Design Project Manager

Darden; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Darden is seeking a Design Project Manager in Orlando to oversee prototype restaurant design projects from concept to construction documentation. You will coordinate architects, engineers, consultants, landlords, and internal stakeholders to meet brand standards and operation goals.

The role requires travel to openings and review meetings, with multiple projects at different stages in a fast-paced environment. Strong design and coordination skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of project management experience in retail, restaurant, or commercial design.
• Experience managing architecture and engineering consultants.
• Proficiency in design and construction documentation processes.
• Strong understanding of permitting and construction practices.
• CAD or Revit / Bluebeam / SketchUp; Windows suite.

Responsibilities

• Lead project design execution from site assignment through construction.
• Adapt prototype designs to site-specific conditions.
• Coordinate internal and external design resources.
• Ensure alignment with brand standards and operational requirements.
• Review design documents for quality, completeness, and compliance.
• Coordinate landlord responses and approvals.

Skills

Cross-functional coordination

Vendor management

Quality assurance

Stakeholder communication

Design management

Construction knowledge

Project delivery

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management, Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

CAD

Revit

Bluebeam

SketchUp

Job description

Design Project Manager– Job Description

The Design Project Manager is responsible for managing the execution of prototype restaurant design projects from concept adaptation through construction documentation, consultant coordination, bidding support, and store opening. This role ensures brand standards, prototype requirements, schedule commitments, and construction objectives are achieved while coordinating architects, engineers, consultants, landlords, and internal stakeholders.

Job Overview

The Design Project Manager is responsible for managing the execution of prototype restaurant design projects from concept adaptation through construction documentation, consultant coordination, bidding support, and store opening. This role ensures brand standards, prototype requirements, schedule commitments, and construction objectives are achieved while coordinating architects, engineers, consultants, landlords, and internal stakeholders.

The ideal candidate enjoys design from an efficiency and production standpoint. True design in the concept of interior finishes is limited. The individual will be required to travel to some openings, design review meetings and sign variance requests. Being able to have multiple projects under various stages and enjoying a fast-paced environment.

Roles And Responsibilities

Project Design Management

• Lead project design execution from site assignment through construction.


• Adapt prototype designs to site-specific conditions.


• Coordinate internal and external design resources.


• Ensure alignment with brand standards and operational requirements.

Consultant Management

• Manage architects, engineers, and specialty consultants.


• Direct consultant scope, schedules, deliverables, invoices for services and agreement review against established budget.


• Review design documents for quality, completeness, and compliance for every project. Compare drawing completeness to specific project standards and make sure they are up to date.


• Coordinate multidisciplinary design efforts including alignment and coordination with internal Food Service Team.

Design Development

• Oversee schematic, design development, and construction document phases.


• Coordinate design review meetings with key stakeholders.


• Incorporate operational, development, and construction feedback into designs.


• Manage document revisions and approvals.

Landlord Coordination

• Obtain landlord plan approvals for our submitted drawings.


• Review and approve LL drawings that relate to our location and check and coordinate for accuracy.


• Coordinate responses to landlord review comments.


• Ensure landlord requirements are incorporated into project documents.


• Facilitate approval processes to maintain project schedules.

Construction Documentation

• Lead production and issuance of construction documents.


• Verify accuracy and constructability of plans.


• Ensure permit submissions meet jurisdictional requirements.


• Maintain document control throughout the project lifecycle.

Bidding & Procurement Support

• Support contractor bidding activities.


• Oversee and manage all owner provided items, including partnering with purchasing, timing of purchase orders and quantities in relation to the project.


• Respond to bidder questions and requests for information.


• Evaluate design-related value engineering opportunities.


• Coordinate issuance of bid revisions and addenda.

Construction Support

• Provide design support during construction.


• Review and respond to RFIs, substitutions, and design clarifications.


• Coordinate consultant responses to field issues.


• Support resolution of construction-related design conflicts.


• Support Brand Design Manager with Brand goals and Design Directives while projects are in design and construction.


• Support Site Development Manager when permit closeout and transfer is needed.

Project Closeout & Turnover

• Verify completion of design deliverables.


• Support punch list and turnover processes. Travel to 2 sites a year and participate in the punch process.


• Coordinate as-built documentation.


• Capture lessons learned and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management, Engineering, or related discipline.

5–8 years of project management experience in retail, restaurant, or commercial design.

• Experience managing architecture and engineering consultants.


• Proficiency in design and construction documentation processes.


• Strong understanding of permitting and construction practices.


• CAD or Revit / Bluebeam / sketch up Windows suite


• Current Building Codes and applications.

Preferred

• Licensed Architect or NCIDQ certification.


• Retail rollout or prototype program experience.


• Restaurant operational experience


• Remodel, conversion or Facility experience.

Key Competencies

• Design management


• Consultant leadership


• Construction documentation


• Project delivery and maintaining schedules


• Budget awareness


• Cross-functional coordination


• Vendor management


• Quality assurance


• Stakeholder communication


• Construction Knowledge

Success Metrics

• Design milestone achievement


• Consultant performance


• Permit-ready document quality


• Landlord approval cycle time


• Construction RFI / CO volume


• On-time project delivery


• Brand standards compliance


• Store opening readiness

Location and travel

• Position is in the Orlando RSC Office


• Travel requirement 20% - domestic only


• Must be able to travel without assistance