Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Hungry Jack's ® Pty Ltd

Location: HJ Head Office, Woolloomooloo, NSW, Australia

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Design Management / Project Management (Retail/FMCG)

Date Posted: 2026-04-13

Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Mid-Senior Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage the entire design lifecycle for new Hungry Jack's restaurant projects, from initial concept to final construction, ensuring brand consistency and commercial effectiveness.

• Act as a key liaison between internal teams (Development, Operations, Construction), external consultants (architects, designers), and franchise partners to drive project success.

• Develop and refine design standards, processes, and customer experience initiatives to continuously improve the Hungry Jack's restaurant environment.

• Manage multiple concurrent projects within a fast-paced Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) / Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) setting, requiring strong organizational and time management skills.

• Ensure all design documentation aligns with brand standards, regulatory requirements (Development Applications), and tender/construction phase needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided title is "Design Manager," the core responsibilities and required experience strongly suggest a role focused on the management of design processes within a multi-site retail or QSR environment, rather than a purely creative design role. The emphasis on project management, stakeholder coordination, and commercial outcomes aligns it with operations-adjacent functions that support the physical expansion and branding of a retail chain. This role is critical for ensuring efficient, on-brand, and cost-effective rollout of new and renovated restaurant locations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Project Design Management: Lead and manage the design process for new restaurant development and renovations from conceptualization through to detailed construction documentation.

• Design Brief Development: Prepare comprehensive design briefs for external architects and specialized consultants, clearly articulating project scope, brand requirements, and functional needs.

• Documentation Review & Quality Assurance: Critically review architectural and consultant documentation at various stages (schematic design, design development, construction documents) to ensure adherence to Hungry Jack's brand standards, quality, and constructability.

• Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate closely with Development Managers, Operations teams, Construction Managers, Marketing, and franchise partners to ensure seamless integration of design elements with operational requirements, site constraints, and business objectives.

• Regulatory & Tender Documentation: Prepare, review, and manage documentation required for Development Applications (DA) with local councils, as well as tender packages for contractor selection and construction.

• Design Query Resolution: Provide timely and accurate responses to design-related queries from site teams, construction crews, and contractors during the documentation and construction phases to minimize project delays.

• Standards & Process Improvement: Contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of national design standards, décor guidelines, customer experience initiatives, and internal design processes to enhance efficiency and brand consistency.

• Commercial Impact Assessment: Evaluate design proposals for their impact on operational efficiency, build costs, maintenance, and overall financial performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong project management component within a design framework. The emphasis on "commercial awareness and understanding of how design impacts operational and financial outcomes" signals that this role is deeply integrated with the operational and business strategy of Hungry Jack's, not just aesthetic design. The need to manage "multiple projects and timelines in a fast-paced FMCG/QSR environment" indicates a need for robust process management and prioritization skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 to 6 years of progressive experience in design management, architectural coordination, or project management, preferably within multi-site retail, hospitality, or Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) environments.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to manage the full design process for multiple projects concurrently.

• Project Management: Strong organizational and time management skills, with a track record of delivering projects on time and within scope.

• CAD Proficiency: High-level proficiency in CAD software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or similar industry-standard tools for reviewing and potentially modifying design documentation.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with internal teams, external consultants, franchise partners, and regulatory bodies.

• Construction Documentation Review: Ability to interpret and critically assess architectural drawings, specifications, and consultant reports.

• Brand Standards Adherence: Deep understanding of maintaining brand integrity and consistency across diverse project typologies.

• Commercial Acumen: Understanding of how design decisions impact build costs, operational efficiency, and financial performance in a retail/QSR context.

• Problem-Solving: A practical, solutions-focused mindset to address design challenges effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Development Applications (DA) and navigating council approval processes.

• Familiarity with tender processes and contract administration.

• Knowledge of customer experience design principles and their application in retail environments.

• Experience in the FMCG or QSR industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "3 to 6 years" is a key indicator of the role's seniority. While the AI experience level suggests 5-10 years, the explicit range provided in the job description is more precise. The emphasis on CAD proficiency points to a need for technical understanding, even if not hands-on drafting. The "commercial awareness" requirement is crucial for operations professionals to understand how design directly impacts the business's bottom line and operational efficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Management Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 significant projects managed from inception to completion, detailing your role, scope, challenges, and outcomes. These should ideally be multi-site retail or hospitality projects.

• Design Process Documentation: Examples of design briefs, design review checklists, or process flowcharts you have developed or utilized to manage design projects effectively.

• Brand Consistency Examples: Visual evidence demonstrating your ability to maintain and enforce brand standards across different project types or locations.

• Stakeholder Communication: Evidence of how you have managed communication and resolved conflicts with diverse stakeholders, potentially through project reports or meeting minutes excerpts.

• Commercial Impact Demonstration: Any examples (even anonymized) where your design input or management led to cost savings, operational efficiencies, or improved customer experience metrics.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss how you would document and optimize the design process for new restaurant openings or renovations, including stages, key deliverables, and approval gates.

