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Restaurant Design Contractor Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Project Manager, Restaurants

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Design excellence continues to guide everything we do. Whether a single restaurant location ... Coordinate with contractor, sub-consultants, or relevant building authorities to address and ...

Design excellence continues to guide everything we do. Whether a single restaurant location ... Coordinates with contractor, sub-consultants, or relevant building authorities to address and ...

... restaurants, bars, hotels, multi-family, and amenity spaces. This person will work closely with the Design Director, project teams, consultants, contractors, vendors, and client stakeholders to ...

... restaurants, bars, hotels, multi-family, and amenity spaces. This person will work closely with the Design Director, project teams, consultants, contractors, vendors, and client stakeholders to ...

... restaurants, bars, hotels, multi-family, and amenity spaces. This person will work closely with the Design Director, project teams, consultants, contractors, vendors, and client stakeholders to ...

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Restaurant Design Contractor information

What is a restaurant design contractor?

Restaurant design contractors are professionals who specialize in the planning, design, and construction of restaurant spaces. They work closely with restaurant owners, architects, and interior designers to ensure that the layout, aesthetics, and functionality of a restaurant meet specific requirements and regulations. Their responsibilities include coordinating building permits, managing construction crews, sourcing materials, and overseeing the project from start to finish. A restaurant design contractor ensures that the finished space is both visually appealing and operationally efficient, aligning with the brand and concept of the restaurant.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a restaurant design contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Restaurant Design Contractor, you need expertise in architecture or interior design, project management, and familiarity with building codes, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and project management tools is typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively with clients, vendors, and construction teams. These skills ensure functional, compliant, and visually appealing restaurant spaces that meet client expectations and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by restaurant design contractors when working with clients and how can they be addressed?

Restaurant Design Contractors often encounter challenges such as balancing the client's vision with budget constraints, adhering to strict building codes, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders like architects, engineers, and restaurant owners. Clear communication and early alignment on project goals, budget, and timelines are essential to address these issues. Additionally, having a strong understanding of local regulations and a collaborative approach with other professionals can help ensure smoother project delivery and client satisfaction.

What is the difference between Restaurant Design Contractor vs Restaurant Interior Designer?

AspectRestaurant Design ContractorRestaurant Interior Designer
CredentialsTypically licensed general contractors or specialized contractors with relevant certificationsCertified interior designers with interior design credentials and licenses
Work EnvironmentFocuses on construction, renovation, and implementation of design plansFocuses on space planning, aesthetics, and interior concepts
Employer & Industry UsageHired by restaurant owners or developers for project executionHired by restaurant owners or design firms for conceptual and aesthetic design
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding project execution and construction rolesUnderstanding design aesthetics and space planning

While both roles are involved in restaurant projects, a Restaurant Design Contractor primarily handles the construction and implementation of design plans, ensuring the project meets technical and safety standards. In contrast, a Restaurant Interior Designer focuses on creating the visual and functional interior space, emphasizing aesthetics and user experience. Both collaborate closely but serve different phases of the restaurant development process.

What are popular job titles related to Restaurant Design Contractor jobs in Illinois?

For Restaurant Design Contractor jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Restaurant Design Contractor jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Restaurant Design Contractor jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Restaurant Design Contractor jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Restaurant Design Contractor job openings:

Infographic showing various Restaurant Design Contractor job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Project Manager, Restaurants

NORR

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

This role reports into the above mentioned office, however NORR offers all of its employees the opportunity to work either from home, from a NORR office or even from a remote location. The choice is yours.
NORR is a global team of 800 architects, engineers, planners, and interior designers creating design strategies and solutions that express the unique vision of every project. Driven by a common purpose with our clients and partners, we share ideas to create and innovate, bringing people, design, and technologies together to think bigger and act bolder.
Our story began in 1938 and has evolved into an employee-owned, fully integrated firm committed to sustainable development goals across 13 market sectors in Canada, the US, and UK. Design excellence continues to guide everything we do.
Whether a single restaurant location, prototype development, or program implementation, NORR knows restaurant design. We consider location and local relevance on balance with food and beverage concept, format, and brand to achieve both a successful restaurant operation and guest experience. As the sector evolves, so do we, with an evidence-based design strategies for quick service, casual and fast casual, and fine dining.
We are currently seeking a Project Manager to plan and manage projects to ensure that all contractual commitments are met on time and within budget. As a Project Manager, you will use your interpersonal and leadership skills and must have an understanding of project financials to determine the necessary resources required for successful project execution. In addition, you will provide leadership to a multi-disciplined team, monitor project performance, and forecast revenue.
How You Will Make an Impact
  • Negotiate, develop, monitor, and control the scope of deliverables, work plans, schedules, and budgets for all project stages
  • Develop a detailed work plan for all architectural and engineering disciplines, allocate hours to the work plan, and monitor project progress
  • Lead an integrated team of architects and engineers in the quality assurance and quality control procedures for all deliverables, specifically the construction drawings and specifications
  • Maintain a good understanding of the project scope and when changes to the scope occur, negotiate solutions to ensure outcomes meet client expectations and contractual obligations
  • Coordinate with contractor, sub-consultants, or relevant building authorities to address and document issues with constructability or owner concerns
  • Act as the primary liaison with the client, contractor, and project team and ensure close client relationships are maintained

What You Will Bring to the Team
  • Architectural or engineering systems design and presentation, M&E and structural building systems, permit and building code
  • Registered with a relevant professional association is an asset
  • Experience in strategic development, business development, project management, and client management is required
  • Possess excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, flexibility, and resourcefulness
  • A strong understanding of project accounting is required in order to monitor project performance and forecast revenue
  • 10-15 years of project work experience
  • Experience in restaurant projects is an asset
  • Salary Range: $90,000.00 - $125,000.00 /annually

Learn more about our Restaurants Portfolio.
Our teams have no physical borders as we collaborate across sectors and geographies, taking best practices and innovation from every region and applying them to what's next. We are human-and we have the ability to be pivotal change makers in the built environment.
We are helping shift the built environment from a source of carbon emissions to a driver of climate resilience. Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond the projects we design-it's embedded in how we work. Our flexible, connected workplaces reflect that same mindset, empowering our teams to design with purpose and shape a net zero future. Be part of the solution with us.
Estimated pay ranges provided on various social media sites are not representative of NORR's range for this position. Compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, and experience.
NORR is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic: Race/Color/Gender/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.