This role oversees the development and execution of architectural, interior design, landscape, and MEP design strategies while ensuring alignment with brand standards, operational requirements, sustainability goals, and construction feasibility.

Acting as the critical link between creative vision and project delivery, the Head of Design & Development will manage external consultants, coordinate with internal stakeholders, and ensure that all developments are delivered to the highest standards of quality, functionality, and guest experience.

·       Lead the end-to-end design and development process across all projects, from concept creation through construction delivery.

·       Establish and maintain design standards, technical specifications, and brand guidelines to ensure consistency across the portfolio.

·      Develop project design briefs aligned with business objectives, guest experience requirements, operational needs, and budget parameters.

·      Manage and coordinate architects, interior designers, landscape architects, MEP consultants, and specialist advisors to deliver integrated design solutions.

·      Oversee design development, technical reviews, value engineering, and construction documentation to ensure buildability, quality, and cost efficiency.

·      Act as the primary liaison between design, development, operations, procurement, and construction teams, ensuring effective stakeholder collaboration.

·      Monitor project execution to safeguard design intent, provide technical guidance, and support successful project delivery.

·      Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices while driving innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement across all developments.

Qualifications

• Strong Design Management skills, including leading multidisciplinary design teams, managing design workflows, and overseeing projects from concept to delivery.
• Proficiency in Visual Design and Branding, with the ability to establish and maintain cohesive visual identities across destinations and assets.
• Expertise in Product Design for experiences, attractions, or environments, with a focus on user-centered and commercially viable solutions.
• Experience in Interior Design for hospitality, leisure, or mixed-use developments, ensuring functional, safe, and immersive spaces.
• Proven background in destination, hospitality, real estate, or themed entertainment development, ideally within the Middle East or similar markets.
• Ability to interpret master plans, architectural drawings, and technical documentation, and to collaborate effectively with architects, engineers, and contractors.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale to non-design audiences.
• Strong project management capabilities, including budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and adherence to regulatory and safety standards.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment and leading teams on multiple concurrent projects.