About Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) stands as one of the largest lodging franchisors globally, powering iconic brands like Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Radisson, and more. With a vast portfolio spanning economy to midscale and upscale hotels, Choice Hotels drives innovation in the hospitality industry, focusing on exceptional guest experiences and franchisee success. Headquartered in the dynamic Washington, D.C. metro area, the company fosters a collaborative culture rooted in values of integrity, inclusion, customer focus, and respect. As a leader in hospitality, Choice Hotels offers associates unparalleled opportunities to shape the future of travel and design across its renowned brands.

Role Overview

The Manager, Design & Product Development at Choice Hotels is a pivotal leadership role based in North Bethesda, Maryland. This position leads a team of creative professionals and consultants to craft innovative brand environments that elevate guest experiences and maximize franchisee ROI. Combining design excellence with strategic oversight, you'll spearhead FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment) design packages, vendor programs, and prototype development for brands like Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and Radisson. This hybrid role requires four days onsite at the state-of-the-art Pike & Rose headquarters and one remote day, offering the perfect blend of collaboration and flexibility in the heart of the D.C. metro area.

Strategic Impact

In this role, you'll bridge creativity and business acumen, ensuring every design aligns with brand strategy while remaining operationally feasible and cost-effective. With a salary range of $107,533 - $126,500 annually plus eligibility for the Management Incentive Plan (MIP) bonus, this position rewards high performers who drive enterprise-wide innovation.

Key Responsibilities

As Manager, Design & Product Development, your leadership will shape Choice Hotels' visual and experiential future:

• Lead design and FF&E product development for new and existing brand packages, ensuring seamless alignment with brand strategy and operational needs.
• Oversee concept generation, prototype development, and the creation of comprehensive design guides, toolkits, and standards.
• Manage vendor qualification, approval processes, and performance via data-driven dashboards to optimize timelines, quality, and costs.
• Direct internal teams and external consultants to deliver premium, on-brand outcomes within budget and schedule constraints.
• Monitor hospitality, design, and cultural trends, translating consumer insights into actionable innovation roadmaps.
• Drive continuous improvement by analyzing adoption trends, product performance, and stakeholder feedback.
• Maintain material libraries and design labs to fuel experimentation and rapid prototyping.
• Foster team creativity and accountability while partnering with Brand, Development, Procurement, and Lifecycle teams.

Qualifications & Requirements

Choice Hotels seeks a visionary leader with proven expertise in hospitality design:

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or equivalent education and experience.
• Minimum 7+ years in hospitality design, backed by a strong portfolio showcasing strategic and creative leadership.
• At least 2 years managing teams and external consultants in dynamic, design-driven settings.
• Technical proficiency in Smartsheet, Microsoft Office Suite; preferred skills in Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, and AutoCAD.
• Strong visualization, hand-sketching, and expertise in architecture, interior design, and FF&E specifications.
• Strategic mindset balancing creativity, business goals, and scalability; excellent communication and storytelling for senior stakeholders.
• Reside in Washington, D.C. metro area; hybrid schedule with up to 10% travel; no sponsorship available.

Leadership Expectations

Demonstrate the ability to lead broader teams, influence cross-functionally, and thrive under pressure while upholding Choice Hotels’ core values.

Benefits & Perks

Choice Hotels prioritizes associate wellbeing with a flexible, competitive benefits package:

• Base salary $107,533 - $126,500 + MIP annual bonus.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Extensive paid time off including holidays, vacation, personal, family, volunteer, sick, jury duty, bereavement, military, and religious observance.
• Financial perks like retirement plans and health savings accounts.
• Employee recognition programs and exclusive worldwide discounts at Choice Hotels brands such as Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and Radisson.

Career Growth

At Choice Hotels, this role opens doors to enterprise-level impact and advancement. Lead high-visibility projects like annual conventions and design programs, building your influence across hospitality. With a focus on development, you'll gain exposure to senior leadership, cross-functional partnerships, and cutting-edge trends, positioning you for future roles in brand strategy, product innovation, or executive design leadership.

Why Join Choice Hotels

Join a hospitality powerhouse where your designs come to life in hotels worldwide. Choice Hotels offers a premium work environment at Pike & Rose, hybrid flexibility, and direct impact on beloved brands like Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and Radisson. Enjoy hotel employee discounts, robust wellbeing support, and a culture that champions collaboration and innovation. Be part of shaping guest experiences that drive loyalty and franchise success in a thriving industry.

Role FAQs

Q: What is the work schedule? Hybrid: 4 days onsite in North Bethesda, MD, and 1 day remote.

Q: Is relocation or sponsorship offered? No, candidates must reside in the D.C. metro area; not eligible for sponsorship.

Q: What brands will I work on? Across the Choice portfolio, including Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Radisson, and others.

Q: How much travel is involved? Up to 10%.

Q: What makes this role unique? Strategic blend of creative leadership, innovation, and ROI-focused design in a leading franchisor.