Food Service Design Manager (Commercial Kitchens & Data Centers)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Food Service Design Manager (Commercial Kitchens & Data Centers)

Company: Turner & Townsend

Location: Singapore

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations Management / Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-02

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of food service environments within complex data center facilities, focusing on operational efficiency and future-proofing.

• Drive the design and specification of commercial kitchens, serveries, micro-kitchens, and pantries, ensuring seamless integration with broader facility operations.

• Manage end-to-end project lifecycles for food service spaces, from initial concept and design through construction, testing, and final handover.

• Foster strong collaboration with cross-functional teams, consultants, contractors, and end-users to achieve project objectives and operational readiness.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title mentions "Food Service Design Manager," the emphasis on data centers and operational readiness suggests a strong overlap with operations management, project management, and facilities management within a specialized, mission-critical environment. The role requires a blend of design expertise and operational acumen to ensure the functionality and efficiency of back-of-house (BOH) operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the comprehensive design and specification of food service facilities, with a primary focus on back-of-house (BOH) functionality, kitchen equipment planning, and workflow optimization.

• Provide expert guidance and oversight across all project phases, including feasibility studies, conceptualization, detailed design, construction administration, and post-occupancy evaluation.

• Act as the central point of coordination for all food service-related aspects, liaising with internal stakeholders (Food Services, Real Estate, Facilities, Project Management), external consultants (architects, engineers), and construction contractors.

• Develop and review detailed kitchen layouts, equipment schedules, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) requirements, and waste management strategies to ensure alignment with operational needs, sustainability goals, and project budgets.

• Conduct thorough site inspections, equipment testing, and commissioning activities to verify that all food service facilities meet design specifications and are operationally ready for client handover.

• Support capital planning initiatives by contributing to early project scoping, developing preliminary budgets, and forecasting resource requirements for food service infrastructure.

• Proactively monitor project progress, identify potential risks and issues related to food service design and delivery, and recommend effective corrective actions to maintain project timelines and quality standards.

• Champion continuous improvement within the food service design function by actively applying industry best practices, incorporating lessons learned from past projects, and staying abreast of emerging trends in kitchen technology and operational efficiency.

• Ensure all food service designs comply with relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations, as well as building codes and client-specific standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong project management component, requiring the candidate to not only design but also manage the execution of food service infrastructure within a highly technical environment like data centers. This involves a deep understanding of construction processes and stakeholder coordination beyond typical FSD roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Culinary Arts Management, or a closely related design or technical field.

• Relevant professional experience in design management, particularly within commercial kitchens or food service operations, may be considered in lieu of a formal degree. Experience:

• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in design or design management, with a significant specialization in the planning and execution of commercial kitchens and food service facilities.

• Demonstrated experience in managing projects from inception through to completion, with a track record of successful delivery. Required Skills:

• Food Service Design Expertise: Proven ability to design functional, efficient, and compliant commercial kitchen layouts, serveries, and supporting spaces, understanding operational workflows and equipment needs.

• Kitchen Equipment Specification: Deep knowledge of commercial kitchen equipment, including selection criteria, technical specifications, MEP requirements, and integration within overall facility systems.

• Project Management: Strong capabilities in managing project timelines, budgets, resources, and deliverables, particularly for complex design and construction projects.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent ability to engage, communicate, and negotiate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including clients, consultants, contractors, and end-users.

• MEP Coordination: Understanding of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems and their integration with kitchen equipment and operational requirements.

• Construction & Site Acumen: Familiarity with construction processes, terminology, permitting, building systems, and site inspection protocols.

• Operational Understanding: Insight into the practicalities of food service operations, including workflow efficiency, waste management, health and safety standards, and equipment maintenance.

• Problem-Solving: Analytical and critical thinking skills to identify challenges, evaluate solutions, and implement effective strategies for design and operational issues.

Preferred Skills:

• Data Center/Mission-Critical Experience: Prior experience designing or managing facilities within data centers, mission-critical environments, or large-scale industrial projects.

• Sustainability & Net Zero: Knowledge of sustainable design principles and their application to food service facilities, including energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.

• Budgeting & Financial Acumen: Experience in developing and managing project budgets, forecasting costs, and supporting capital planning processes.

• Digital Tools Proficiency: Familiarity with design and project management software, including CAD, BIM, and project collaboration platforms.

