Hybrid Project Design Manager

at Cushman & Wakefield

• Job title: Project Design Manager
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Senior, Lead
• Salary: $76,500 - $90,000 per year
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Saint Louis, United States

About the role

• Project Design Manager at Cushman & Wakefield focusing on design management for Non-Traditional restaurant environments. Leading project teams and ensuring adherence to brand standards and operational needs.

Responsibilities

• 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 for consultants, architects, and kitchen designers
• Manage project team by providing direction, reviewing deliverables, and ensuring alignment with design principles, operational workflows, and project timelines
• 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 on Non-Traditional environments and communicate changes to internal and external partners
• Participate in project kickoff, milestone reviews, and design‑to‑construction handoffs to ensure seamless alignment across all phases
• Support the development and evolution of Non-Traditional standards, guidelines, and best practices by documenting learnings
• Partner with Operations partners to ensure restaurant layouts support throughput, safety, Back-of-House workflow, customer experience, and equipment adjacencies
• Conduct periodic site visits to understand real‑world performance, build relationships with field teams, and ensure design intent is upheld through construction
• Support change management efforts by helping teams adopt new standards, materials, workflows, and prototype enhancements across Non-Traditional formats

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or 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
• Proven ability to create conceptual layouts, test fits, and clear design intent documents while managing multiple projects at varying stages
• 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
• Willingness to travel for project reviews, site visits, and partner engagement approx 25%

Benefits

• 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