Job Description

Holland America Line has been exploring the world since 1873. Our ships offer innovative features and enriching experiences focused on destination exploration and personalized travel, inviting guests to savor the journey. 

We are looking for an amazing Hotel Interior Design Manager to fill this role, located in our Seattle office.  The Hotel Interior Design Manager is responsible for shaping the visual and experiential identity of both brands through innovative interior design concepts for newbuilds, refurbishments, and fleet-wide enhancements. This role involves leading the creative process from concept development to presentation, managing FF&E sourcing, and ensuring compliance with IMO safety standards and sustainability goals. The Hotel Interior Design Manager will work closely with senior leadership, shipboard teams, contractors, and vendors to deliver designs that align with brand aesthetics and operational requirements. Responsibilities include overseeing design implementation, negotiating with vendors, managing budgets exceeding $3M, and providing hands-on oversight during shipboard installations. The position also requires expertise in space planning, renderings, and documentation of specifications to maintain design integrity. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in interior design, at least four years of experience in marine or hospitality environments, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, and project management tools. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills are essential to balance creativity with operational and fiscal constraints. This role is pivotal in creating elegant, immersive spaces that enhance guest experience and reinforce brand differentiation.

Here’s a summary of what Holland America Line is looking for.  Is this you? 

Responsibilities:

• Design Development & Presentation:  The Hotel Interior Design Manager leads the creative process for interior spaces across newbuilds, refurbishments, and fleet-wide enhancements. This includes developing original design concepts that reflect brand aesthetics and meet operational requirements. The manager prepares detailed presentations for senior leadership, incorporating renderings, material boards, and FF&E specifications. Concepts must balance visual appeal with durability, regulatory compliance, and cost considerations. The role requires translating strategic vision into tangible designs that elevate guest experience while adhering to IMO standards. Presentations often involve custom furniture and fabrics, requiring technical knowledge of maritime safety and stability requirements. The manager ensures all proposed designs align with sustainability goals and lifecycle strategies. By delivering compelling, brand-aligned concepts, this accountability area sets the foundation for successful project execution and reinforces the luxury positioning of Holland America Line.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Implementation:  This accountability focuses on coordinating with internal teams and external partners to bring design concepts to life. The Hotel Interior Design Manager works closely with shipboard teams, project managers, and contractors to ensure seamless implementation of approved designs. Collaboration extends to negotiating with vendors to maintain quality standards while achieving cost efficiencies. The manager provides guidance on space planning and layout to meet safety and operational requirements, including Solis standards for emergency flow. Effective communication is critical to resolve design challenges and adapt plans to shipboard conditions without compromising brand integrity. The role also involves monitoring timelines and ensuring that installations align with project schedules. By fostering strong partnerships and maintaining alignment across stakeholders, this area ensures that design intent translates into functional, aesthetically pleasing environments onboard. Successful execution depends on proactive problem-solving and meticulous attention to detail throughout the implementation process.

• FF&E Sourcing & Compliance:  The Hotel Interior Design Manager oversees the development and management of FF&E packages for all interior projects. This includes selecting materials and furnishings that meet IMO safety regulations, fire codes, and weight restrictions specific to maritime environments. The manager ensures that all items comply with sustainability objectives, including circularity strategies and end-of-life take-back programs. Detailed documentation of specifications is required for departmental records and future reference. The role demands balancing aesthetic goals with technical constraints, ensuring that every piece is suitable for installation on a cruise ship. Vendor relationships are managed to secure high-quality products that align with brand standards and durability requirements. The manager also monitors compliance during procurement and installation phases to mitigate risk and maintain safety. By integrating sustainability and regulatory adherence into sourcing decisions, this accountability area supports operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.

• Budget Management:  This area involves full ownership of interior design budgets across multiple projects, collectively exceeding $3 million. The Hotel Interior Design Manager develops cost outlines to support capital project requests and annual reviews. Responsibilities include creating part numbers, processing purchase orders in AmosW, and tracking expenditures against approved budgets. The manager negotiates pricing with vendors to leverage economies of scale and reduce costs without compromising quality. Regular financial reporting ensures transparency and alignment with corporate objectives. Strategic planning is essential to forecast expenses and allocate resources effectively across brands. The role also requires identifying opportunities for cost optimization through design standardization and vendor partnerships. By maintaining rigorous budget control, this accountability area ensures projects are delivered on time and within financial parameters, supporting long-term operational sustainability.

