Project Manager, Commercial Kitchen… at Buyers Edge… · Vianen

The Project Manager, Commercial Kitchen Technology is primarily responsible for the technical and commercial preparation of large-scale commercial kitchen projects. The role focuses on co-developing functional and efficient kitchen designs, preparing detailed budgets and specifications, strategically requesting supplier quotes, and conducting thorough 1-on-1 comparisons of received proposals. The Project Manager ensures that clients receive a technically accurate, financially transparent, and fully substantiated proposal that aligns with project-specific requirements and wishes.

As the final stage of the preparation phase, the Project Manager ensures a smooth transition and handover process. This includes initiating a targeted project kick-off to warmly hand over the project to the executing parties, the contractor, and the client’s project manager.

Important: This position is primarily focused on the preparation and design phase of projects. Daily on-site coordination and operational project management during the construction phase fall outside the scope of this role; however, you are responsible for a flawless handover to the execution team.

Our company is based out of Vianen, Utrecht (NL). We are unable to offer work sponsorship for this role.

Who we are:

At Real Result, we are the independent purchasing experts for the dynamic foodservice industry. We help our clients maximize their procurement, whether it's through volume discounts, purchasing optimization, real-time cost price insights, or the realization of commercial kitchens and bars. We are looking for talent that helps our clients achieve their ambitions. Since 2025, Real Result has been part of Buyers Edge Platform, a digital procurement network/software platform for the foodservice industry that connects operators, distributors, and manufacturers. The platform offers group purchasing services, SaaS-based technology solutions, and supply chain consulting and procurement-related services to foodservice parties with the aim of reducing costs and improving supply chain decisions through data-driven technology. As a Buyer at Real Result, you are the linchpin in strategic purchasing processes. You work closely with various leading players in the sector, from hospitality to catering and from Leisure to on-the-move. Our client base is diverse and impressive. Think of names like Ron Blaauw, Perfect Serve, Albron, Beerze Bulten, Vue Cinemas, Koninklijk Theater Carré, and many others.

Your impact:

Kitchen Design and Technical Advisory

• Collaborative Design: Actively contribute to developing practical, efficient, and technically feasible commercial kitchen designs.
• Functionality: Translate client requirements into optimal kitchen layouts, workflow routing, operational processes, and equipment selection.
• Prerequisites: Advise on and align the design with aspects such as capacity, hygiene standards (HACCP compliance), safety, regulations, and logistics.
• Coordination: Consult with clients, architects, consultants, and other stakeholders regarding design and technical specifications.

Budgeting and Estimations

• Cost Estimation: Prepare project budgets and detailed cost estimations for commercial kitchen installations.
• Cost Analysis: Map out and analyze material, equipment, and installation costs.
• Financial Feasibility: Monitor financial feasibility, identify potential deviations or risks, and substantiate choices based on price, quality, and functionality.
• Substantiation: Ensure a clear and comprehensive financial breakdown of the project proposal.

Specifications and Technical Documentation

• Specifications: Draft clear and complete technical and functional specifications, including product descriptions, performance requirements, material choices, and project guidelines.
• Clarity: Ensure an unambiguous description of the requested deliverables and scope of work.
• Alignment: Maintain consistency between the design, budget, specifications, and client requirements.
• Completeness: Verify that all documents are complete, accurate, and ready for the tendering process.

Tendering and Market RFQs

• Supplier Selection: Identify and select suitable suppliers and market vendors for the Request for Quotation (RFQ) process.
• RFQ Drafting: Create clear RFQ documentation containing the necessary technical specifications.
• Process Monitoring: Monitor deadlines and ensure the completeness of received quotations.
• Communication: Coordinate and answer queries from tendering parties to ensure a transparent and meticulous bidding process.

Review and Comparison of Proposals

• 1-on-1 Comparison: Systematically compile detailed, line-by-line comparisons of all received proposals.
• Evaluation: Analyze quotes based on price, technical specifications, scope, deviations, delivery terms, and potential advantages or disadvantages.
• Risk Analysis: Identify significant discrepancies, exclusions, and potential risks within the proposals.
• Award Advice: Advise the client or executive management on the most suitable choice based on an objective and well-founded analysis.

Internal Coordination and Documentation

• Point of Contact: Act as the primary technical contact person during the project preparation phase.
• Project File Maintenance: Ensure clear reporting, proper documentation, and a structured build-up of the project file.
• Collaboration: Align with internal departments—such as draftsmen, estimators, sales, and management—to optimize project preparation.

Handover Process and Aftercare

• Organize Project Kick-Off: Initiate and lead the central kick-off meeting once the executing parties (suppliers, subcontractors) and the client’s contractor/project manager have been selected.
• Explain Project Vision: During the kick-off, convey the underlying logic of the kitchen design, routing, critical technical connection points, and choices made within the specifications.
• Project File Handover: Formally hand over the complete, finalized project file (including approved designs, final calculations, the 1-on-1 comparison, and contractual agreements with suppliers) to the client and the executing project manager/contractor.
• Technical Aftercare: Act as a stand-by resource for technical questions during the initial execution phase. If ambiguities arise regarding technical baselines during construction or installation, you provide the necessary clarification to prevent project delays.

About you:

• Proven experience in commercial kitchen technology, project preparation, estimation, or technical consulting.
• Demonstrated experience in preparing budgets, technical specifications, and quote comparisons.
• Experience with commercial kitchen layouts, kitchen processes, and equipment is highly preferred.
• Experience in structuring project handovers and leading kick-off meetings is a plus.
• Sound knowledge of commercial kitchen equipment, layout principles, and functional kitchen routing.
• Insight into technical and structural construction prerequisites.
• Knowledge of hygiene requirements, food safety standards, and relevant regulations for professional kitchens.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, specifications, and quotes.
• Higher Professional Education / Associate Degree level (MBO+/HBO working and thinking level).
• Preferably a background in a technical discipline (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Installation Technology, Civil Engineering, Engineering Management) or equivalent.
• Fluency in Dutch and English.

Not sure you meet every qualification? Studies show that diverse applicants often hesitate to apply unless they check every box. At Buyers Edge Platform, we value authenticity and inclusion—if you're excited about the role, we encourage you to apply. You might be exactly who we’re looking for!

We welcome all.

We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.