• System Integration: Discuss your experience with integrating design processes with other operational systems, such as project management software, CRM for stakeholder tracking, or financial systems for budget oversight.

• Performance Measurement: Outline how you would measure the success of design projects beyond just on-time and on-budget delivery, considering customer feedback, operational efficiency, and brand impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role with operational implications, a portfolio that clearly demonstrates project management capabilities, process control, and the ability to translate business requirements into physical designs is essential. Applicants should highlight their ability to manage complexity, coordinate diverse teams, and demonstrate tangible business results derived from their design management efforts.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Staff food discounts

• Service recognition awards

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) for well-being support

• Workplace flexibility (where applicable to the role's on-site requirements)

• Opportunity to work on a diverse pipeline of projects nationwide.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely around 38-40 hours per week, with potential for some flexibility depending on project demands. The role is primarily on-site at the HJ Head Office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical compensation for Design Managers in Sydney, Australia, with the specified experience level and industry focus. The parental leave contract aspect might influence the final offer, potentially aligning it with a fixed-term contract rate. The benefits listed are standard for many corporate roles and are tailored to what might be expected for a head office position within a large QSR organization.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) / Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) - a dynamic and competitive sector focused on rapid service, consistent quality, and widespread accessibility.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Hungry Jack's is a major national fast-food chain with hundreds of locations across Australia). This implies structured processes, established brand guidelines, and a significant operational footprint.

Founded: Hungry Jack's was founded in 1971, indicating a long-standing presence and a well-established brand identity within Australia.

Team Structure:

• Operations & Development Focus: The Design Team likely sits within a broader Development or Operations division, focusing on the physical expansion and maintenance of the restaurant network.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role requires close collaboration with Development Managers, Construction teams, Operations Managers, Marketing, and Franchise Partners, emphasizing a matrixed and highly collaborative work environment.

• Reporting Hierarchy: The Design Manager will likely report to a Head of Design, Development Manager, or a similar senior leader within the property or development function.

Methodology:

• Brand-Centric Design: All design decisions are heavily guided by established brand standards, ensuring consistency across all locations.

• Process-Driven Execution: Given the scale, a structured and repeatable process for design, approval, and construction is crucial for efficiency and quality control.

• Data-Informed Decisions: While design is creative, decisions are increasingly informed by customer feedback, operational performance data, and commercial viability analysis.

Company Website: https://www.hungryjacks.com.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Hungry Jack's as a large QSR operator is key. This means processes are likely standardized, efficiency is paramount, and brand consistency is non-negotiable. The "Design Manager" title here is more about managing the process and delivery of design outcomes that support business operations, rather than pure creative ideation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-to-senior level management role, requiring a blend of technical design knowledge and robust project and stakeholder management skills. It sits at a critical intersection of creative output and operational delivery.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into a senior figure within the Development or Property division, with extensive interaction with peers in Operations, Construction, and Marketing, as well as external consultants and franchisees.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager directly influences the physical customer experience, operational efficiency of new and renovated stores, and the overall brand perception through the built environment. Successful management of this role contributes significantly to the company's growth strategy and market presence.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design/Development Roles: Progression to Senior Design Manager, National Design Manager, or a Head of Development role, overseeing larger teams and more strategic initiatives.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like sustainable design, customer experience innovation, or franchise development support.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Potential to move into broader project management, operations management, or property development roles within Hungry Jack's or the wider hospitality/retail sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, this role offers a pathway to influence the physical infrastructure that supports business operations. Growth opportunities often involve greater strategic input into the company's physical footprint and expansion plans, linking design directly to business objectives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Head Office environment, likely a corporate office setting in Woolloomooloo, NSW, designed to foster collaboration among various corporate departments.

Office Location(s): HJ Head Office, Woolloomooloo, NSW, Australia. This is a metropolitan location with good access to public transport and city amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office is expected to be a hub for cross-functional teams, facilitating regular interaction with development, operations, marketing, and other corporate functions.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, design software workstations, and potentially project management platforms.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for team meetings, design reviews, and project discussions, both formally and informally.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (likely 38-40 hours/week). While primarily on-site, the nature of project management may occasionally require flexibility to meet project deadlines and stakeholder availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement for a Head Office role in Sydney underscores the importance of in-person collaboration, client/stakeholder engagement, and immersion in the corporate culture for this position.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and cover letter, focusing on relevant experience in design management, project management, and the QSR/retail sector.

• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager or a senior member of the design/development team. Expect questions on your project management approach, experience with design processes, and stakeholder management.

• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage where candidates present a curated selection of their work. This is where you demonstrate your capabilities, project outcomes, and how you've managed design challenges.

• Technical/Case Study: Potentially a scenario-based question or a small design/process challenge to assess problem-solving skills and technical aptitude (e.g., how to approach a specific design brief or resolve a construction query).

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or cross-functional department heads to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process & Impact: Don't just show pretty pictures. Detail the process you followed, the stakeholders you managed, the challenges you overcame, and the outcomes (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, brand adherence).

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use data to support your claims (e.g., "Managed X projects simultaneously," "Reduced design review time by Y%," "Ensured Z% compliance with brand standards").

• Tailor to Hungry Jack's: Highlight projects that are most relevant to a multi-site QSR or retail environment. Show an understanding of their brand and operational needs.

• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to walk through each project, explain your design rationale, and answer detailed questions about your role and decision-making.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Mapping: Be ready to sketch out a typical design process for a new restaurant opening.

• Problem Solving: Consider common issues in retail/QSR design and construction (e.g., site constraints, budget overruns, stakeholder disagreements) and how you would address them.

• Brand Application: Think about how you would translate Hungry Jack's brand identity into a physical space that also functions efficiently for operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio presentation and potential case studies indicates that Hungry Jack's values practical demonstration of skills and problem-solving abilities, particularly in translating strategic design requirements into tangible, operational realities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD, Revit (or similar BIM software) are essential for reviewing and understanding architectural documentation. Proficiency in at least one is required.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com, or similar tools for tracking project timelines, tasks, and resources.

• Design Collaboration Tools: Potentially tools like SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite (for review/markup), or specific AEC collaboration platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, budget tracking, and reporting.

• Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides for preparing presentations for stakeholders and leadership.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Familiarity with CRM systems for managing stakeholder contact information and project communication logs.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with cloud-based document repositories (e.g., SharePoint, Google Drive) for organizing and sharing project files.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly listed, the nature of managing multiple projects and liaising with various departments implies a need for proficiency in standard office productivity suites and project management tools. The core technical requirement revolves around understanding and reviewing CAD/BIM deliverables.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on creating positive customer experiences through well-designed and functional restaurant spaces.

• Efficiency & Productivity: Driving streamlined processes and optimal layouts to support efficient operations and throughput.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding and enhancing the Hungry Jack's brand identity in all physical touchpoints.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across departments and with external partners to achieve common goals.

• Continuous Improvement: Proactively seeking ways to enhance design standards, processes, and customer satisfaction.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands an integrated approach, working closely with Development, Operations, Marketing, and Construction teams to ensure designs meet diverse needs.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture where feedback is exchanged constructively to refine designs and processes.

• Problem-Solving Orientation: A team that tackles challenges collaboratively and seeks practical, effective solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding that Hungry Jack's is a large, established QSR means the culture will likely be a blend of corporate structure and the fast-paced, customer-centric demands of the food service industry. Collaboration will be key to navigating the complexities of restaurant development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Standards with Site Constraints: Adapting design concepts to fit diverse site conditions, local regulations, and franchise partner requirements while maintaining brand consistency.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Navigating differing priorities and expectations from internal departments, external consultants, and franchise partners.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Keeping pace with a high volume of projects in a dynamic FMCG/QSR market, requiring efficient decision-making and execution.

• Budget & Timeline Pressures: Delivering high-quality designs within strict budget constraints and project timelines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of the latest trends in retail design, customer experience, sustainability, and QSR development.

• Project Management Skills: Enhancing project management methodologies and tools.

• Cross-Functional Knowledge: Gaining deeper insights into operations, construction, and marketing within the QSR sector.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced professionals within Hungry Jack's development and operations teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for resilience, adaptability, and strong negotiation skills. Growth opportunities are geared towards expanding influence within the company's physical development strategy and deepening expertise in the operational aspects of retail expansion.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a design brief for a new restaurant project."

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple projects with different site constraints?"

• "Walk me through a challenging project where you had to balance conflicting stakeholder requirements. How did you resolve it?"

• "How do you assess the commercial viability and operational impact of a design proposal?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Hungry Jack's and this specific role?"

• "How would you contribute to our company culture of collaboration and continuous improvement?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing key skills (e.g., project management, stakeholder management, problem-solving).

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a narrative: the objective, your approach, the challenges, your solutions, and the measurable outcome.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals, but ensure they are supported by clear explanations of your role and the process.

• Focus on Operations: Highlight aspects of your projects that demonstrate an understanding of operational efficiency, customer flow, and maintenance considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for evidence of structured thinking, practical problem-solving, and a clear understanding of how design impacts the business's operational and financial success. Be prepared to discuss specific examples that demonstrate these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Tailor your CV: Highlight experience in project management, multi-site retail/hospitality design, and proficiency in relevant CAD software. Quantify your achievements where possible.

• Prepare your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your design management process, stakeholder collaboration, and commercial/operational impact. Be ready to present these clearly and concisely.

• Research Hungry Jack's: Understand their current brand, recent store designs, and their position in the Australian QSR market. Consider how your skills align with their strategic goals.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples and your approach to design management and problem-solving.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions to provide a comprehensive overview. All details, including salary estimates and specific benefits, should be verified directly with Hungry Jack's Pty Ltd during the application and interview process.