• Shipboard Engagement & Installation Oversight:  The Hotel Interior Design Manager provides hands-on leadership during shipboard installations and dry dock surveys. This includes traveling to vessels to oversee the execution of design plans and resolve any on-site challenges. The manager acts as the primary design authority onboard, making critical decisions in the absence of the Design Supervisor. Responsibilities include verifying that installations meet design intent, brand standards, and safety requirements. Close coordination with contractors and ship staff ensures timely completion and adherence to quality benchmarks. The role also involves inspecting materials and finishes to confirm compliance with approved specifications. Effective problem-solving is essential to address unforeseen issues during installation without delaying project timelines. By maintaining a strong presence during implementation, this accountability area guarantees that the final product reflects the original vision and delivers an exceptional guest experience.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Scope:  The Hotel Interior Design Manager operates at the intersection of creative design and operational execution, influencing environments across the Holland America Line fleet. This role spans both shoreside and shipboard responsibilities, ensuring design integrity from concept through installation. Its reach includes global coordination with vendors, contractors, and internal teams to deliver projects that meet brand standards and maritime regulations. The position impacts multiple disciplines, including procurement, compliance, and sustainability, requiring collaboration across technical, operational, and guest experience functions. By managing projects that affect public spaces, crew areas, and accommodations, the role directly shapes the onboard experience for thousands of guests annually. The manager also plays a key role in capital planning and lifecycle strategies, aligning design initiatives with corporate objectives. Regular travel to shipyards and dry docks reinforces the role’s hands-on involvement in implementation. This scope reflects a blend of strategic influence and tactical oversight, ensuring that every design decision supports brand differentiation and operational excellence.

• Impact:  The Hotel Interior Design Manager has a significant impact on guest experience and brand perception across two luxury cruise lines. By creating visually compelling and functional spaces, the role enhances onboard hospitality and reinforces each brand’s identity. Design decisions influence customer satisfaction, loyalty, and competitive positioning in the premium cruise market. Beyond aesthetics, the manager’s oversight of compliance and sustainability contributes to operational safety and environmental stewardship. Budget management ensures cost-effective solutions that support long-term financial performance. The role also sets standards for interior design practices within the organization, serving as a benchmark for quality and innovation. Successful execution of projects affects multiple departments, from operations to marketing, amplifying the role’s reach across the business. Every completed installation reflects the manager’s ability to integrate creativity, compliance, and fiscal responsibility. This impact underscores the strategic importance of the position in shaping the future of fleet interiors.

• Leadership: The Hotel Interior Design Manager provides leadership through influence rather than direct reporting lines, guiding cross-functional teams across shoreside and shipboard operations. The role requires managing resources, timelines, and budgets for multiple concurrent projects, often exceeding $3 million collectively. Leadership responsibilities include defining design intent, setting priorities, and ensuring alignment with brand objectives. The manager collaborates with senior executives, project managers, and contractors, fostering accountability and clear communication throughout the project lifecycle. While the position does not have formal direct reports, it demands strong coordination skills to lead vendors and shipboard teams during installations. Decision-making authority extends to approving materials, resolving design conflicts, and adapting plans under pressure. The manager also mentors junior staff and serves as a subject matter expert, promoting best practices in maritime interior design. By combining creative vision with operational leadership, the role drives excellence across all phases of design execution. This leadership ensures that every project meets the highest standards of quality and guest impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design (required).

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD or similar CAD software, and 3D modeling tools.

• Strong knowledge of FF&E sourcing, maritime safety standards (IMO), and space planning principles.

• Ability to create detailed design presentations, including renderings and material boards.

• Familiarity with AMOS or similar systems for purchase orders and part number creation.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Willingness and ability to travel for shipboard installations and dry dock surveys.

• Minimum 4+ years of professional experience in interior design, preferably in hospitality or marine environments.

• Demonstrated experience leading design projects from concept through implementation, including vendor negotiations and budget oversight.

• Proven ability to manage FF&E packages and ensure compliance with safety regulations and sustainability goals.

• Hands-on experience with shipboard or large-scale installation oversight, resolving design challenges under dynamic conditions.

• Strong background in cross-functional collaboration, working with senior leadership, contractors, and shipboard teams.

• Experience in budget management for projects exceeding $1M, including cost optimization strategies.

• Track record of delivering high-quality, brand-aligned designs under strict timelines and operational constraints.

What You Can Expect

• Cruise and Travel Privileges for You and Your Family 
• Health Benefits 
• 401(k)  
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan  
• Training & Professional Development 
• Tuition & Professional Certification Reimbursement 
• BaseSalary Range: $83,200 to $112,300. The range is applicable for the labor market where the role is intended to be hired. Final base salary is directly related to each candidates' qualifications and experience uniquely. 
• This position has been approved for a term of up to three years in support of specific project work; the project is expected to take three years to complete, but may end early if the project is completed ahead of schedule. While you will be hired as a full-time employee, the role is tied to the duration of the project and is not intended as a permanent or indefinite position.

Our Culture…Stronger Together

Our highest responsibility and top priority is compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the people in the communities we touch and serve, and our shipboard and shoreside employees.  Please visit our site to learn more about our Culture Essentials, Corporate Vision Statement and our Core Values at:https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/our-company/mission-values.html

Holland America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. 

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Holland America will provide reasonable accommodations with the application process, upon your request, as required to comply with applicable laws.  If you have a disability and require assistance in this application process, please contact recruiting@hollandamericagroup.com

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