Designer

Russell Food Equipment Limited•Ottawa, ON

53d•CA$65,000 - CA$80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Russell Hendrix Foodservice Equipment is looking for a Commercial Kitchen Designer to join our Contracts team in Ontario. This is a role for someone who brings the full package: the technical design expertise to develop compelling commercial kitchen solutions, the industry relationships to open doors, and the client-facing confidence to see opportunities through from first meeting to final drawing. At Russell Hendrix, you won't be building from scratch. You'll be backed by over 80 years of brand equity, a national reputation as a trusted industry partner, and an experienced team with the infrastructure to support your success. If you're ready to bring your design and business development skills to an organization with the strength and stability to help you do your best work, we'd love to hear from you. At Russell Hendrix Foodservice Equipment, we empower customers to succeed by providing high-quality foodservice solutions across Canada. For over 80 years, we've been a trusted partner to restaurants, hotels, and institutions nationwide, delivering industry-leading design, product solutions, distribution, and execution. We're a team of people who believe how we work matters just as much as what we achieve. Our values of respect, integrity, and accountability guide how we treat one another and serve our customers. Our culture is defined by a strong customer focus, a mindset of winning as one team, a commitment to investing in success, and a genuine sense of care. We collaborate, support one another, and take pride in delivering great work together. Joining Russell Hendrix means being part of a team that values your contributions, supports your growth, and gives you the opportunity to make a real impact in your role.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in commercial kitchen design and AutoCAD
2+ years of B2B sales or client-facing experience in a design, foodservice, or construction environment
Experience and understanding of foodservice operations, including processes, flow, efficiencies, and applicable codes
Knowledge of restaurant licenses and permits involved in designing a commercial kitchen
General understanding of construction, as well as mechanical and electrical design
Experience networking with consultants, architects, and other foodservice industry trades
Bachelor's degree or diploma in Institutional Management, Project Management, Interior Design, or a related field
Strong technical proficiency in AutoCAD and commercial kitchen design principles
Proven ability to develop and maintain client and industry relationships
Clear and professional communicator with strong written and verbal skills, including timely follow-up and commitment to deliverables
Collaborative and open to giving and receiving feedback
Detail oriented and well organized
Driven to identify and pursue new business opportunities with energy and initiative

Nice To Haves

Candidates from adjacent fields, including architecture, interior design, or foodservice consulting, with extensive commercial design experience are encouraged to apply

Responsibilities

Develop two-dimensional commercial kitchen drawings that reflect project requirements and design criteria
Prepare design drawings and recommend commercial kitchen equipment based on client needs
Ensure design guidelines, construction specifications, building codes, and applicable standards are respected throughout the production of drawings
Meet with prospective clients to assess needs and costs for design and projects
Develop new business by leveraging brand and company strengths through networking and lead generation
Continually analyze market trends to provide customer-focused design solutions
Collaborate with the Estimating and Project Management teams regarding fees associated with design, meeting deadlines, and project requirements
Coordinate with architects, interior designers, engineers, consultants, and other trades to successfully facilitate project design requirements
Collaborate with colleagues and leadership to ensure exceptional quality of design and customer service
Perform other related duties as required