Project Manager, Design & Construction

Aramark Corp. • Chicago, IL

45d

About The Position

Lead end-to-end foodservice design and construction projects from conceptual planning through post-occupancy evaluation. The Project Manager, Design & Construction serves as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders, external clients, and project partners to deliver efficient, compliant, and innovative kitchen facilities that support operational excellence and culinary vision. This position uniquely combines strategic design thinking with hands-on project management, requiring both creative problem-solving and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment, managing multiple projects while maintaining strong relationships with diverse stakeholders-from executive leadership to construction crews-and delivering innovative foodservice solutions that drive operational efficiency and culinary success.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in commercial kitchen design and foodservice construction, preferably in hospitality or foodservice sectors
• Strong knowledge of kitchen workflow, food safety standards, and equipment specifications
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and KCL design software
• Proficiency in Autoquotes for generating quotes and cutsheets
• Understanding of health codes, ADA requirements, fire codes, and building regulations
• Excellent project management capabilities with ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Strong presentation skills for executive and client audiences
• Exceptional organizational, time-management, and problem-solving abilities
• Effective team collaboration and stakeholder management
• Ability to work independently and create conceptual designs
• Physical ability to walk job sites and review equipment layouts
• Willingness to travel 45-55% as needed

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with architects, clients, culinary teams, operations, and facilities to create efficient and ergonomic foodservice layouts that support menu execution, labor efficiency, and food safety
• Lead the design process from concept through construction documents, including equipment selection, placement, and workflow optimization
• Work independently to create conceptual commercial foodservice equipment designs utilizing available floor space while meeting client's operational and budgetary requirements
• Design layouts using AutoCAD, Revit, and KCL, incorporating equipment placement, adjacencies, and workflow patterns
• Evaluate workflow across storage, prep, service lines, and dishwashing areas to optimize labor and product flow
• Ensure compliance with local health codes, ADA requirements, building regulations, fire codes, and sustainability standards
• Review and select foodservice equipment based on functionality, performance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability
• Ensure designs meet brand aesthetics and ARAMARK brand standards
• Manage multiple foodservice design and construction projects simultaneously from budgeting and scheduling through final inspection
• Serve as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders (operations, culinary, project management, facilities) and external partners (clients, architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, equipment vendors)
• Develop and manage project budgets, track expenditures, and ensure cost control throughout project lifecycle
• Coordinate with all project partners to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery
• Lead regular project meetings with stakeholders to provide updates, gather feedback, and resolve issues
• Review and approve project specifications, architectural drawings, and foodservice equipment layouts
• Conduct site visits to survey existing conditions, monitor progress, and resolve issues in real-time
• Prepare and present project reports and design concepts to executive management and senior leadership
• Coordinate and monitor project milestones to ensure timely delivery within budget and quality standards
• Evaluate and recommend kitchen equipment and technologies that enhance productivity, sustainability, and operational efficiency
• Work with purchasing and culinary teams to specify and procure foodservice equipment and materials
• Oversee procurement and installation of kitchen equipment, ensuring proper commissioning and staff training
• Utilize Autoquotes proficiently to generate quotes and cutsheets
• Stay current on emerging foodservice technologies and equipment innovations
• Serve as the primary liaison between culinary leadership, operations, clients, and construction teams
• Present design concepts and project updates to cross-functional stakeholders and senior leadership
• Support post-occupancy evaluations to ensure performance expectations are met
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, consultants, and industry partners
• Perform site visits as needed to survey existing conditions, gather project information, or identify equipment needs
• Travel to project sites for progress monitoring and issue resolution (45-55% travel potential)
• Walk job sites and review physical equipment layouts to ensure design intent is achieved

Benefits

• Aramark offers comprehensive benefit programs and services for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, and work/life resources.
• Additional benefits may include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid days off such as parental leave and disability coverage.
• Benefits vary by location and are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and/or works.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Industry: Food Services and Drinking Places
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees