Head - Kitchen Design (Projects)

"Sodexo promotes an inclusive and diverse workplace and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds."

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At Sodexo, we offer 100+ service solutions across diverse sectors—corporates, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and remote environments. From food & catering to facilities management and energy services, we enhance the quality of life for those we serve. Our inclusive, diverse, and equitable work environment empowers employees to thrive and make a meaningful impact. With a strong foundation in our values of Service Spirit, Team Spirit, and Spirit of Progress, working at Sodexo is more than just a job—it’s a chance to be part of something bigger.

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Job Summary

The purpose of this position is to lead individual, multi-disciplined Kitchen Design solutions for clients, with direct accountability for Design Delivery (C&I + Technical). The Head of Kitchen Design shall be responsible for the growth target for Design related assignments for Sodexo on Pan-India Basis. Working mainly with existing clients, the mission is to generate Design project opportunities, qualify them, build a solution and deliver the Design assignment on time and within the timelines and quality as agreed internally and externally, ensuring adherence to QHSE standards, and compliance with statutory regulations and technical industry standards.

This is a great opportunity to be successful in a growth organisation, a growing market and fully supported by an excellent market position.

Location: Mumbai / Banglore | Reporting to: Director - Projects

Leads people, governs design quality, ensures regulatory compliance, and represents the client’s operational interest — without compromising safety or outcomes.

Role Overview

We are seeking a senior leader to head our Kitchen Design (Projects) function. This role combines technical authority, regulatory expertise, team leadership, design governance, client-facing representation, and commercial ownership, ensuring delivery of safe, compliant, and operationally efficient commercial kitchens.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of kitchen designers.
• Establish and enforce design governance, peer review, QA/QC, and approval protocols for all kitchen design deliverables
• Act as a client-facing kitchen operations expert, representing the organisation in design reviews, coordination meetings, and senior client presentations.
• Perform peer reviews and independent technical validations of kitchen designs (including third-party consultants/contractors) when appointed by the client
• Approve final kitchen layouts, BOQs, and technical submissions prior to issue
• Ensure full compliance with:
• FSSAI operational requirements
• Fire regulations and local fire authority norms
• HVAC, exhaust, fresh air, and heat-load regulations
• Gas safety standards and NBC requirements
• Oversee projects from concept design through food trials and handover
• Lead coordination with clients, chefs, architects, PMCs, MEP/fire consultants, and vendors
• Manage client expectations during scope changes, late menu revisions, and operational constraints
• Own billing milestones, variations, and commercial alignment for the kitchen design scope
• Act as the final technical escalation point, enforcing no-compromise life-safety and compliance standards
• Travel as required to all locations (within India) as per requirement

Role Requirements

Experience & Skills

• 8–15 years in commercial kitchen design & execution
• Proven experience leading teams and governing design quality
• Strong hands-on experience with FSSAI, Fire Department approvals, and HVAC/exhaust regulations
• Credibility to act as a client-appointed kitchen operations expert and peer reviewer
• High proficiency in:
• AutoCAD (layout review & coordination)
• PowerPoint (client presentations, design narratives)
• Excel (BOQs, billing, tracking, analysis)
• Excellent client-facing, negotiation, and decision-making skills

Authority

• Final approval authority on kitchen design intent and technical outputs

Success Indicators

• Ensures zero Fire, Gas, FSSAI, or HVAC compliance failures across projects.
• Delivers first-time-right kitchen designs with minimal rework.
• Acts as a trusted client advisor, driving repeat and expanded engagements.
• Maintains billing discipline with clear scope control and high recovery.
• Builds a strong, consistent kitchen design team with fewer escalations.

Other Requirements

• Willingness to travel across India as per project needs.
• Commitment to organizational values (e.G., Sodexo’s core values).
• Flexibility to adapt to changing client requirements and business priorities.

Why SODEXO:

• Healthy Work-Life Balance
• Leadership Development
• Global Career Opportunities
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Inclusive Culture
• Competitive Compensation
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits