Sr. Project Manager – Cocoa Beach Westin Resort & Spa

Description

Driftwood Capital is a vertically integrated commercial real estate investment, development, and lending platform, specializing in hospitality. The principals of Driftwood Capital boast a 30 year track record transacting on more than $5 billion in hospitality assets through various affiliated management and ownership entities. Driftwood has developed more than $300 million in new hotel projects over the past 8 years. Currently, has more than $1 billion in new hotels under pre-development & construction.

About Cocoa Beach Westin Resort & Spa

The Cocoa Beach Westin Resort & Spa is a marquee hospitality project comprising 502 keys across six stories, totaling 800,000 square feet on 16 acres of prime oceanfront property. This luxury 4.5-star resort, part of the Marriott family, includes a four-story precast parking garage, a state-of-the-art conference center, eight restaurants/bars, and a custom-designed surf pool. Construction commenced in Q3 2024, with a scheduled opening in Q2 2027. As part of the project, you will collaborate closely with another Driftwood Project Manager to drive the development forward. The Cocoa Beach Westin Resort & Spa represents a signature addition to Driftwood Capital's portfolio of high-end hospitality developments.

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and driven Senior Project Manager to oversee the development and execution of the Cocoa Beach Westin Resort & Spa project. The candidate will work directly under a Senior Vice President (SVP), collaborating closely with the SVP to ensure the success of all aspects of development—from planning and design to construction and delivery. The Senior Project Manager must proactively identify hurdles, propose strategic solutions, and secure the SVP's approval before implementing plans.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in real estate development, construction, and project management within the luxury hospitality industry. This individual will ensure that all aspects of development—from planning and design to construction and delivery—are executed efficiently, on time, and within budget, while maintaining the highest quality standards. The Project Manager will also play a critical role in managing FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment), OS&E (Operating Supplies and Equipment), and significant direct purchases of equipment, ensuring seamless integration into the overall project.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

Project Planning and Oversight:

• Develop and manage project plans, schedules, and budgets from concept to completion.
• Identify challenges during project planning and execution and develop strategic solutions.
• Conduct feasibility studies, risk assessments, and financial analyses.

Stakeholder Coordination:

• Collaborate with architects, designers, contractors, franchise representatives, consultants and regulatory authorities to align with project goals.
• Work closely with your fellow Project Manager to ensure cohesive project execution and alignment across all phases of development. 
• Develop strategies to address challenges, including budgetary and scheduling constraints, and execute.
• Maintain open communication with owners, and other key stakeholders.

Team Leadership:

• Foster collaboration, accountability, and professionalism across the project team.
• Delegate tasks effectively and provide support to ensure successful project execution.

Construction Management:

• Supervise construction progress, ensuring adherence to design specifications, timelines, and budgets.
• Proactively address issues or delays, prepare actionable strategies, and execute.
• Review, negotiate, and control potential change orders.

FF&E, OS&E, and Equipment Management:

• Oversee the selection, procurement, and installation of FF&E and OS&E to meet design specifications, operational needs, and budget constraints.
• Manage direct purchases of significant equipment (e.g., food & beverage, laundry, fitness, audio/visual, etc.) and coordinate timely delivery and integration.
• Coordinate vendor and supplier negotiations in alignment with strategies.

Quality Control:

• Ensure compliance with local regulations, building codes, and safety standards.
• Establish quality benchmarks, including the model room.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress and quality, addressing issues through approved strategies.
• Execute and manage the Punchlist process in a timely fashion.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Maintain comprehensive project documentation aligned with SVP requirements, ensuring data integrity and timely updates.
• Prepare and deliver regular progress reports, including project schedules, budgets, and milestone achievements.
• Compose and manage all Draw Requests for lender stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Real Estate, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
• 10 years of project management experience in hospitality development or similar real estate sectors.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale luxury hospitality or resort developments.
• Extensive experience in FF&E and OS&E procurement, including large-scale equipment purchases.
• Demonstrated ability to work directly under senior leadership and secure approval for project plans.
• Previous leadership experience, with the ability to manage and mentor team members effectively.
• Knowledge of design processes, construction methods, and industry best practices.
• Familiarity with local zoning, permitting, and building regulations.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Bluebeam, Procore, MS Project, P6, Northspyre, PlanGrid, Excel, or similar tools).

Key Skills and Attributes:

• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to liaise with diverse teams.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, with a focus on presenting actionable solutions to the SVP.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on delivering high-quality results.
• A collaborative and supportive leadership style.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining composure under pressure.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PMP certification or similar project management accreditation.
• Expertise in FF&E/OS&E procurement for high-end hospitality projects.
• Experience in opening a Marriott hotel/resort.
• Bilingual in Spanish.

Driftwood Capital is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Driftwood Capital are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.