• Regulatory Compliance: Understanding of local building codes, health regulations, and safety standards relevant to food service establishments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "12+ years of experience" combined with a Bachelor's degree requirement points towards a senior-level role. The emphasis on data centers and mission-critical environments suggests that experience in high-stakes, technically demanding projects is highly valued, even if not explicitly listed as mandatory.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 detailed case studies of commercial kitchen or food service facility designs managed by the candidate. Each case study should clearly articulate the project scope, design challenges, proposed solutions, and key outcomes.

• Design Documentation Samples: Include examples of design drawings, equipment schedules, layout plans, and MEP integration diagrams to demonstrate technical proficiency and attention to detail.

• Workflow Optimization Examples: Present specific instances where the candidate analyzed and improved food service workflows to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, or improve staff productivity.

• System Integration Evidence: Provide documentation illustrating how food service systems were integrated with broader building systems (MEP, IT, safety) and how operational requirements were met through design.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Detail specific complex design or operational problems encountered and the innovative solutions implemented, with a focus on the impact on project success or operational performance.

Process Documentation:

• Design Process Methodology: Clearly outline the candidate's systematic approach to food service design, from initial client brief and concept development through to detailed design and construction documentation.

• Equipment Selection Framework: Document the methodology used for selecting and specifying commercial kitchen equipment, including criteria such as performance, durability, energy efficiency, maintenance, and cost.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Protocols: Explain the processes established for effective communication and collaboration with architects, engineers, contractors, operators, and other stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

• Risk Management & Quality Assurance: Describe the procedures implemented to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with food service design and construction, as well as quality assurance checks performed.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio should not just be a collection of past work but a strategic demonstration of how the candidate applies process and system thinking to solve complex design and operational challenges. The emphasis on data centers implies a need to showcase an ability to integrate specialized infrastructure requirements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a highly specialized Design Manager role with 12+ years of experience in Singapore, the estimated annual salary range is SGD 150,000 - SGD 220,000. This estimate considers the seniority of the position, the specialized nature of food service design within data centers, and the cost of living and market rates in Singapore.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working Environment: Opportunity to work in a dynamic and adaptive professional setting that values employee well-being.

• Work-Life Balance Support: The company promotes a culture that respects and supports a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal life.

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Access to robust medical coverage for employees and potentially their dependents.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and career advancement within a global organization.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contribution to a pension or provident fund scheme.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for performance-based bonuses linked to individual and company achievements.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• While the role is primarily on-site, there may be flexibility in daily scheduling, with an expectation of commitment to project deadlines and client needs, which could occasionally require working beyond standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general market data for senior-level project/design management roles in Singapore. Specific compensation will depend on the candidate's precise experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The listed benefits are standard for professional roles at international firms, with specific details to be confirmed by Turner & Townsend.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Turner & Townsend operates within the professional services sector, specializing in program, project, cost, asset, and commercial management. They serve clients across Real Estate, Infrastructure, and Energy & Natural Resources. Their work transforms environments and improves people's lives through impactful project delivery.

Company Size: Turner & Townsend is a global company with over 22,000 employees. This large scale offers significant opportunities for career development, cross-border collaboration, and exposure to diverse projects.

Founded: Turner & Townsend was founded in 1946. With decades of experience, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering complex projects and managing significant capital programs worldwide.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The role sits within the Real Estate department, likely collaborating closely with project management, design, and facilities management teams.

• Reporting Structure: The Food Service Design Manager will likely report to a senior program manager or director within the Real Estate or Project Management division. The team structure emphasizes collaboration across disciplines.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expect to work extensively with architects, engineers (MEP, structural), construction managers, procurement specialists, client representatives, and food service operators. This requires strong communication and coordination skills.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Turner & Townsend emphasizes data analysis for project forecasting, cost management, and performance tracking. Operations professionals are expected to leverage data to inform design and delivery decisions.

• Agile Project Delivery: While not explicitly stated, the nature of complex projects often requires adaptable methodologies. Teams likely utilize structured project management frameworks with flexibility for agile adjustments.

• Best Practices & Continuous Improvement: The company fosters a culture of learning and applying industry best practices, encouraging continuous improvement through lessons learned and post-project reviews.

Company Website: www.turnerandtownsend.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on "transforming together" and delivering "impactful projects" suggests a collaborative and results-oriented culture. The integration with CBRE further solidifies their position as a major player in global real estate and project management services.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior management level, requiring extensive specialized experience (12+ years). It's positioned as a subject matter expert responsible for leading complex design initiatives within a critical operational context. The scope extends beyond pure design to encompass project delivery, operational readiness, and capital planning support.

