Manager Kitchen Design - Commercial Kitchen

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Location: Mumbai Reporting to: Head - Kitchen Design (Projects) Travel: Pan-India (as required)A senior kitchen planning expert who bridges chef intent, operational reality, and technical execution.

Role OverviewWe are looking for a Senior Kitchen Design - Technical professional with strong expertise in commercial kitchen planning and operations-driven design. The role focuses on working closely with chefs, operations experts, and design teams to translate menu and service concepts into efficient, compliant, and buildable kitchen designs.While the role involves pan-India site and factory visits, the core responsibility is kitchen planning, technical coordination, and design validation, ensuring that execution faithfully delivers the intended operational outcomes.

Key ResponsibilitiesKitchen Planning & Operational Coordination (Primary)Lead detailed commercial kitchen planning in coordination with:ChefsOperations expertsClient representativesTranslate menus, service formats, and operating models into:Equipment planningZoning and workflow layoutsCapacity-appropriate designsParticipate in design workshops and reviews as an operations-focused kitchen expertEnsure kitchen layouts support efficiency, safety, hygiene, and future flexibilityTechnical Design & ValidationReview and validate kitchen layouts, BOQs, and technical drawings prepared by the design teamPrepare and coordinate MEP rough-in requirements including exhaust, fresh air, gas, plumbing, and electrical loadsEnsure compliance with FSSAI requirements, fire regulations, HVAC/exhaust norms, and gas safety standardsSupport resolution of technical and operational conflicts during design developmentShop Drawings, Fabrication & Execution SupportReview and approve shop drawings for kitchen equipment and fabrication packagesVisit vendor factories to:Review fabrication quality and detailingValidate materials, finishes, and workmanshipApprove equipment prior to dispatchConduct site visits as required to:Validate MEP coordinationSupport installation and commissioningAssist pre-handover and food trial readinessConsultant & Stakeholder CoordinationLiaise with MEP, HVAC, Fire consultants, architects, and project teams to align kitchen operational needs with base-building systemsProvide clear technical inputs and clarifications during coordination meetingsSupport the Head - Kitchen Design in client and consultant discussionsTeam CollaborationWork closely with kitchen designers and CAD teams as a senior technical team memberGuide junior designers on operational planning, constructability, and execution readinessContribute to internal QA/QC and design governance processesExperience & Skills6-10 years of experience in commercial kitchen planning, design, and executionStrong hands-on experience coordinating with chefs and operations expertsSolid understanding of kitchen workflows, service models, and capacity planningWorking knowledge of FSSAI norms, fire regulations, HVAC/exhaust systems, and gas safetyProficiency in:AutoCAD (layout review & coordination)Excel (BOQs, technical and capacity analysis)PowerPoint (design narratives and operational presentations)Willingness to travel pan-India as required by project needsSuccess IndicatorsKitchens designed with strong operational logic and chef buy-inMinimal design changes during execution due to early operational claritySmooth coordination between kitchen design, MEP, and execution teamsConsistent quality in shop drawings and fabricated equipment

Why SODEXO:Healthy Work-Life BalanceLeadership DevelopmentGlobal Career OpportunitiesCross-Functional CollaborationInclusive CultureCompetitive CompensationComprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits