Senior Manager, Brand Portfolio, India – Design Hotels

In a nutshell

We are seeking a Senior Manager, Brand Portfolio, India to actively contribute to the qualitative and strategic curation and growth of the Design Hotels member portfolio in India. The addition of new, on-strategy hotels — in alignment with our selection criteria — is one of the principal drivers of Design Hotels’ revenue and an important element in evolving our product quality, distribution power and ultimately the brand equity of Design Hotels.

Success in this position demands a proactive and organised disposition, excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, enthusiasm for working within a small focused team while understanding the wider Marriott environment, a strong brand understanding, and a genuine passion for hospitality and design.

• Reporting to the Director Brand Portfolio, APAC
• Travel 50–70% across South Asia
• Languages: English & Hindi — both mandatory
• Location: India (based in India) or Singapore (existing right to work required)
  • We are looking for candidates who are either currently based in India or currently based in Singapore. Please note that we are unable to provide relocation or visa support for this position. Candidates applying for the Singapore-based role must already hold the right to work in Singapore (Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident or existing valid work pass).
     

Tasks & Responsibilities

Portfolio & Business Development

• Develop a strategic plan to grow the Design Hotels portfolio in India
• Grow the brand portfolio by identifying and signing new member hotels
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of on-strategy prospects
• Identify valuable leads via incoming applications and through proactive outbound scouting
• Conduct proactive online research and market scanning across South Asia
• Conduct brand fit assessments and present findings to the selection committee — this includes collecting and reviewing hotel information, engaging directly with owners and representatives, pitching the Design Hotels value proposition, and preparing tailored presentations and case studies
• Review membership applications and evaluate portfolio potential
• Collaborate closely with the Marriott International APEC Development and Legal Teams throughout deal signing and execution

Partnerships & Network

• Establish and grow a network of hotel owners, developers, architects, interior designers and industry stakeholders across South Asia
• Act as a trusted brand advisor and ambassador for Design Hotels in the region

Market Intelligence & Insights

• Identify high-potential growth markets in South Asia and monitor competitor and industry trends
• Lead strategic projects such as competitive analyses and market expansion initiatives
• Develop and launch key Brand Portfolio initiatives, e.g. Guest Experience Programmes
• Conduct frequent travel (40–60%) for site visits and owner engagement

Stakeholder Management & Reporting

• Collaborate closely with the Design Hotels APAC and Global teams and align with all relevant internal departments
• Build strong relationships with existing and prospective Design Hotels owner community
• Act as a brand partner and collaborator to the Marriott International APEC team
• Prepare meeting materials, pipeline development status updates and presentations
• Maintain accurate portfolio data, KPIs and CRM pipeline tracking

Experience & Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in business development, brand partnerships or owner relations in travel, hospitality or interior design
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality or a related field
• Fluent in English and Hindi — both spoken and written (mandatory)
• Strong knowledge of the South Asia boutique and independent hotel sector
• Established network of architects, designers, independent hotel developers and operators in the region

Skills & Competencies

• Proven ability to formulate, implement and drive a market-specific portfolio expansion strategy
• Deep knowledge of South Asia hospitality markets and key players in the boutique and independent hotel space
• Understanding of brand equity with the ability to operate across both creative and commercial dimensions
• Strong commercial acumen and in-depth knowledge of hotel distribution and commercial dynamics
• Creative, design-oriented, culturally aware — understanding of local and global aesthetics and current trends
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to adapt tone for corporate environments and independently minded creatives alike
• Strong negotiation skills, empathetic relationship builder, instils trust naturally
• Proficient in Keynote, Excel and Microsoft Office 365; Tableau knowledge is a plus
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 40–60% across South Asia

   

Perks & Benefits

• A great experience in the niche market of luxury boutique hotels
• Hybrid mobile working options
• Working with a motivated and international team from over 39 countries at the global Headquarters of Design Hotels™
• Great benefits at member hotels, brand partners and other employee discounts and special offers, including Marriott Explore rates
• Career development opportunities in an international company

About Design Hotels™
Design Hotels GmbH (www.designhotels.com) is a full-service hospitality consultancy, offering customized services to its member hotels. Under the brand Design Hotels™ the company represents and markets a curated selection of currently more than 300 luxury hotels in over 60 countries. These member hotels are independently owned but united by a commitment to individuality, progressive design, and cultural authenticity. Design Hotels™ embodies the most advanced ideas in the hospitality industry and offers discerning travelers new opportunities and inspiration for both a more conscious travel and lifestyle.

The company has its headquarters in Berlin and branches in Los Angeles, New York, London and Singapore. Since March 2021, Design Hotels GmbH is part of the Marriott International portfolio.

Design Hotels is an equal opportunity employer; we celebrate diversity and practice inclusivity. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and our business needs only.

Please send your application without a picture.

At Marriott International, we are dedicated to being an equal opportunity employer, welcoming all and providing access to opportunity. We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated. Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent, and experiences of our associates.  We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status, or other basis protected by applicable law. 

Marriott International is the world’s largest hotel company, with more brands, more hotels and more opportunities for associates to grow and succeed. Be where you can do your best work,​ begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global​ team, and become the best version of you.