Reporting Structure: The position likely reports into a senior leadership role within the Real Estate or Project Management function. The Food Service Design Manager will be expected to influence and guide project teams, consultants, and contractors, demonstrating leadership without direct line management of all project personnel.

Operations Impact: The role has a significant impact on the operational efficiency, safety, and functionality of critical facilities like data centers. Successful food service design contributes to employee well-being, productivity, and the overall operational integrity of these high-stakes environments. Effective capital planning and budgeting also directly influence financial outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into senior program management roles, overseeing larger portfolios of projects or managing broader operational aspects of critical facilities.

• Specialization Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise in mission-critical facility design, sustainability integration, or advanced operational technologies within food service and related facility management.

• Global Mobility: As a global organization, there may be opportunities to work on international projects or relocate to different regions, gaining exposure to diverse project types and market conditions.

• Mentorship & Training: Access to internal training programs, industry certifications, and mentorship opportunities to enhance technical and leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Food Service Design Manager in this context likely involves moving towards broader facility design management, program management for critical infrastructure, or specialized consulting roles within Turner & Townsend or the broader CBRE network.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site, indicating a need for regular presence at project sites, client offices, and potentially a Turner & Townsend hub office in Singapore. The work environment will be a mix of professional office settings and active construction/development sites.

Office Location(s): Singapore. Specific project sites will vary, requiring adaptability and willingness to travel to different locations within Singapore.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work in team-based settings, engaging in frequent discussions, reviews, and problem-solving sessions with project teams, consultants, and stakeholders.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office productivity software, project management tools, and potentially specialized design and BIM (Building Information Modeling) software.

• Operations Interaction: Opportunities to interact with facilities management teams and end-users to understand operational needs and gather feedback, ensuring designs are practical and effective.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical. However, project demands, site visits, and critical deadlines may necessitate extended hours or weekend work on occasion. Flexibility and commitment to project delivery are key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" requirement is crucial. Candidates must be comfortable with a significant portion of their work being at project locations, which can involve diverse conditions from office environments to active construction sites.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess alignment with the minimum qualifications and core responsibilities.

• Technical Interview: An in-depth discussion focusing on your experience with commercial kitchen design, equipment specification, MEP coordination, and project management methodologies. Expect to be asked about specific projects and challenges.

• Case Study Presentation: You may be asked to present a detailed case study from your portfolio, showcasing your approach to a complex food service design project, your problem-solving skills, and the impact of your work.

• Stakeholder/Cultural Fit Interview: Interviews with senior team members or hiring managers to assess your communication skills, collaboration style, leadership potential, and alignment with Turner & Townsend's values.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final discussion with a senior executive or department head to confirm suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your expertise in commercial kitchens and, ideally, within complex or mission-critical environments. Highlight your role and contributions clearly.

• Focus on Process & Problem-Solving: For each project, explain your design process, the challenges faced (e.g., space constraints, budget limitations, operational requirements), and how you arrived at your solutions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, quantify the results of your work. This could include improvements in operational efficiency (e.g., reduced wait times, faster throughput), cost savings, energy efficiency gains, or compliance with specific standards.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use high-quality images, clear diagrams, and concise descriptions.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize aspects of your experience that are most relevant to designing food service facilities within data centers, such as integration with building systems, BOH focus, and operational readiness.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing a complex food service area within a data center, considering factors like space limitations, cooling requirements, power availability, and integration with building services.

• Think about how you would manage stakeholder expectations from various departments (IT, Facilities, Operations, Security) who may have competing priorities.

• Consider how you would ensure compliance with stringent data center operational standards while meeting food service functional requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your practical experience and problem-solving capabilities. A strong, well-documented portfolio that showcases your design process, technical skills, and ability to deliver results is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar 2D drafting software for creating detailed layouts and plans.

• BIM Software: Experience with Revit or other Building Information Modeling platforms is highly advantageous for integrating designs with broader project models and facilitating clash detection.

• MS Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for documentation, analysis, reporting, and presentations. Excel is particularly important for equipment scheduling, cost tracking, and data analysis.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like MS Project, Asana, Smartsheet, or similar for project scheduling, task management, and progress tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to use Excel or more advanced tools for analyzing operational data, equipment performance metrics, and project cost data.

• Reporting Platforms: Experience in generating clear, concise reports on design progress, budget status, risk assessments, and operational recommendations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not primary for this design role, understanding how design specifications integrate with procurement and project management systems (which might interface with CRM for client management) is beneficial.

