[Remote] Project Design Manager

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Cushman & Wakefield is a leading global real estate services firm, and they are seeking a Project Design Manager to support the client's Design Leader. The role involves leading the design and project management process for Nontraditional restaurant environments, ensuring solutions meet brand standards while addressing unique constraints.ResponsibilitiesLead the design and project management process for Nontraditional (NTR) restaurant environments—including conversions, colleges, airports, stadiums, small‑format, and atypical sites—ensuring solutions reflect brand standards while adapting to unique constraintsDevelop conceptual layouts, test fits, design studies, and renderings that translate program and operational needs into clear design intent for consultants, architects, and kitchen designersManage project team by providing direction, reviewing deliverables, and ensuring alignment with design principles, operational workflows, and project timelinesServe as the primary design liaison between Architecture, Kitchen Design, Equipment, Development & Construction teams for Non-Traditional projectsEvaluate existing conditions, field complexities, and site limitations to provide creative, technically sound design solutions that balance brand standards with real‑world constraintsReview drawings, prototypes, and program updates to identify impacts on Non-Traditional environments and communicate changes to internal and external partnersParticipate in project kickoff, milestone reviews, and design‑to‑construction handoffs to ensure seamless alignment across all phasesSupport the development and evolution of Non-Traditional standards, guidelines, and best practices by documenting learnings, identifying system gaps, and piloting new approachesPartner with Operations partners to ensure restaurant layouts support throughput, safety, Back-of-House workflow, customer experience, and equipment adjacenciesCollaborate with cross‑functional teams to evaluate new equipment, fixtures, materials, and operational concepts for adaptability within Non‑Traditional environmentsProvide clear and proactive communication to internal stakeholders regarding project risks, design decisions, program changes, and timelinesConduct periodic site visits to understand real‑world performance, build relationships with field teams, and ensure design intent is upheld through constructionSupport change management efforts by helping teams adopt new standards, materials, workflows, and prototype enhancements across Non-Traditional formatsUphold disciplined stewardship and represent the brand with excellence in all design, communication, and decision‑making touchpointsSkillsBachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related design discipline, with 7+ years of experience in commercial design, architecture, or project management (restaurant/hospitality preferred)Strong understanding of architectural design, space planning, and construction processesProven ability to create conceptual layouts, test fits, and clear design intent documents while managing multiple projects at varying stagesExperience directing and reviewing work from architects, kitchen designers, and engineering consultantsExceptional communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across Design, Operations, Equipment, and Construction teamsProficiency in Revit, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office requiredComfortable operating in ambiguous, fast‑moving environments and adapting to evolving standards and site constraintsWillingness to travel for project reviews, site visits, and partner engagement approx 25%Portfolio required demonstrating relevant design and project experienceBack-of-House workflows & kitchen equipment adjacencies preferredFamiliarity with SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and rendering tools (Enscape, TwinMotion) preferredBenefitsHealth, vision, and dental insuranceFlexible spending accountsHealth savings accountsRetirement savings plansLife, and disability insurance programsPaid and unpaid time away from workCompetitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreementsCompany OverviewCushman & Wakefield is a real estate services firm that offers retail investment, energy management, and property services. It was founded in 1917, and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA, with a workforce of 10001+ employees. Its website is https://www.cushmanwakefield.com.Company H1B SponsorshipCushman & Wakefield has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 2 in 2026, 3 in 2025, 6 in 2024, 2 in 2023, 6 in 2022, 1 in 2021, 2 in 2020. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.