About Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels International, one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors, powers iconic brands like Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Radisson, and more. With thousands of properties across the globe, Choice Hotels transforms the hospitality landscape through innovation and guest-centric technology. The company’s Innovation Team is at the forefront, pioneering generative AI, cloud-native platforms, and agent-based architectures to elevate experiences for guests, associates, and franchisees. Join Choice Hotels in Scottsdale, Arizona, to shape the future of hospitality technology.

Role Overview

As Senior Manager, Software Engineering - AI Innovation, you’ll lead the Advanced Technology Activation Team (AT-AT) within the Innovation Team. This hands-on leadership role reports to the Senior Director, Enterprise Architecture and involves managing direct reports while collaborating with Product, Architecture, PMO, and business stakeholders. Drive bold ideas into scalable solutions using Java/JVM, Python, TypeScript/Next.js, and emerging AI tools. Transform traditional SDLC into AI-DLC, delivering speed, quality, and resilience for Choice Hotels’ ecosystem, including Comfort Inn and Quality Inn properties.

Key Impact Areas

Own architecture, design, implementation, and operations for high-impact projects. Be hands-on with POCs, Vibe Coding sessions, and Spec-to-Code demos to accelerate innovation in hospitality tech.

Key Responsibilities

Lead a high-performing engineering team to deliver scalable applications with cutting-edge technologies. Ensure delivery excellence across all phases, from code reviews to production readiness, aligned with enterprise standards. Hands-on involvement includes building POCs using Java/Spring Boot, Python/Streamlit/FastAPI, or TypeScript/Next.js. Plan domain roadmaps, evaluate tools, and map to business outcomes for guests at Radisson hotels, associates, and franchisees.

Transform SDLC to AI-DLC by embedding AI in planning, coding, testing, security, and operations for measurable improvements. Champion operational excellence with SLOs, monitoring, and self-healing systems. Uphold security and PCI/SOX compliance through policy-as-code. Lead complex programs, hire and coach talent, establish standards, and own incident response for continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Requirements

Candidates need a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred). Require 8+ years building mission-critical applications, 5+ years technical leadership, and 2+ years people management. Proven expertise in secure, scalable systems, SDLC/agile practices, and AI integration.

Proficiency in modern stacks like Java/JVM for services, Python for AI workflows, or TypeScript/Next.js for web experiences. Strong knowledge of RESTful/event-driven architectures, databases, and stakeholder communication. Key competencies: Strategic Dexterity, Collaboration & Influence, Technical Excellence. Note: This role is not eligible for sponsorship.

Benefits & Perks

Choice Hotels offers competitive compensation with an estimated salary range of $180,000 - $220,000 USD annually, reflecting senior leadership in hospitality tech. Enjoy exclusive hotel employee discounts at Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Radisson, and other brands for personal and family travel. Thrive in a collaborative environment with psychological safety, experimentation, and growth opportunities. Access cutting-edge tools, cloud platforms, and AI resources to build the future of hospitality.

Additional Perks

Comprehensive health benefits, retirement plans, and professional development. Work in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona, with a hybrid setup fostering work-life balance.

Career Growth

This role positions you for advancement within Choice Hotels’ Enterprise Architecture and Innovation leadership. Mentor managers, influence enterprise standards, and lead transformative projects. Gain visibility across hospitality brands, building a career in AI-driven tech for global travel. Choice Hotels invests in talent through coaching, continuous learning, and exposure to emerging trends like agent-based architectures.

Why Join Choice Hotels

Be part of a visionary team revolutionizing hospitality for millions. Work on generative AI that personalizes guest stays at Quality Inn, optimizes operations for franchisees, and empowers associates at Radisson. Choice Hotels values innovation, with the AT-AT team bringing bold ideas to life. Enjoy a culture of curiosity, high performance, and real impact in the $100B+ hotel industry. #MakeItYourChoice – apply today for this Senior Manager role in Scottsdale.

Role FAQs

Q: What tech stacks are used? Java/JVM (Spring Boot), Python (Streamlit, FastAPI), TypeScript/Next.js (React), plus cloud-native and AI tools.

Q: Is visa sponsorship available? No, this role is not eligible for sponsorship.

Q: What’s the team structure? Direct reports including engineers and potentially managers; reports to Senior Director, Enterprise Architecture.

Q: Are hotel discounts offered? Yes, employees receive discounts at Choice Hotels brands like Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and Radisson.

Q: How does AI factor in? Lead AI-DLC transformation for faster, resilient development across hospitality solutions.