• Familiarity with any internal Turner & Townsend or CBRE project management and collaboration platforms would be an asset.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed, a strong foundation in CAD/BIM and advanced Excel skills are almost certainly expected for a Design Manager role. The ability to leverage technology for data analysis and project management will be critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings, ensuring transparency and honesty in project delivery and client interactions.

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes, pushing for best-in-class design and operational solutions that exceed client expectations.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and collective effort drives project success.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to solve complex challenges and improve efficiency.

• Safety & Sustainability: Prioritizing the health and safety of all individuals involved in projects and embedding sustainable practices into design and delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: Working collaboratively with clients, consultants, and contractors as equal partners, building strong relationships based on trust and mutual respect.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and frequent communication channels to ensure all stakeholders are informed, aligned, and engaged throughout the project lifecycle.

• Constructive Feedback: Encouraging a culture where feedback is actively sought, given, and received constructively to drive continuous improvement in design and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in sharing expertise, lessons learned, and best practices within the team and the wider organization to elevate collective capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values of "transforming together" and "turning challenge into opportunity" highlight a proactive, collaborative, and forward-thinking culture that operations professionals are expected to embody.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Integration Complexity: Designing functional food service spaces within the highly constrained and technical environments of data centers, balancing operational needs with stringent infrastructure requirements (power, cooling, security).

• Stakeholder Alignment: Managing diverse and potentially conflicting requirements from various stakeholders, including IT operations, facilities management, project teams, and end-users.

• Future-Proofing: Designing flexible and adaptable food service facilities that can accommodate evolving operational needs, technological advancements, and potential future expansions within a data center campus.

• Regulatory Navigation: Ensuring compliance with a complex web of health, safety, building codes, and specific data center operational standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply cutting-edge design methodologies, including advanced BIM integration, parametric design, and sustainable design principles specific to critical infrastructure.

• Data Center Operations Acumen: Deepening understanding of data center infrastructure, operational requirements, and their impact on facility design beyond food service.

• Project Leadership: Developing skills in leading larger, more complex project portfolios, potentially including program management roles.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing relevant professional certifications in project management, design, or specialized areas like mission-critical facilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique challenge in bridging the gap between specialized food service design and the demanding operational environment of data centers, offering significant learning opportunities in a niche but growing sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design a food service facility with significant space constraints or complex MEP integration requirements. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, technical expertise, and results.)

• "How do you ensure that your food service designs align with broader operational goals and sustainability targets, especially within a mission-critical environment like a data center?" (Focus on strategic thinking, operational awareness, and sustainability knowledge.)

• "Walk me through your process for specifying commercial kitchen equipment. What criteria do you prioritize, and how do you manage the procurement and integration process?" (Focus on technical knowledge, process, and attention to detail.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Turner & Townsend, and how do you see your skills contributing to our mission of transforming projects and improving lives?" (Demonstrate research into the company's values and project impact.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including those from technical backgrounds like IT and facilities operations, who may have different priorities than a food service operator?" (Highlight communication, negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to manage conflicting project requirements or stakeholder demands. How did you resolve it?" (Showcase conflict resolution and stakeholder management abilities.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 2-3 key projects that best showcase your expertise in commercial kitchens and your ability to manage complex design processes.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the client's needs, the specific challenges, your role and approach, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable results achieved. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Data Center Relevance: If possible, include projects that demonstrate experience in environments with similar constraints or operational demands to data centers. Emphasize BOH efficiency and integration.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, equipment selections, and project management decisions. Be ready to defend your rationale and discuss alternatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who can demonstrate not just design skills but also strong project management capabilities and an understanding of the operational context of data centers. Your portfolio should serve as tangible evidence of your ability to deliver.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Turner & Townsend careers portal via the provided job link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and portfolio to highlight your extensive experience in commercial kitchen design, kitchen equipment specification, and project management, with a specific emphasis on any experience within data centers or mission-critical facilities. Showcase your process documentation and problem-solving capabilities.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 12+ years of experience, focusing on achievements and responsibilities that align with the primary responsibilities and qualifications listed. Use keywords such as "Food Service Design," "Commercial Kitchen," "Project Management," "MEP Coordination," and "Data Centers."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method and prepare to present a detailed case study from your portfolio. Be ready to discuss your approach to complex design challenges and stakeholder management.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Turner & Townsend's services, recent projects (especially in Asia or data center-related), company values, and their integration with CBRE. Understand their approach to project delivery and client partnerships.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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