Project Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Project Design Manager Company: Cushman & Wakefield Location: Costa Mesa, California, USA Job Type: Full-Time Category: Operations / Project Management / Design & Construction Date Posted: 2025-09-25T00:00:00 Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Mid-Senior Level) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and support the strategic design initiatives for a client's restaurant portfolio, focusing on innovation and value engineering of restaurant designs.
• Act as a critical liaison between Design, Development & Construction, and existing Restaurants, ensuring seamless integration and communication for building materials and project execution.
• Lead cross-functional teams through the strategic sourcing process, from clear requirement definition to supplier selection and commercial contract negotiation.
• Manage the total cost of ownership for building materials and assets, balancing client needs with supplier capabilities and market best practices.
• Drive project planning and execution, ensuring multiple projects are managed simultaneously, meeting deadlines and delivering on strategic objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Project Design Manager," the detailed responsibilities strongly indicate a role focused on the operations of design and construction projects within the restaurant sector, particularly concerning material sourcing, supplier management, and cross-functional coordination. This aligns with a Revenue Operations or GTM Operations function that supports physical expansion and operational efficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive support to the client's Design Leader, managing new construction, reinvestments, and ongoing day-to-day operational needs related to design and build-out.
• Develop and implement category-specific strategies to drive innovation in restaurant designs, concurrently ensuring product availability, value, and quality standards are met.
• Maintain a deep understanding of the total cost of ownership for all building materials and assets, proactively assessing internal customer requirements and supplier capabilities.
• Serve as the primary conduit between the Design team and Development/Construction departments, as well as existing restaurants (for Strategic Reinvestment & FEQ), regarding building materials negotiated and sourced by the client.
• Cultivate and maintain robust relationships with key internal stakeholders to identify their evolving needs and enhance their understanding of sourcing optimization opportunities.
• Conduct thorough reviews of drawing updates to accurately identify new or changing material requirements, ensuring alignment with project specifications.
• Lead and facilitate cross-functional teams through the strategic sourcing lifecycle, encompassing clear requirement and service level definition, rigorous contract negotiations, optimal supplier selection, and management of commercial aspects of supplier relationships.
• Monitor and adapt to industry best practices and changes in the internal/external business environment to secure maximum value from the supply base.
• Apply comprehensive knowledge of contractual terms and conditions to ensure appropriate risk mitigation is embedded within master contracts.
• Document program terms, strategic decisions, and operational requirements, effectively communicating these to construction teams and supply partners to ensure consistent execution.
• Forecast and communicate building construction material requirements to the supplier base to ensure timely procurement and availability.
• Coordinate and conduct regular supplier performance appraisals, tracking key metrics and reporting on program improvements and financial benefits achieved.
• Travel regionally as required to foster strong working relationships and maintain a connection to the execution of projects on the ground.
• Provide clear direction, leadership, and ongoing support to a team of design professionals, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Demonstrate a strong ability to plan, organize, and meet deadlines for multiple concurrent projects, ensuring efficient project pipeline management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic sourcing, project management, and operational oversight within a design and construction context. For operations professionals, this means demonstrating proficiency in process development, stakeholder management, and driving tangible efficiency gains through material sourcing and supplier relationships.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, or Construction Management.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in design, construction, and project management, specifically within the restaurant industry.
• Proven track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously with a focus on design execution and operational efficiency.

Required Skills:

• Project Management: Expertise in planning, executing, and closing projects, including scope management, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Design & Construction Acumen: Strong understanding of architecture design principles, construction methodologies, and relevant building codes and regulations for restaurants and public spaces.
• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement: Proficiency in developing sourcing strategies, conducting supplier negotiations, and managing commercial aspects of supplier relationships.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate effectively with diverse teams, including design, development, construction, and operations.
• Contract Management: Knowledge of contractual terms and conditions, with a focus on risk mitigation and value realization.
• Financial Acumen: Understanding of total cost of ownership (TCO) for building materials and ability to track financial benefits and program improvements.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, with a talent for conveying complex design concepts and strategic goals to various audiences.
• Organizational Skills: Superior ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.

