Project Design Manager
About The Position
The Project Design Manager will be responsible for helping support the client's regional Design Leader. This role involves leading the design and project management process for new restaurant environments, including conversions, free-standing buildings, and in-line locations. The manager will ensure solutions reflect brand standards while adapting to unique constraints, and will work independently or with minor oversight to develop conceptual layouts, test fits, design studies, and renderings. They will serve as the primary design liaison between various internal teams and external consultants, evaluating existing conditions and site limitations to provide creative, technically sound design solutions. The role also includes reviewing drawings, prototypes, and program updates, as well as furniture, fixtures, equipment, and millwork selections. Clear and proactive communication with stakeholders regarding project risks, design decisions, and timelines is essential. Periodic site visits are required to understand real-world performance and ensure design intent is upheld. The manager will also support change management efforts and uphold disciplined stewardship, representing the brand with excellence. This position requires providing clear direction, leadership, and support to a team of design professionals and the ability to plan and meet deadlines for multiple projects simultaneously.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related design discipline, with 7+ years of experience in commercial design, architecture, or project management (restaurant/hospitality preferred).
- Strong understanding of architectural design, front and back of house workflows, site design, kitchen equipment adjacencies, space planning, and construction processes.
- Proven ability to create conceptual layouts, test fits, and clear design intent documents while managing multiple projects at varying stages.
- Experience directing and reviewing work from architects, kitchen designers, and engineering consultants.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across Design, Operations, Equipment, and Construction teams.
- Proficiency in Bluebeam and Microsoft Office products required
- Comfortable operating in ambiguous, fast‑moving environments and adapting to evolving standards and site constraints.
- Willingness to travel for project reviews, site visits, and partner engagement – approx. 20%
Nice To Haves
- familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and rendering tools (Enscape, TwinMotion) preferred.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design and project management process for new restaurant environments—including conversions, free-standing buildings, and in-line locations—ensuring solutions reflect brand standards while adapting to unique constraints.
- Work independently or with minor oversight to develop conceptual layouts, test fits, design studies, and renderings that translate program and operational needs into clear design intent for consultants, architects, and kitchen designers.
- Manage project team by providing direction, reviewing deliverables, and ensuring alignment with design principles, operational workflows, and project timelines.
- Serve as the primary design liaison between Architecture, Kitchen Design, Equipment, Development & Construction teams for new restaurant projects.
- Evaluate existing conditions, field complexities, and site limitations to provide creative, technically sound design solutions that balance brand standards with real‑world constraints.
- Review drawings, prototypes, and program updates to identify impacts on new restaurant projects and communicate changes to internal and external partners.
- Review selection and specifications of furniture, fixtures, equipment, and millwork, including layout drawings and detailed product description to meet clients' requirements
- Provide clear and proactive communication to internal & external stakeholders regarding project risks, design decisions, program changes, and timelines.
- Conduct periodic site visits to understand real‑world performance, build relationships with field teams, and ensure design intent is upheld through construction.
- Support change management efforts by helping teams adopt new standards, materials, workflows, and prototype enhancements across formats.
- Uphold disciplined stewardship and represent the brand with excellence in all design, communication, and decision‑making touchpoints.
- Provide clear direction, leadership, and support to a team of design professionals
- Ability to plan and meet deadlines for multiple projects simultaneously
Benefits
- health, vision, and dental insurance
- flexible spending accounts
- health savings accounts
- retirement savings plans
- life, and disability insurance programs
- paid and unpaid time away from work
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
