Project Design Manager

Cushman & Wakefield•St. Louis, MO

1d•$76,500 - $90,000

About The Position

The FM Project Design Manager is the primary design representative supporting a client Design Leader on facilities-related capital improvement and renovation projects across an existing restaurant portfolio. The role manages a high volume of concurrent projects and provides design oversight, consultant coordination, stakeholder engagement, and strategic guidance to ensure projects align with brand standards, operational requirements, and long-term asset objectives. The successful candidate is highly organized, client-focused, and able to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment while delivering strong project outcomes. The position oversees design efforts from evaluation of existing conditions through design reviews and construction support. It coordinates internal and external project teams, consultants, contractors, and vendors; reviews design deliverables and construction documents; resolves issues with permitting and construction; and communicates project status and risks to leadership. The manager also supports restaurant reinvestment, modernization, and long-term asset planning, while identifying opportunities to improve facility performance and project delivery.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, and/or Construction Management.
More than 5 years of experience in design, construction, and project management; restaurant industry experience is preferred.
Strong knowledge of architectural design and operations, construction principles, and generally applicable laws and regulations for restaurants and public-use buildings.
Strong presentation and organizational skills.
Experience managing multidisciplinary design teams.
Reasonable computer application skills, including AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, Office, and Outlook.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and the ability to convey design concepts and goals.
Comfort working in ambiguous, fast-moving environments and adapting to evolving standards and site constraints.
Self-motivated, ambitious professional with a strong work ethic and ability to take ownership and deliver results.
Ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing deadlines, and deliver successful project outcomes while maintaining high quality standards.
Proven ability to manage a high-volume workload involving multiple projects, stakeholders, deadlines, and competing business priorities.
Experience in a client-facing role involving relationship building, influencing decisions, and presenting recommendations to leadership.
Exceptional prioritization, organization, and time-management skills, with adaptability to changing business needs.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and drive results with ownership and accountability.
Willingness to travel approximately 20% for project reviews, site visits, and partner engagement.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the restaurant industry.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary design contact for facilities management projects, providing architectural and interior design guidance for existing restaurant environments.
Apply client design standards, brand image requirements, and operational design principles consistently across renovation, refresh, and capital improvement projects.
Evaluate existing conditions and develop design solutions that improve functionality, guest experience, and operational efficiency while preserving brand integrity.
Review and approve design deliverables for compliance with design guidelines, facility standards, and project objectives.
Lead multiple facilities-related design projects simultaneously, developing and managing project schedules, scopes, and milestones.
Identify project risks, constraints, and opportunities, and implement mitigation strategies.
Monitor design progress and coordinate activities among stakeholders, consultants, contractors, and vendors.
Manage relationships with architects, engineers, specialty consultants, contractors, and furniture and equipment vendors.
Oversee consultant performance, ensuring quality, consistency, and adherence to schedules and budget requirements.
Review consultant drawings, specifications, and construction documents for completeness, code compliance, and operational effectiveness.
Facilitate collaboration among cross-functional project teams to achieve project goals and business objectives.
Review permit comments and work with design consultants to resolve issues.
Support construction through design clarification, issue resolution, site reviews, and coordination of project modifications.
Partner with construction teams to maintain design intent throughout project execution.
Communicate project status, risks, and key decisions to leadership and project teams.
Facilitate design reviews, working sessions, and stakeholder presentations.
Build partnerships across internal and external teams and serve as a trusted advisor to client stakeholders through proactive communication and consistent delivery.
Identify opportunities to improve facility performance, operational effectiveness, and project delivery processes.
Use lessons learned and industry best practices to improve design standards and facilities management initiatives.
Contribute future-focused design solutions that support evolving operational, maintenance, and brand requirements.
Support strategic planning for restaurant reinvestment, modernization, and long-term asset management.
Manage a high volume of concurrent projects and client requests, balancing competing priorities while maintaining quality, responsiveness, and schedule commitments.
Drive projects forward with urgency and accountability, identifying obstacles early and coordinating teams to resolve them.