Project Design Manager

Cushman & Wakefield

Project Design Manager leading design and project management for Nontraditional restaurant environments across various locations. Collaborating with cross-functional teams and ensuring design intent aligns with operational needs.

Posted 6/10/2026full-timeRemote • District of Columbia, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $80,750 - $95,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the design and project management process for Nontraditional (NTR) restaurant environments
Develop conceptual layouts, test fits, design studies, and renderings that translate program and operational needs into clear design intent
Manage project team by providing direction, reviewing deliverables, and ensuring alignment with design principles
Serve as the primary design liaison between Architecture, Kitchen Design, Equipment, Development & Construction teams for Non-Traditional projects
Evaluate existing conditions, field complexities, and site limitations to provide creative, technically sound design solutions
Review drawings, prototypes, and program updates to identify impacts and communicate changes
Participate in project kickoff, milestone reviews, and design‑to‑construction handoffs
Support the development and evolution of Non-Traditional standards, guidelines, and best practices
Partner with Operations partners to ensure restaurant layouts support throughput, safety, and workflow
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to evaluate new equipment, fixtures, materials, and operational concepts
Provide clear and proactive communication to internal stakeholders regarding project risks and timelines
Conduct periodic site visits to understand performance and ensure design intent is upheld
Support change management efforts by helping teams adopt new standards and materials.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related design discipline
7+ years of experience in commercial design, architecture, or project management (restaurant/hospitality preferred)
Strong understanding of architectural design, space planning, and construction processes
Back-of-House workflows & kitchen equipment adjacencies preferred
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 communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across Design, Operations, Equipment, and Construction teams
Proficiency in Revit, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office required; familiarity with SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and rendering tools (Enscape, TwinMotion) preferred
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 25%
Portfolio required demonstrating relevant design and project experience.

Benefits

Comp & perks

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

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

architectural designspace planningconstruction processesconceptual layoutstest fitsdesign intent documentsproject managementkitchen equipment adjacencieschange managementcommercial design

Soft Skills

communication skillspresentation skillscollaborationinfluencedirectionreviewing deliverablesproactive communicationadaptabilityproblem-solvingteam management

Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in ArchitectureBachelor’s degree in Interior Designrelated design discipline