Project Director- Mandarin Oriental USA

The Group

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most prestigious hotels and resorts. Mandarin Oriental now operates 38 hotels and 9 residences globally, of which 25 properties are managed and 13 properties are owner or partially owned.

Our aim is to be recognized as the best luxury hotel group in the world, providing exceptional customer satisfaction in each of our hotels. The growth strategy of our Group is to successfully operate in major business centres and key leisure destinations around the world, whilst continuing to expand our presence globally.

Departmental Mission and Objectives

In support of the group’s corporate mission statement: ‘To completely delight and satisfy our guests’, The Technical Services team members will:

• Work and collaborate across departmental and ownership boundaries to improve coordination and shorten the time required to develop projects.
• Make decisions to invest wisely and effectively.
• Consistently strive to deliver exceptional “technical” services to our partners and owners by assigning the most suitable project resources for each project.
• Design hotels and renovate existing hotels in compliance with MOHG’s product standards and guidelines.
• Continuously improve to remain the best by promoting exceptional design and innovation and by continuously up-dating our Product Standards & Guidelines (PS&G’s).

Team’s Objectives

• Conceptualize and deliver exceptional new hotels and resorts that meet our PS&G’s, finding the appropriate balance between Tradition, Quality and Innovation.
• Design our products and services to address our guests’ needs.  In fact, we are committed to exceeding their expectations with our ability to anticipate, innovate and be quality driven. 
• We will enable the hotels to meet our Mission Statement while minimizing facilities life-cycle costs, operating costs and providing and help reduce our environmental impact.

Strategic Intent

• For each major renovation where MOHG is owner or part owner, a Project Director is employed acting as the owner’s representative to deliver ensure the owners best interest are protected and to ensure the project is being executed as per the project's objectives established by the owners.
• The owner’s representative will provide the required leadership and management tools to ensure the team achieve the objectives in a collaborative environment and in a motivated team spirit.

Experience and Qualifications

Experience

• The ideal candidate should have a proven track record of successfully managing complex projects in the hospitality sector with a minimum of 15 years of experience post qualification.
• Experience in leading and managing large teams of project managers and professionals is essential. They should have a demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire teams to achieve project goals.
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic project plans aligned with organizational objectives. They should have a strong understanding of project lifecycle management and risk mitigation strategies.
• Experience in budgeting, cost control, and financial forecasting for large-scale projects. They should have the ability to manage project finances effectively and optimize resource allocation.
• Proven experience in building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, investors, contractors, and regulatory authorities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are crucial for identifying and resolving project-related challenges effectively.
• Experience in negotiating and managing contracts with vendors, subcontractors, and other project stakeholders.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as engineering, construction management, architecture or a related discipline is required.
• A professional qualification such as P.E, MCIBSE, AIA, RIBA, RICS.
• A master's degree in business administration (MBA), project management, or a related field.
• Proficiency in project management software such as Microsoft Project, Primavera, or other similar tools is essential. Additionally, familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulations is advantageous.

General Duties and Responsibilities

Responsible and accountable for all aspects of the project design and delivery.  Including the following:

• Coordinate with operations and corporate colleagues throughout process.
• Manage owner/developer relationship.
• Enforce Product Standards & Guidelines (PS&G).
• Provide resolution when PS&G non-compliance occurs with developer.
• Articulate briefs to developer & consultants.
• Monitor budget and schedules.
• Prepare design vision statement.
• Manage, as required, field project managers.
• Engage with Corporate functional teams:
• Create design value and differentiation.
• Prepare migration schedule to support pre-opening activities.

Specific Competencies

The successful candidate will be/have:

• Able to multitask, organize and manage several projects at the same time.
• Able to think and plan strategically, while taking on a broad range of tasks.
• Self-motivated and a team player.
• Eager to learn [fast] while being a confident colleague.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Effective communicator.
• Strong organization skills, and in particular for a multidiscipline design and construction project team.
• Strong follow up.
• Driven by Innovation.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Good to Strong knowledge of Excel, MS-Project, AutoCAD.
• Interested in design and architecture.
• Able to prepare/review hotel design plans.

