In-House Architect & Project Manager (Restaurant Development)

Job Description for:

 

Position: In-House Architect & Project Manager (Restaurant Development)

 

Job Summary:

 

The In-House Architect & Project Manager will lead the end-to-end planning, design coordination, and execution of new restaurant locations and refurbishments. The role combines architectural design oversight with project management responsibility, ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with brand, operational, and regulatory standards.

The role acts as the central coordination point between interior designers, MEP and structural engineers, builders, suppliers, landlords, and internal stakeholders.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

Architectural Design & Brand Rollout

 

               •             Lead architectural planning for new restaurant openings and renovations

            •          Adapt and roll out standard restaurant design concepts across multiple sites

            •          Ensure architectural layouts align with operational needs, kitchen layouts, and Customer flow

               •             Review and coordinate interior design packages to ensure brand consistency and buildability

               •             Prepare or review architectural drawings, layouts, and design documentation

 

Project Management & Delivery:

 

               •             Manage projects from site handover to opening

            •          Develop and track project timelines, milestones, and budgets

            •          Coordinate consultants: interior designers, MEP, structural engineers, kitchen Consultants

               •             Manage contractor selection, scope alignment, and site execution

            •          Monitor construction progress, quality, and compliance with drawings

            •          Identify risks, delays, and cost overruns early and implement corrective actions

 

Consultant & Contractor Coordination

 

               •             Act as the single point of coordination between all design and engineering disciplines

            •          Review and align architectural, MEP, structural, and kitchen drawings

            •          Ensure clash-free coordination before construction

            •          Chair design coordination and site meetings

            •          Review shop drawings, material submissions, and mockups

 

Stakeholder & Landlord Coordination:

 

               •             Liaise with landlords, mall management, authorities, and utilities providers

            •          Support approval processes, permits, and inspections

            •          Communicate progress clearly to management and investors

            •          Translate business objectives into design and construction decisions

 

Quality, Cost & Compliance Control :

 

               •             Ensure all projects comply with local building codes, health regulations, and fire safety

            •          Enforce brand standards and quality benchmarks across all sites

            •          Control variation orders and manage cost implications

            •          Ensure practical handover, snag resolution, and defect liability follow-up

 

Documentation & Standardization:

 

               •             Develop and maintain:

            •          Standard restaurant layout templates

            •          Design guidelines and detail libraries

            •          Fit-out specifications and finish schedules

            •          Support scalability by improving repeatability and efficiency of new builds

Deliverables

               •             Architectural layouts and coordination drawings

            •          Design coordination reports

            •          Project schedules and budgets

            •          Site progress reports

            •          Consultant and contractor review comments

            •          Practical completion and handover documentation

Qualifications & Experience :

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture (required)
• Registered / licensed architect (preferred)
• 7–10+ years’ experience in architectural design and project delivery
• Strong experience in restaurant, retail, hospitality, or F&B fit-outs
• Proven experience managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Solid understanding of MEP, structural coordination, and construction sequencing

 

Skills & Competencies :

            •          Strong leadership and coordination skills

            •          Excellent project planning and time management

            •          Ability to balance design intent with cost and constructability

            •          Strong communication with technical teams and non-technical stakeholders

            •          Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving ability

 

Preferred (Nice to Have)

               •             Experience with chain restaurant rollouts

            •          Central kitchen or commissary project exposure

            •          Familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, MS Project / Primavera

            •          Experience working with malls and landlords

 

Reporting Line :

 

Reports to:  Operations Director / Managing Director

               •             Full-time, in-house role

 

Why This Role Is Critical :

 

This role ensures:

            •          Faster restaurant rollouts

            •          Consistent brand execution

            •          Fewer site mistakes and cost overruns

            •          Strong coordination between design and construction

 

Position: Based at Kampala, Uganda (East Africa):