Head of Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design

Company: NANDO'S LIMITED

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Full time

Category: Design Leadership / Operations Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-31

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

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design strategy and execution for all new restaurant builds, refurbishments, and innovation projects across Australia and New Zealand (ANZ).

• Drive the development and management of relationships with external architectural and design partners, ensuring alignment with Nando's brand vision and commercial objectives.

• Champion customer-centric design principles while balancing creativity with robust commercial outcomes, optimizing restaurant layouts for both customer experience and operational efficiency.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Development, Construction, Operations, and Global Design teams to ensure seamless project delivery from concept to completion.

• Foster continuous innovation in restaurant formats, customer journeys, and operational design elements to maintain Nando's competitive edge in the hospitality sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a 12-month parental leave cover, specifically from November 2026 to October 2027. The primary focus is on physical restaurant design and experience, integrating operational considerations into the design process to ensure functional and commercially viable spaces. The "Head of Design" title, coupled with leading projects across ANZ and managing external partners, indicates a significant strategic and operational leadership component within the design function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the comprehensive design process for new restaurant openings, relocations, and refurbishment initiatives throughout the ANZ region.

• Develop and manage a network of external architects and design consultants, ensuring high-quality output and adherence to project scopes and budgets.

• Create compelling and customer-focused restaurant environments that seamlessly blend design excellence with tangible commercial results.

• Act as a key liaison between Development, Construction, and Operations teams, translating design concepts into executable plans and ensuring operational feasibility.

• Drive innovation in restaurant formats, customer experiences, and operational design elements, pushing boundaries while maintaining brand integrity.

• Ensure strict adherence to Nando's global design principles while adeptly adapting designs for local market nuances, cultural relevance, and regulatory requirements.

• Represent the ANZ region in global design forums, actively contributing to international design strategy and collaborating with global design counterparts.

• Maintain and enhance Nando's restaurant design standards, including interior aesthetics, branding elements, and artwork curation, across the entire portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design leadership and hands-on project management. The emphasis on "commercial outcomes," "operational design," and collaboration with "Construction and Operations teams" signifies that this role requires a deep understanding of how design impacts business performance and day-to-day restaurant operations, not just aesthetics.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design, or a related field is typically expected for a leadership role of this nature.

• A Master's degree or relevant certifications in project management or design innovation may be advantageous. Experience:

• A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in design leadership, with a strong focus on hospitality, restaurant, or retail environments.

• Proven track record in managing complex, multi-site design projects from concept development through to execution and handover.

• Experience in designing back-of-house operations, including kitchen layouts and workflow optimization, is essential. Required Skills:

• Restaurant Design: Expertise in conceptualizing and executing interior and exterior designs for food service establishments.

• Project Management: Proficiency in managing multiple concurrent projects, timelines, budgets, and external vendor relationships.

• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional ability to collaborate with and influence diverse internal teams (Development, Operations, Construction) and external partners (architects, designers, consultants).

• Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of how design decisions impact profitability, customer acquisition, and operational efficiency.

• Brand Representation: Ability to translate brand identity and values into physical spaces that resonate with target audiences.

• Design Software Proficiency: Familiarity with industry-standard design and visualization tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite) is expected.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with global design standards and adaptation for local markets.

• Knowledge of sustainability in design and construction.

• Experience in leading and mentoring junior design staff.

• Familiarity with Nando's specific brand guidelines and aesthetic.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific educational requirements aren't listed, the seniority and scope of the role (leading design for ANZ) strongly suggest a formal design education. The emphasis on balancing creativity with commercial and operational outcomes points to a need for practical, results-oriented design professionals.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of completed restaurant, hospitality, or retail design projects, demonstrating a progression of responsibility and impact.

• Include detailed case studies that highlight the design process from initial concept to final implementation, with a focus on problem-solving.

• Present examples of how designs have successfully integrated operational requirements (e.g., kitchen flow, service areas, staff spaces) to enhance efficiency.

• Demonstrate an ability to balance creative vision with commercial objectives, providing evidence of ROI or positive business impact where possible.