Preferred Skills:

• Restaurant Industry Experience: In-depth knowledge of the unique operational and design considerations within the restaurant sector.
• Software Proficiency: Reasonable computer application skills in AutoCAD, Revit, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and potentially project management software.
• Supplier Performance Management: Experience in conducting supplier appraisals and managing supplier relationships to ensure optimal performance and value.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Ability to track and report on program improvements, financial benefits, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Team Leadership: Experience providing clear direction, leadership, and support to a team of design professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on software like AutoCAD and Revit, coupled with construction and design principles, suggests that candidates with a technical background in these areas will be well-positioned. For operations professionals, demonstrating how these technical skills translate into process efficiency and cost savings will be crucial.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant projects demonstrating your role in design and construction management within the restaurant industry.
• Include examples of strategic sourcing initiatives, highlighting the process from requirement definition to supplier selection and contract negotiation.
• Provide case studies that illustrate your ability to manage the total cost of ownership for building materials, including cost-saving measures implemented.
• Present documentation of cross-functional team leadership, demonstrating effective collaboration and communication strategies.
• Include examples of how you have managed multiple projects concurrently, detailing planning, execution, and successful delivery against deadlines.

Process Documentation:

• Document a strategic sourcing process you have led, from initial requirement gathering through to supplier contract finalization.
• Outline a process for managing building material requirements and forecasting for supplier bases.
• Detail a system for conducting supplier performance appraisals and tracking program improvements and financial benefits.
• Illustrate a process for reviewing drawing updates and identifying material needs, ensuring alignment with construction teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations candidates should focus their portfolios on process optimization, efficiency gains, and quantifiable results derived from strategic sourcing and project management. Highlighting the operational impact of design and construction decisions is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $127,500.00 - $150,000.00 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, vision, and dental).
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
• Retirement savings plans (e.g., 401(k) with company match, if applicable).
• Life insurance.
• Disability insurance (short-term and long-term).
• Paid and unpaid time away from work (e.g., Paid Time Off, holidays).

Working Hours:

• Standard 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time professional role. Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Project Design Manager role with significant responsibilities in a major market. For operations professionals, understanding how this role contributes to the client's overall operational efficiency and physical expansion strategy can justify the compensation level.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Real Estate Services / Commercial Real Estate. Cushman & Wakefield is a global leader in commercial real estate services, offering a full suite of integrated services. Company Size: Cushman & Wakefield is a large, established global corporation with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. This size implies structured processes, opportunities for specialization, and potential for career advancement within a large organization. Founded: 1917. With a long history, Cushman & Wakefield has a deep-rooted understanding of the real estate market and a stable operational framework.

Team Structure:

• The Project Design Manager will support the client's Design Leader, implying a direct reporting relationship or close collaboration within a client-specific project team.
• The role requires managing multi-discipline design teams, indicating leadership responsibilities over architects, interior designers, engineers, and construction project managers.
• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with internal departments like Development & Construction, as well as external suppliers and potentially client-side operations teams.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, particularly concerning building materials, cost of ownership, and supplier performance.
• Strategic planning and execution of design and construction projects, emphasizing innovation and value enhancement.
• Process-oriented approach to sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier management to ensure efficiency and risk mitigation.
• Focus on continuous improvement through performance tracking, reporting, and implementing best practices.

