Position Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Design Project Manager with a strong background in food-related projects to oversee the design, development, and execution of food outlets, retail concepts, kitchens, and packaging initiatives. The successful candidate will bridge the gap between creative design, operational requirements, and regulatory compliance, ensuring that all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with brand standards.
Key Responsibilities
1. Project Management
- Lead and manage end-to-end design projects in the food industry (restaurants, cafés, food courts, central kitchens, retail food outlets, etc.).
- Develop project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation plans.
- Oversee vendor selection, contracts, and coordination with architects, interior designers, equipment suppliers, and contractors.
- Ensure all design projects meet deadlines and quality expectations.
2. Design & Concept Development
- Work with brand and marketing teams to conceptualize new F&B outlets, packaging designs, and customer experience touchpoints.
- Review and approve design proposals, layouts, and prototypes for functionality, aesthetics, and alignment with the company’s food concept.
- Translate business needs into functional designs (e.g., workflow layouts for kitchens, ergonomic service counters, and customer seating arrangements).
3. Food-Oriented Specialization
- Ensure designs comply with food safety standards, HACCP, NEA/SFA regulations, and operational requirements.
- Optimize space planning for kitchen efficiency, food preparation workflow, and storage.
- Coordinate with chefs and operations teams to align design with menu and service needs.
4. Stakeholder Communication
- Act as the primary point of contact between internal teams (culinary, operations, marketing) and external stakeholders (designers, contractors, authorities).
- Provide regular project updates, reports, and presentations to senior management.
- Handle approvals from regulatory bodies for F&B-related projects.
5. Quality, Cost & Compliance
- Monitor costs, track invoices, and ensure projects remain within budget.
- Conduct site visits to review design implementation, resolve issues, and ensure adherence to brand and regulatory standards.
- Manage post-completion evaluation of design performance and operational functionality.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Design, Architecture, Engineering, Project Management, or related fields.
- 5+ years’ experience in project management within the food, hospitality, or retail sector.
- Strong knowledge of food industry compliance standards (SFA, HACCP, NEA guidelines).
- Proficiency in design and project management software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, MS Project, Asana, etc.).
- Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and work in a fast-paced environment.
- Passion for food, customer experience, and innovative design solutions.
Preferred Skills
- Experience in restaurant/kitchen design and workflow optimization.
- Exposure to food packaging design and retail display concepts.
- Knowledge of sustainable design practices in the F&B sector (eco-friendly materials, waste management, energy-efficient layouts).
- Strong vendor management and negotiation skills.