The role…
The Project Director – Soho Farmhouse New York is a role leading the overall development of 250-acres of farmland in Rhinebeck, New York into a new, experience-led Soho House destination property by Q2 2028 [Phase I] and subsequent phases. The role will also be responsible for the entitlement, planning and site development of an adjacent 274-acre residential subdivision. The role will will coordinate across design, development and operations departments, as well as external consultant team and key stakeholders, to lead the planning, construction and pre-opening phases of the project.
In addition to managing the day-to-day physical realization of the project, a central objective of the role is to ensure the project’s highly qualitative execution directly contributes to wider Group business goals of enhancing member experience and improving member retention globally.
Owing to the project’s highly complex nature, cost, multiple phases, large scale and multiple internal stakeholders, the role is therefore the key Development player in ensuring its successful delivery and without which the project could not proceed.
This role will work hand in hand with the Soho Farmhouse New York Operations Director.
Main Duties
Business Leader
- Clear communicator, conveying design and construction standards and requirements. Provide thoughtful and expert led decision making to reduce to an absolute minimum any design mistakes / flaws, saving time and money throughout the project. You will use experience from previous roles as well as notes from a thorough and detailed review of all build, design and operational issues/learnings from the management team at Soho Farmhouse Oxfordshire.
Design / Operations Integration
- A collaborative partnership with the key Design and Operations directors executing the project is essential to the role. Responsible today to implement forward-looking, future-proofing design and operational decisions that consider the 5-, 10- and 15-year horizons of project expansion. Holistic approach to design and development decision making, taking into account the ‘self-sufficient’ requirements of a year-round, rural destination property.
Communication
- Work with local officials (state, county and village) and residents to provide appropriate and timely information to maintain excellent relationships and a high reputation in the community. Highly attuned and responsive to local village issues including traffic, noise and general disruption during construction. Partner with the Operations director to form an internal “Soho Farmhouse New York Board” comprised of key business and equity stakeholders and institute regular, monthly Board Meetings to update on project progress as well as raise critical issues and urgent decisions.
Development & Delivery Excellence
- Manage overall project execution across all phases – design, planning, bidding, permitting, construction, handover
- Appoint and manage third-party consultant team including project manager, architects, engineers, specialist consultants
- Maintain oversight of overall design process to ensure scope of project is clearly identified and maintained throughout design progression, and thereby minimize / prevent unnecessary scope creep or change
- Oversee and manage project tendering and award of construction packages (land improvements, civil / infrastructure, historic renovations, new construction including pre-fab accommodation units)
- Manage and administer project budget and all related financial monthly, quarterly reporting
- Manage and administer project timeframe including individual design, permitting and construction durations
- Communicate project progress and key issues requiring decisions from internal and external stakeholders
- Oversee project wide risk-register and regularly review and present mitigations to internal and external stakeholders
- Maintain positive and productive relationships with key state and municipal officials specifically related to building permit, land-use or landmark issues
- Maintain a safe, inspiring and collaborative work environment / cadence for all team members, both internal and external
Required Skills/Qualifications
- 10+ years experience in a Project Director, Development Director or similar type role leading large-scale, multi-parcel, multi-building developments for a major hospitality brand, construction or development company
- Proven track record of 5+ successfully executed, resort type construction and/or re-development projects, including extensive Shell & Core and high-end residential or hospitality Fitout and historic renovation experience
- Intimate understanding of New York State planning, building and Landmarks codes
- Extensive experience in negotiating multi-trade construction packages and maintains existing relationships with wider GC / trade network in Tri-State area
- Experience working in a global hospitality, lifestyle or luxury brand environment
- Strong understanding of legal, financial, and design aspects of hospitality development
- Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
- Experience with project management tools and enterprise reporting systems
- Ability to travel within the United States and 2-4 times per year internationally
- Masters Degree in Real Estate Development, Architecture, Business Administration, Engineering or related field
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to seize, grasp, turn and hold objects with hands.
- Must be able to work on your feet for at least 8 hours.
- Fast paced movements are required to go from one part of the club to others.
- Must be able to move, pull, carry, or lift at least 40 pounds.
- Occasionally kneel, bend, crouch and climb as required.
Why work with us...
Soho House offers competitive compensation packages that feature global benefits and perks. Whether you’re seeking entry-level employment or a new opportunity to expand your profession, we offer training to develop the technical and managerial skills necessary to enhance your career.
- Health Care + 401K: Full time employees are eligible for full benefits; Medical, Dental & Vision as well as Retirement fund with a 2% match
- Paid Time Off: Full- Time Employees have sick day's + vacation days
- Career Development: Soho House can progress your career domestically or internationally as well as managerially or technically
- Soho Impact: Empowering the Soho House Community to make positive change, through mentoring, apprenticeship, local outreach and sustainability
- Learning & Development: An extensive range of internally and externally run courses are available for all employees.
- Cookhouse & House Tonic: Celebrating our passion for food and drink. Check out our monthly calendars and get involved in trips, training's and events. Available to all.
- Team Events: From fitness sessions to cinema screenings and art classes, each month we hold a series of fun events which you can sign up to.
- Team Meal: Whilst on duty in our Houses & Restaurants you will be provided with a substantial meal free of charge.