Commercial Kitchen Designer

Role Overview

Commercial Kitchen Designer at TGP International, a hospitality consultancy based in London and Dubai.

Company Overview

TGP International creates, designs, and builds award-winning world-class food and beverage and retail brands. The company provides concept development, creative interior design, graphic design and branding, franchising, advisory and operational services, and project management to hospitality clients and partners. Notable clients include Dubai Expo 2020, Marriott, Hilton, Waldorf Astoria, Harrods, Sushi Samba, Adrift Burger Bar, Nakheel Malls, Selfridges, Time Out Market, FIFA World Cup 2022, The National, and Tashas.

Role Purpose

Design efficient, compliant, and operationally effective commercial kitchens across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Coordinate with international clients, consultants, and authorities to deliver foodservice facilities that meet local regulations, international standards, and brand requirements within hospitality, mixed-use, and large-scale developments.

Key Responsibilities

Design Development

• Collaborate with clients, operators, and brand representatives to understand menus, service styles, volumes, and operational objectives.
• Develop concept, schematic, and detailed commercial kitchen designs for international projects.
• Plan optimized workflows for food preparation, cooking, service, warewashing, storage, staff circulation, and waste management.
• Validate kitchen layouts through operator reviews, mock-ups, and operational testing where required.
• Take full design ownership in coordination with clients and operators.

Compliance & Standards

• Specify commercial kitchen equipment compliant with CE, UKCA, GSO, SASO, NSF, and other international standards.
• Ensure compliance with European, Asian, and Middle Eastern health, safety, and fire regulations.

Coordination & Documentation

• Coordinate with architects, MEP engineers, ventilation consultants, and interior designers.
• Prepare design documentation including plans, sections, elevations, and equipment schedules.
• Ensure design quality control, coordination reviews, and clash resolution in collaboration with BIM and MEP teams.
• Review shop drawings and technical submittals.

Project & Authority Management

• Support authority submissions, tender documentation, and contractor coordination.
• Develop, manage, and control equipment budgets and Bills of Quantities (BOQs).
• Support tender processes including technical evaluations and reviews.
• Participate in construction-phase coordination, site inspections, and snagging.

Sustainability

• Incorporate sustainable, energy-efficient, and water-saving design principles in kitchen layouts and equipment selection.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, or related field.
• 3–8 years of experience in commercial kitchen or foodservice design.
• Experience working on international projects across multiple regulatory frameworks.

Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency in AutoCAD; Revit/BIM preferred.
• Strong coordination and technical documentation skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills across cultures.
• Ability to manage multiple projects across time zones.
• High attention to detail and compliance requirements.
• Practical, solutions-oriented design mindset.

Additional Information

Preferred Qualifications

• CKD, CFSP, or equivalent professional certification.
• Experience in hospitality, luxury food and beverage, healthcare, or institutional foodservice.
• Familiarity with international hotel and restaurant brands.
• Knowledge of sustainable and energy-efficient kitchen systems.
• Multilingual capabilities.
• Experience across a range of foodservice typologies including food halls and multi-vendor dining concepts, hotel and resort developments, and temporary, pop-up, and event-based kitchen installations.

Work Environment

• Office-based role with international project exposure.
• Travel across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East as required.
• Fast-paced, deadline-driven project environment.

Contract & Schedule

• Five-day work week: Monday to Friday.
• Hybrid work arrangement: three days in the office and two days working remotely.
• One additional week per year to work remotely from home country, which can be combined with up to two consecutive weeks of annual leave.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive international salary package.
• Medical insurance and statutory benefits.
• Travel or relocation support where applicable.
• Professional development and certification support.
• Annual leave: 22 working days of paid annual leave, excluding weekends.
• Incentive plan: company incentive scheme offering up to 10%—5% for introductions and 5% for successful closures.
• Coaching and mentoring through a structured professional development program.
• Annual company gathering: global team event bringing together employees from all offices.
• Employee recognition program with regular recognition initiatives celebrating outstanding performance and contributions.