• Include examples of managing multiple projects simultaneously, illustrating project planning, execution, and stakeholder communication. Process Documentation:

• Documented workflows for managing design projects, from brief development and concept ideation to detailed design, documentation, and site supervision.

• Experience in developing and maintaining design standards and guidelines that ensure brand consistency across a portfolio.

• Processes for evaluating and selecting external design partners, including contract negotiation and performance management.

• Systems for collaborating with cross-functional teams, ensuring design alignment with operational, construction, and marketing strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Head of Design" role, the portfolio is crucial. It must go beyond purely aesthetic work to demonstrate strategic thinking, project management capabilities, and an understanding of operational constraints and commercial drivers within the hospitality sector.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Head of Design role in Melbourne, Australia, with 5-10 years of experience and leading design for a multi-site retail/hospitality brand, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $130,000 - $180,000. This range accounts for the seniority, scope of responsibility (ANZ region), and the hybrid work model. Benefits:

• Free Nando's Meals: Complimentary meals provided during work shifts.

• Friends & Family Perks: Special discounts or benefits for loved ones.

• Hybrid Work Model: A flexible arrangement combining office presence (3 days/week) and remote work (2 days/week).

• Travel Opportunities: Approximately two nights of travel every four weeks to visit projects across Australia and New Zealand.

• Wellness Support: Access to resources for mental health, fitness, nutrition, and financial wellbeing.

• Inclusive Culture: A values-led, inclusive, and family-oriented work environment.

• Creative Freedom: Opportunity to work on diverse and unique design projects that reflect local communities.

• Team Engagement: Regular team lunches, catch-ups, and social events.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically aligning with standard business hours (e.g., 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday). The hybrid model offers some flexibility in daily scheduling, but the role requires availability for project-related travel and cross-functional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from Australian job boards and industry salary surveys for senior design and architecture roles in major cities like Melbourne. The inclusion of travel and a hybrid model are key components of the total compensation package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage / Hospitality / Restaurant Chain. Nando's is a globally recognized brand known for its peri-peri chicken and vibrant, culturally inspired restaurant designs.

Company Size: Nando's operates a significant number of restaurants across Australia and New Zealand, indicating a large, established organization with a dedicated support office structure. The mention of a "Design Coordinator" suggests a small but focused design team.

Founded: Nando's was founded in South Africa in 1987, bringing a rich heritage and a unique brand story to its global operations. This heritage often influences its design philosophy, incorporating South African art and culture.

Team Structure:

• The Head of Design reports directly to the Chief Development Officer (CDO), indicating a strategic position within the development function.

• The role leads a Design Coordinator, suggesting a small, centralized design team responsible for overseeing a broad range of projects.

• Close collaboration is expected with Development, Construction, Operations, Marketing, and Global Design teams, highlighting a matrixed and cross-functional operational model. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, the emphasis on "commercial outcomes" and "customer experience" implies that design decisions will be informed by market research, customer feedback, and performance metrics.

• Agile Project Management: The need to manage multiple concurrent projects and drive innovation suggests an agile approach to project delivery, allowing for flexibility and rapid iteration.

• Collaborative Innovation: The company culture fosters collaboration, encouraging the sharing of ideas and best practices across departments and with external partners.

Company Website: https://www.nandos.com.au/ (for Australia) / https://www.nandos.co.nz/ (for New Zealand)

📝 Enhancement Note: Nando's is known for its distinctive brand identity, which is heavily influenced by its South African roots and a commitment to art and culture. This unique approach to brand experience is a critical factor in understanding the design philosophy and operational ethos of the company.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior management level, leading a key function within the development department. It requires a blend of creative leadership, strategic thinking, and operational execution. The "Head of Design" title signifies responsibility for strategy, team management, and significant project oversight.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Design reports to the Chief Development Officer (CDO). This places the role within the strategic development pipeline, with direct influence on the physical expansion and evolution of Nando's presence in ANZ.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design plays a pivotal role in shaping the customer experience, brand perception, and operational efficiency of Nando's restaurants. Successful designs contribute directly to increased customer traffic, higher sales volumes, improved operational workflows, and a stronger brand identity. This role directly impacts the commercial success and operational effectiveness of the entire ANZ restaurant portfolio.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to refine leadership skills by managing a design team and external partners, and by influencing executive-level decisions within the development strategy.

• Strategic Influence: The role offers a significant platform to shape the future direction of Nando's physical presence and customer experience across two major markets.

• Innovation Leadership: Chance to drive innovation in restaurant design, customer journey mapping, and operational integration, potentially leading to new concepts and formats.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Deepen understanding of development, construction, and operations within a large, dynamic franchise environment.

• Global Exposure: Potential to contribute to global design initiatives and gain insights from international counterparts.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a critical leadership role that offers substantial growth potential, particularly for individuals looking to move into broader strategic development or operations management roles within the hospitality sector. The 12-month contract nature also presents an opportunity for high-impact project completion within a defined timeframe.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, combining time at a modern Restaurant Support office in Richmond, Victoria, with remote work from home.

Office Location(s):

• Restaurant Support Office: Richmond, Victoria (3 days per week). This office overlooks the Yarra River, suggesting a desirable and well-equipped workspace.

• Remote Work: 2 days per week, offering flexibility.

• Project Travel: Approximately two nights of travel every four weeks to visit Nando's restaurant locations and project sites across Australia and New Zealand.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The Richmond office is designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities to interact with various departments, including Development, Construction, and Operations.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software and technology will be provided to support project work, both in-office and remotely.

• Team Interaction: While hybrid, the role encourages active participation in team lunches, quarterly catch-ups, and project-related travel to build strong working relationships.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time position, typically adhering to standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM - 5 PM).

• The hybrid model allows for some flexibility in daily work arrangements, but the role requires availability for project deadlines, travel, and cross-functional meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and travel requirements are key considerations for candidates. The Richmond office location is a well-established hub for Nando's operations in Australia, indicating a professional and supportive office environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio by HR and the hiring manager (Chief Development Officer).

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their most relevant work, focusing on hospitality/restaurant design, project management, and commercial impact. This will be followed by in-depth questions about their experience, design philosophy, and approach to challenges.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Development, Construction, and Operations to assess collaboration skills and alignment with team dynamics.

• Final Interview: Potential final interview with senior leadership to discuss strategic fit and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best demonstrate your experience in hospitality/restaurant design, project leadership, and ability to integrate operational and commercial considerations.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your design process, the challenges faced, your solutions, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., improved customer flow, increased sales, cost savings).

• Highlight Operations Integration: Explicitly show how you considered kitchen layouts, service areas, customer flow, and staff needs within your designs.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing, well-organized, and easy to navigate. Be prepared to discuss your work confidently and articulately.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical design challenges related to new restaurant concepts, refurbishments under tight timelines, or adapting designs for unique site conditions.

• Prepare examples of how you have managed conflicting priorities between design aspirations, budget constraints, and operational requirements.

• Think about how you would ensure brand consistency across a large portfolio while allowing for local market adaptation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for this role. Candidates should prepare to not only showcase their design aesthetic but also their strategic thinking, project management rigor, and understanding of the commercial and operational realities of the restaurant industry.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Visualization Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, 3D modeling software (e.g., 3ds Max, Rhino), and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is essential for creating technical drawings, 3D models, and presentation materials.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or Microsoft Project for tracking project timelines, tasks, and team progress.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar tools for day-to-day communication and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding how to interpret sales data, customer feedback reports, and operational performance metrics to inform design decisions is crucial. Familiarity with business intelligence tools or dashboard reporting (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) would be beneficial for understanding project impact. CRM & Automation:

• Experience with CRM systems is generally less critical for a design role, but understanding how design impacts customer experience and loyalty, which are tracked in CRMs, is relevant. Automation tools might be relevant for design processes (e.g., BIM workflows, parametric design) rather than business operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements revolve around design software. However, a strong Head of Design must also be adept at using project management and collaboration tools to effectively manage projects and teams in a hybrid and cross-functional environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Be You: Encourages authenticity and individuality, fostering an inclusive environment where team members feel comfortable expressing their unique perspectives. This translates to design that is diverse and reflects local communities.

• Passion for the Flame: Reflects a dedication and enthusiasm for the Nando's brand and its offerings, driving a commitment to excellence in all aspects, including design.