Specific Responsibilities with respect to the Renovation Project

Generally

• Attend Client, Design, Project, Site and other meetings as provided under this Appointment.
• Issue instructions, on behalf of the Client, to the Professional Team and Contractor in accordance with the terms of their Appointments/Contract.
• Agree Project reporting and recording procedures with the Client, the Professional Team and the Contractor.
• Implement agreed procedures.
• Monitor the performance of the Professional Team and the Contractor. Report to the Client.
• Liaise with the Professional Team and prepare regular/monthly quality, cost and programme reports.
• Advise the Client of any decisions required and obtain necessary authorisation.

Preparation

• Develop a consultant shortlist for the required professional services (Professional Team).
• Develop Request for Proposals using MOHG standard templates.
• Review consultant bids from a suitability, technical and commercial perspective and make recommendations for award for Client approval.
• Liaise with the Client and the Professional Team to determine the Client’s initial requirements and to develop the Client’s Brief. Establish review, approval, variation and reporting procedures. Prepare recommendations for the Client’s approval.
• Liaise with the Professional Team and advise the Client on structural, building, measured and other surveys and site investigations including condition reports, etc.
• Advise the Client on demolition, strip-out, site investigation and enabling works contracts required before the Building Contract.
• Liaise with the Professional Team and procure demolition, strip-out, site investigation and enabling works contracts required before the Building Contract.
• Advise the Client on specialist services, including consultants, contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers required in connection with the Project.
• Advise the Client on the selection, the terms of appointment and fee structures for the Professional Team.
• Advise the Client on design services required under the Building Contract.
• Advise the Client on the need for staff resident at the Site.
• Liaise with the Professional Team and advise the Client on statutory approvals required and fees due in respect of the Project. Recommend payments to the Client.
• Visit the Site and carry out initial inspections. Advise the Client on areas of concern.

Pre Contract

Design Stage

• Liaise with the Client and the Professional Team and prepare the employer’s requirements. Amplify the employer’s requirements as necessary during the Project. Establish review, approval, variation and reporting procedures. Prepare recommendations for the Client’s approval.
• Liaise with the Professional Team and establish a structure and procedure for quality management. Establish review, approval, variation and reporting procedures. Prepare recommendations for the Client’s approval.
• Establish the roles and responsibilities of the Client, the Professional Team, the Contractor and specialist/design sub-contractors.
• Liaise with the Professional Team and prepare a scheme design, or similar, report summarising the project design, cost, programme and risk register. Establish review, approval, variation and reporting procedures. Prepare recommendations for the Client’s approval.
• Confirm the scope of the Building Contract to the Client and advise on additional works required by third parties.
• Liaise with the Professional Team and identify any long delivery building components and systems. Prepare recommendations for the Client’s approval.
• Liaise with the Professional Team and identify any specialist/proprietary building components and systems. Prepare recommendations for the Client’s approval.          

Pre-Construction

• Prepare and maintain a Project execution plan, or similar management tools, identifying the roles and responsibilities of the Client, the Professional Team, the Contractor and specialist sub-contractors/suppliers. Establish review, approval, variation and reporting procedures. Prepare recommendations for the Client’s approval.
• Advise on suitable tenderers for the Building Contract. Prepare recommendations for the Client’s approval.
• Obtain tender drawings and specifications from the Client and the Professional Team. Monitor and report to the Client on the procurement process.
• Liaise with the Professional Team and prepare a pre- construction report summarising the Project design, cost, programme and risk register. Establish review, approval, variation and reporting procedures. Prepare recommendations for the Client’s approval.
• Attend pre- and post-tender interviews.
• Liaise with the Professional Team and advise on errors, omissions, exclusions, qualifications and inconsistencies between the employer’s requirements and the tenders received. Prepare recommendations for the Client’s approval.
• Advise on the tenderers’ design and construction programmes and method statements.
• Liaise with the Professional Team and obtain cost and design studies to assess alternative contractor’s proposals. Prepare recommendations for the Client’s approval.
• Liaise with the Professional Team and assist with specialist enquiries to assess alternative contractor’s proposals. Prepare recommendations for the Client’s approval.
• Liaise with the Professional Team and prepare a tender report. Prepare recommendations for the Client’s approval.
• Conduct negotiations with tenderers. Prepare documentation to confirm adjustments to the tender sums. Prepare recommendations for the Client’s approval.
• Liaise with the Client and the Professional Team and advise on methods of progressing design and/or construction works prior to the execution of the Building Contract.
• Obtain confirmation that required insurances are in place prior to commencement of works on the Site.
• Obtain contract drawings and specifications from the Client and the Professional Team. Liaise with the Client’s legal advisers, prepare the contract documents and deliver to the Client and the Contractor for completion.

