Commercial Kitchen + Bar Designer

Do you have a passion for hospitality design? Are you eager to create best-in-class kitchen and bar environments that support exceptional culinary experiences and operational performance? If so, we are looking for you!

Earls Kitchen + Bar is seeking a collaborative, detail-oriented, and motivated Commercial Kitchen + Bar Designer with 3+ years of experience to join our Store Development team in Vancouver, BC.

In this role, you'll play a key part in the Store Development Project Team, executing functional and innovative kitchen and bar designs for new store and renovation projects across North America. You'll develop layouts, coordinate equipment and building systems, produce technical documentation, and collaborate with consultants, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to high-performance hospitality environments in a collaborative setting with clear pathways for professional growth.

At Earls, we pride ourselves on being authentic and approachable; values reflected in the people we hire, the food and drinks we prepare, and the locations we create. If you're a progressive thinker passionate about hospitality design, innovation, and operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you!

Role Responsibilities

• Execute kitchen, bar, and back-of-house design solutions that align with operational requirements, culinary vision, sales volume metrics, and project objectives.

• Develop and coordinate kitchen and bar layouts, equipment plans, service areas, and supporting back-of-house spaces, ensuring functional efficiency and compliance with applicable building codes.

• Execute the delivery of floor plans, equipment specifications, technical drawings, scoping documents, and kitchen and bar design packages.

• Coordinate mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) requirements with external consultants, internal stakeholders, and project teams to ensure building systems are integrated with design intent and operational needs.

• Review existing site conditions and base building infrastructure to identify opportunities, constraints, and risks related to equipment, utilities, logistics, waste management, and operational functionality.

• Accountable for the delivery of accurate records, including drawings and specifications, budgets, and consultant/vendor coordination.

• Coordinate vendor RFPs to ensure alignment with project budgets, and partner with the Construction team to manage procurement and logistics.

• Collaborate with external consultants and equipment suppliers to review and align construction documentation and shop drawings with kitchen and bar design intent.

• Collaborate with internal Project Managers to ensure specified equipment lead times align with the project schedule's critical path, proactively communicating potential impacts or risks.

• Work with the Project Manager to support in developing mitigation strategies when risks in site conditions, equipment specifications, drawings, or construction coordination are identified.

• Support the Project Manager with construction administration, site reviews, equipment installations, commissioning, and deficiency resolution to ensure successful project completion.

• Research, evaluate, and test kitchen and bar equipment, materials, and emerging technologies to improve operational efficiency, functionality, and long-term performance.

• Collaborate with Culinary Development, Operations, Facilities, Construction, and other internal stakeholders to ensure kitchen and bar designs meet operational requirements and support the guest experience.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of processes, tools, equipment specifications, and kitchen and bar design standards to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and long-term value.

• Provide technical knowledge and support to project teams, Operations, and Facilities on kitchen and bar equipment, functionality, and design standards.

• Ability to work outside standard business hours as required to support installations, overnight work, and key project milestones.

• Ability to travel throughout North America in support of new store and renovation projects, site visits, and openings.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in the design and construction field within hospitality or commercial design.

• A degree or diploma in Building Technology or Interior Design with a specialty in commercial kitchens.

• Ability to manage and execute multiple projects under tight deadlines.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Google Suite, and budget management tools (preference for Smartsheet).

• Ability to read construction drawings and understand architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical drawings and details.

• Experience producing high-quality contract documents and construction drawings.

• Working knowledge of Canadian and North American Building Codes.

• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.

• Resourceful, detail-oriented, and self-motivated with a high level of initiative.

• Ability to travel throughout North America in support of projects, site visits, and openings.

• Prior experience working at Earls or in a restaurant environment is highly valued.

• An interest in sustainability.

Bonus Points

• A sense of humour.

• A serious passion for food - we like to eat around here (sometimes wine is involved).

• Open to personal development and growth.

• The drive to succeed and the passion to be a part of Earls growth.

• Big team player – able to be both a leader and also support those around them.

What We Offer

• Competitive annual salary ranging from $65,000 to $85,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications, complemented by all the perks and benefits below. Individual pay is based on job-related skills, relevant experience, education and/or training, and internal equity.

• Comprehensive health care benefits effective from your first day

• A healthy lifestyle spending account to support you in living your best life

• Employee Assistance Program

• Earls 50% discount card for food and drinks at all Earls Kitchen + Bar, the Beachhouse, Birdies Eats & Drinks, LOCAL Public Eatery, and JOEY Restaurants locations

• 3 weeks vacation

• Make Life Awesome Week

• Opportunity to be a part of our partner-led Employee Resource Groups (ERG), designed to bring our greater communities together through mutual causes and shared experiences

• Flexibility with our Hybrid work from home/office model

• Bring your furry friend to work in our dog-friendly office

• Office amenities include a rooftop patio, lockers, showers, a full kitchen, and collaborative workspaces

• Travel opportunities for company events, new restaurant openings, and more!

• Leadership programs with career development and opportunities for advancement

• Awards, recognitions, team-building events, and more!

APPLY NOW

Please submit your application and portfolio/work samples (optional). We will be in touch with suitable candidates as applications come through. We look forward to hearing from you!

Earls is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, free from discrimination. We believe bringing together people of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities is essential to our success, and brings us closer to living our purpose to Make Life Awesome.

All employment decisions inclusive of recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotions, and terminations are based on qualifications, competencies, and merit, without the consideration of any legally protected ground. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.