Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Renovation Design Manager (Owner’s Representative) is responsible for leading the end-to-end design process of renovation projects, ensuring alignment with the owner’s strategic goals, commercial positioning, and regulatory compliance, particularly in the competitive New York market.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Design Planning

· Analyze New York’s market trends, local regulations (e.g., historic preservation, fire codes), and business goals to shape design direction and positioning strategies.

· Collaborate with executive leadership to translate business strategy into actionable design solutions that enhance project value and brand identity.

Design Team Leadership & Coordination

· Assemble and manage an in-house or outsourced design team, including architects, interior designers, and soft furnishings specialists.

· Oversee team operations, facilitate regular design review meetings, and ensure adherence to schedules.

· Coordinate with internal departments, external vendors, construction teams, and government agencies to resolve design-related issues and maintain project momentum.

Design Oversight & Execution Control

· Review and validate design concepts for creativity, feasibility, and compliance with project goals and legal standards.

· Guide design development, including spatial layout optimization, material selection, and lighting strategies, ensuring that technical drawings meet construction standards.

· Conduct regular site inspections to identify and resolve deviations between design intent and on-site implementation.

Budget & Cost Control

· Work with finance to create detailed design budgets, estimating costs for services, materials, and construction elements.

· Review design changes for cost implications, balancing design intent with financial discipline and supplier negotiations.

Supplier & Contractor Management

· Identify and qualify vendors, contractors, and design consultants based on project needs and performance history.

· Draft contracts with clear deliverables and enforce compliance with design specifications and quality standards.

Risk Management

· Proactively identify design risks such as regulatory noncompliance or construction delays and develop mitigation plans.

· Lead crisis response in the event of design-related conflicts or external disruptions to ensure on-time delivery.

· Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

· Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, 3ds Max, Adobe Photoshop, and other design software.

· Strong understanding of New York City building codes, fire safety regulations, accessibility laws, and LEED/environmental standards.

· Proven ability to manage project budgets and apply cost control strategies during the design process.

· Excellent communication and negotiation skills for interfacing with cross-disciplinary teams and external vendors.

· Strong leadership, coordination, and problem-solving skills with the ability to drive solutions under pressure.

· Bilingual fluency in English and Chinese is required for cross-cultural coordination and contract handling.

EDUCATION/ QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor’s degree or higher in Interior Design, Architecture, Environmental Art Design, or a related discipline.

· Professional certifications such as NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) are preferred.

· Minimum of 8 years’ experience in renovation design, including at least 5 years in New York or other international cities.

· Demonstrated experience leading large-scale commercial or luxury residential renovation projects from concept to completion.

· Must be willing to travel frequently to different restaurant locations across the U.S.

· Proficiency in both written and spoken English and Chinese.

Founded in 1994, Haidilao has become an internationally renowned hotpot brand and catering giant with over 20 years' development.
By the end of June 30, 2020, Haidilao had opened 935 chain restaurants in China, Singapore, the U.S., South Korea, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Australia.
Over the years, Haidilao has withstood the challenges of the market as well as customers, and has successfully forged a quality hot pot brand that has earned a reputation for itself. Haidilao combines kinds of characteristics of hot pot in many places of China. As a large-scale chain catering enterprise with operations all over the world, Haidilao adheres to integrity in business. It gives the highest priority to continuously improving the quality and safety of its food products, providing more thoughtful services to its customers while delivering healthier, safer and more nutritious food.

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