• Nando's Family: Emphasizes a supportive, close-knit team environment where members look out for each other, fostering collaboration and mutual respect in project work.

• Make a Difference: Encourages a proactive approach to creating positive impacts, whether through innovative design solutions, community engagement, or sustainability initiatives.

• Commercial Smart: Highlights the importance of balancing creativity with business objectives, ensuring that design decisions are not only aesthetically pleasing but also commercially viable and operationally sound.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working collaboratively with Development, Construction, Operations, and Global Design teams to ensure holistic project success.

• Open Communication: Encourages open dialogue and feedback exchange, fostering an environment where ideas can be shared freely and constructively challenged.

• Shared Success: The team celebrates collective achievements, reinforcing a sense of shared responsibility and mutual support in delivering projects and driving the Nando's brand forward.

📝 Enhancement Note: Nando's culture is a significant differentiator. The "Be You" and "Nando's Family" values suggest an environment that values individuality and close teamwork, which should be reflected in how candidates present themselves and their collaborative approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Effectively managing diverse project needs, stakeholder expectations, budget constraints, and tight timelines across a large geographic region.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency vs. Local Adaptation: Ensuring that global brand standards are upheld while creatively adapting designs to suit unique local market requirements, cultural nuances, and community preferences.

• Driving Innovation in a Mature Brand: Introducing new design concepts and operational efficiencies without disrupting established brand equity or alienating existing customer bases.

• Leading a Hybrid Team: Effectively managing and motivating a design team and external partners across different locations and work arrangements, ensuring consistent quality and collaboration.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Design Leadership: Gaining hands-on experience in shaping the strategic direction of a major hospitality brand's physical presence.

• Cross-Industry Insights: Learning from Nando's global design forums and collaborating with international counterparts to broaden understanding of design trends across different markets.

• Operational Integration Mastery: Deepening expertise in how design directly influences restaurant operational efficiency, customer flow, and staff productivity.

• Project Portfolio Growth: Successfully delivering a significant portfolio of diverse projects within a defined period, enhancing resume and career prospects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be navigating the scale and complexity of managing design across ANZ, balancing global brand consistency with local relevance, and ensuring that design directly supports operational excellence and commercial goals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing a design strategy for a multi-site restaurant brand like Nando's, considering both global consistency and local adaptation."

• "How do you balance creative aspirations with commercial realities and operational efficiency in your design projects?"

• "Walk us through a complex restaurant design project you led. What were the key challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the measurable outcome?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Nando's brand and its approach to restaurant design and customer experience?"

• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive design culture, especially within a hybrid work environment?"

• "How would you ensure that your design decisions align with Nando's values, such as 'Be You' and 'Commercial Smart'?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: Select projects that clearly demonstrate your ability to deliver tangible results, whether it's increased foot traffic, improved operational efficiency, or enhanced brand perception.

• Narrative Structure: For each project, tell a compelling story: the problem, your solution, the process, and the outcome. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.

• Highlight Operations Integration: Be prepared to discuss how you incorporated operational needs (kitchen layout, staff flow, customer circulation) into your design choices.

• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics whenever possible to showcase the success of your projects (e.g., "increased customer dwell time by 15%", "reduced kitchen prep time by 10%").

• Articulate Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions and responsibilities within each project, especially if it was a team effort.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews for this role will heavily focus on practical experience, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate design concepts into commercially successful and operationally sound restaurant environments. Candidates should be prepared to discuss specific examples from their portfolio that highlight these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Head of Design position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most impactful hospitality/restaurant design projects that best showcase your leadership, creativity, commercial acumen, and operational integration skills. Ensure your portfolio is polished and ready for presentation.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in managing multi-site design projects, leading teams, working with external partners, and achieving measurable results in the F&B or retail sectors. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design philosophy, project experiences, and understanding of Nando's brand and values. Be ready to discuss how you would approach the challenges and opportunities of this role.

• Research Nando's: Familiarize yourself with Nando's brand identity, existing restaurant designs, and their approach to customer experience and community engagement. Understand their values and culture.

⚠️ 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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