Post Contract

Construction

• Agree approvals required from the Professional Team under the Building Contract. Administer the Building Contract.
• Convene and chair regular/monthly site meetings with the Client, the Professional Team, the Contractor and, where appropriate, sub-contractor(s) or supplier(s). Take minutes of the matters discussed and issue copies of minutes to the Client, the Professional Team, the Contractor and such other persons attending the meeting.
• Liaise with the Client and the Professional Team and conduct negotiations with the Contractor. Prepare documentation to confirm the agreements reached.  
• Obtain advice on quality, cost and programme effect of variations prior to the issue of instructions under the Building Contract. Prepare recommendations for the Client's approval.
• Obtain authorisation from the Client for additional costs where the Consultant’s limit of authority is exceeded.
• Undertake regular Site inspections. Obtain progress and quality reports from site staff representing the Client, the Professional Team and the Contractor.
• Liaise with the Professional Team and make recommendations for interim payments to the Contractor.
• Agree all test certificates and statutory and non-statutory approvals required from the Professional Team and the Contract. Prepare recommendations for the Client's approval.
• Liaise with the Client, the Professional Team and the Contractor and prepare and maintain a handover plan, or similar management tool, identifying the roles and responsibilities of the Client, the Professional Team and the Contractor. Establish review, approval, variation and reporting procedures. Prepare recommendations for the Client’s approval.
• Advise on the rights and obligations of the parties to the Building Contract.

Close Out

Completion Verification

• Ensure that all construction work has been completed according to the project specifications, plans, and contractual requirements.
• Verify that all punch list items and deficiencies identified during inspections have been addressed and resolved.

Documentation Review

• Review and organize all project documentation, including contracts, permits, drawings, specifications, and change orders.
• Ensure that as-built drawings accurately reflect the constructed conditions and incorporate any changes made during construction.

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

• Ensure that all necessary permits, licenses, and regulatory approvals have been obtained for the completed project.
• Verify compliance with building codes, safety regulations, environmental standards, and other legal requirements.

Quality Assurance

• Conduct final inspections and quality checks to confirm that the completed work meets the required quality standards and specifications.
• Address any outstanding quality issues or deficiencies identified during the closeout process.

Financial Closeout

• Review and reconcile project budgets, expenditures, and financial records to ensure accuracy.
• Finalize and close out contracts with subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors, including processing final payments and releasing retention funds.

Commissioning and Testing

• Coordinate commissioning activities for building systems and equipment to ensure they are fully operational and functioning as intended.
• Conduct testing and verification of all systems, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection, to confirm proper functionality and compliance with local code / PS&G’s.

Client Handover

• Prepare comprehensive project turnover documentation, including as-built drawings, operation and maintenance manuals, warranties and guarantees, attic stock, vendors contact list and any specialist tools for delivery to the client.
• Coordinate with the client to facilitate the smooth transition of the completed project, including training sessions and walkthroughs as needed.

Project Closeout Meeting

• Conduct a formal project closeout meeting with key stakeholders, including the client, project team members, and relevant authorities, to review project accomplishments, lessons learned, and any remaining outstanding tasks.

Lessons Learned and Documentation

• Document lessons learned from the project, including successes, challenges, and areas for improvement, to inform future projects.
• Compile a comprehensive project closeout report summarizing the project's outcomes, key metrics, and recommendations for future projects.

Post-Project Evaluation

• Conduct post-project evaluations and follow-up assessments to track the project's performance, client satisfaction, and any ongoing issues or warranty claims.
• Address any remaining warranty or post-construction issues promptly and effectively to ensure client satisfaction and project success.

NOTE: The above is not an all-inclusive list of job duties and responsibilities. Mandarin Oriental, New York reserves the right to add, delete, change or modify the job duties and responsibilities described in this job description at its discretion with notice.

It is Company policy to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including by providing reasonable accommodations that do not constitute an undue hardship on the Company.  Employees or applicants should direct requests for accommodation to Director of Human Resources.

Salary: $225,000-$250,000/ yearly.