Company Website: https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Cushman & Wakefield's role as a service provider means this position is client-facing and likely focused on delivering tangible outcomes for a specific client's restaurant portfolio. Operations professionals should emphasize their ability to manage client expectations and deliver measurable improvements in design and construction project execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at a Mid-Senior level, requiring significant experience and the ability to lead projects and teams. It bridges the gap between design execution and operational project management. Reporting Structure: The role reports to a client's Design Leader, indicating a focus on client-specific project outcomes and strategic alignment with the client's business objectives. Operations Impact: The Project Design Manager directly impacts the client's ability to expand and modernize their restaurant footprint efficiently. This includes ensuring cost-effectiveness of design elements, timely project delivery, and the operational readiness of new/renovated locations. Their work influences customer experience and brand consistency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to lead larger or more complex client projects, manage bigger teams, or move into senior management roles within Cushman & Wakefield's project management or design consulting divisions.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like sustainable design, value engineering, or particular restaurant operational models.
• Client Relationship Management: Develop stronger client relationships, potentially leading to broader account management responsibilities or strategic consulting roles.
• Industry Expertise: Gain extensive experience across various restaurant concepts and operational challenges, becoming a recognized expert in the field.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, this role offers a chance to apply their skills in a tangible, high-impact environment. Demonstrating an understanding of how design and construction decisions affect long-term operational costs and customer satisfaction will be key for career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, likely involving significant time spent in a corporate office environment, possibly within a client's dedicated project management or design hub. Office Location(s): Costa Mesa, California, USA. This location is within the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area, a hub for the hospitality and restaurant industry.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, with opportunities to interact closely with design consultants, project managers, and client representatives.
• Access to necessary design and project management software (AutoCAD, Revit, MS Office) is expected.
• The environment will demand a balance between focused, individual work on drawings and strategies, and active participation in team meetings and client presentations.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week, but project demands may necessitate occasional extended hours or weekend work to meet critical deadlines. Flexibility and commitment to project success are essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: While on-site, the role's success hinges on effective communication and collaboration, both within the immediate team and with dispersed stakeholders. Operations professionals should highlight their ability to foster productive working relationships in a hybrid or project-based context.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct a brief phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth interview with the Design Leader or a senior manager to discuss experience, technical skills, and project management methodology.
• Technical/Case Study Interview: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio, discuss specific project challenges, or complete a case study related to design strategy, sourcing, or project planning.
• Cross-Functional/Team Interview: Interviews with key stakeholders from design, construction, or client teams to assess collaboration and communication skills.
• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss overall fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your experience in restaurant design, construction management, strategic sourcing, and team leadership.
• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, timeline improvements, quality enhancements).
• Process Focus: Detail the processes you followed for project planning, design review, sourcing, and supplier management.
• Visual Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing and easy to navigate, using clear graphics, concise descriptions, and professional formatting. Highlight your proficiency with design software like AutoCAD and Revit through visual examples.
• Narrative: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio, telling a compelling story about each project and your contributions, emphasizing problem-solving and strategic thinking.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific design challenges, supplier disputes, or project delays.
• Strategic Sourcing: Be ready to discuss your approach to identifying needs, evaluating suppliers, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier performance.
• Cost Management: Prepare to discuss how you ensure value and manage the total cost of ownership for building materials.
• Team Leadership: Think about examples of how you have led and motivated design or project teams, managed conflicts, and fostered collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations professionals should frame their portfolio and interview responses around demonstrating process efficiency, cost control, and effective stakeholder management – key drivers in any operations role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD (essential), Revit (highly preferred). Proficiency in these is crucial for reviewing and understanding architectural drawings and design specifications.
• Project Management Software: While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with platforms like Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com, or similar tools for task management, scheduling, and progress tracking would be beneficial.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Excel (for financial analysis, tracking, forecasting), PowerPoint (for presentations, strategy articulation), Word (for documentation), Outlook (for communication).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced Excel skills for data analysis, cost tracking, and financial modeling.
• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate clear and concise reports on program improvements, financial benefits, and supplier performance.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design and construction data integrates with broader business systems (e.g., procurement, asset management) could be advantageous. Automation might be relevant in streamlining reporting or communication workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations candidates, highlighting experience with tools that facilitate data analysis, process tracking, and reporting is key. Demonstrating how these tools contribute to efficiency and informed decision-making will be valuable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and meeting client needs, delivering exceptional service, and building long-term relationships.
• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to high standards in design, construction, and material sourcing to ensure value and durability.
• Efficiency & Value: Driving cost-effectiveness and optimizing the total cost of ownership for building materials and projects.
• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where cross-functional input and shared expertise lead to better outcomes.
• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to restaurant design that enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive and communicative, ensuring all stakeholders are informed and aligned on project status, requirements, and decisions.
• Relationship-driven, building trust and rapport with internal teams, external suppliers, and client representatives.
• Analytical and data-informed, using insights to guide discussions and decisions.
• Results-oriented, focused on achieving project milestones and delivering on strategic objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations professionals should align their experience with these values, emphasizing how they drive efficiency, manage resources effectively, and foster collaborative environments to achieve client objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Balancing the diverse needs and expectations of the client, design teams, construction partners, and suppliers.
• Project Complexity: Overseeing a portfolio of projects that may vary in scope, budget, and timeline, requiring strong organizational and adaptive skills.
• Market Volatility: Navigating potential fluctuations in material costs, availability, and supplier capabilities.
• Innovation vs. Standardization: Finding the right balance between introducing innovative design elements and maintaining cost-effective, standardized construction processes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Certifications: Pursuing PMP or similar certifications to enhance project management expertise.
• Specialized Design Software Training: Deepening skills in Revit and other advanced design/BIM tools.
• Negotiation and Contract Management Workshops: Further developing skills in strategic sourcing and legal contract review.
• Industry Conferences: Attending restaurant design, construction, or real estate industry events to stay abreast of trends and best practices.
• Mentorship: Learning from experienced Design Leaders and senior project managers within Cushman & Wakefield.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations candidates, framing these challenges as opportunities to apply problem-solving skills and drive process improvements will resonate well. Highlighting proactive learning and adaptation strategies is key.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing strategic sourcing plans for building materials in the restaurant industry. How do you balance innovation with cost control?"
• "How would you approach managing a cross-functional team to ensure a new restaurant design is delivered on time and within budget?"
• "Walk me through a time you had to mitigate a significant risk in a construction project. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?"
• "How do you ensure effective communication and alignment between design teams, construction partners, and suppliers throughout a project lifecycle?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Cushman & Wakefield and this specific client's portfolio?"
• "How do you approach building and maintaining strong relationships with internal clients and external suppliers?"
• "Describe your experience working in a client-facing role. How do you manage client expectations?"
• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially when working with diverse disciplines?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps chronologically by project or thematically by skill (e.g., Sourcing, Project Management, Team Leadership).
• Quantify: For each project, clearly state the business objective, your specific role, the key actions you took, and the measurable results (e.g., "Reduced material costs by 10% through strategic negotiation," "Delivered project 2 weeks ahead of schedule").
• Process Flow: Explain the processes you utilized for key activities like design review, supplier vetting, contract negotiation, and risk management.
• Visuals: Use high-quality images of designs, floor plans, or material samples where appropriate, but ensure the focus remains on your strategic and operational contributions.
• Narrative: Practice your delivery to ensure you can clearly articulate your contributions and the strategic thinking behind your decisions in a concise and compelling manner.

📝 Enhancement Note: Emphasize your ability to translate design and construction requirements into operational processes that drive efficiency, manage costs, and ensure successful project delivery.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application: Complete the online application through the provided link.
• Tailor your resume: Highlight your experience in project management, design, construction, strategic sourcing, and supplier management, specifically within the restaurant industry. Use keywords from the job description, such as "total cost of ownership," "cross-functional teams," "contract negotiation," and "AutoCAD/Revit."
• Prepare your portfolio: Curate a selection of relevant projects that demonstrate your capabilities in managing design and construction lifecycles, focusing on process, efficiency, and quantifiable results. Be ready to present and discuss these projects in detail.
• Research Cushman & Wakefield: Understand the company's services, values, and market position to articulate your interest and how you can contribute to their client-focused approach.
• Practice interview questions: Prepare to discuss your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), focusing on operational achievements and problem-solving skills relevant to project design and management.

⚠️ 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.