Design & Construction Manager

YUM! Brands, Inc.; Dubai; Hybrid; AED 300,000 - 460,000; Full time

Job summary

KFC in Dubai invites a Design & Construction Manager to lead retail design across markets, shaping openings, remodels and flagship projects. Youll work with franchise partners, architects and franchised teams to deliver spaces that look exceptional and function efficiently.

Ideal candidates bring 7+ years in retail/QSR/hospitality design, strong AutoCAD skills, and fluent English to collaborate across Operations, Marketing and Digital teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, Interior Design or a related field.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in retail, QSR, F&B or hospitality design and construction.
• Strong technical knowledge of architectural drawings, interior detailing, construction methods, materials and finishes.
• Excellent AutoCAD skills and proficiency in design, presentation.
• Solid understanding of retail planning, customer experience and operational efficiency.
• Experience working with international brands or franchise organizations is an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English.

Responsibilities

• Review and approve restaurant layouts, architectural drawings, interior designs and technical details, ensuring alignment with KFC's brand standards.
• Work across different retail formats, including malls, food courts, high streets, standalone restaurants and drive-thrus.
• Balance great design with operational efficiency, customer experience and commercial needs.
• Bring fresh thinking and practical ideas to continuously improve our restaurants.
• Support projects from early design stages through construction and store opening.
• Work closely with franchise partners, architects, consultants and construction teams to ensure quality execution.
• Identify potential design and construction challenges early and develop smart, practical solutions.
• Support cost optimization and value engineering without compromising quality or brand identity.
• Understand how design influences customer flow, restaurant operations, brand perception and business performance.
• Collaborate with Operations, Marketing and Digital teams to create functional, efficient and engaging restaurant environments.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Fluent English

Strong technical knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, Interior Design or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Design presentation

Job description

It all started with one cook who created a finger lickin' good recipe more than 75 years ago, a list of secret herbs and spices scratched out on the back of the door to his kitchen.

Design & Construction Manager

KFC

Hybrid

At KFC, we pride ourselves on being original. We even named our recipe after it. But for us, the answer to the question is simple. Be You. Everyone at KFC is different. Unique. It’s what makes us special - Our people, The Originals. And we welcome you to join us. Bring your individuality to the table. Bring your grit and energy. Bring your spirit. Your story. Your drive and your passion. Bring it. Every piece of you. Even the parts you don’t like. Because we value our people no matter what. We’ll feed your potential and we’ll support you; to be your best self, to make a difference, and have fun. Together, we can be part of something truly extraordinary. All you have to do, is Bring it.

• Do you love retail design? Are you excited by the challenge of turning great ideas into real restaurants that people love?
• We're looking for a passionate, hands-on Design & Construction Manager who combines creativity, strong technical knowledge and a genuine understanding of how retail works. You'll be working across different markets and restaurant formats, helping shape everything from new store openings and remodels to exciting flagship projects.
• This isn't just about reviewing drawings or following guidelines. It's about creating restaurants that look great, work brilliantly and deliver a better experience for our customers and teams. We're looking for someone who enjoys getting into the details, loves solving problems and takes pride in seeing projects come to life.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE… with your role's responsibilities

Bring Great Design to Life

• Review and approve restaurant layouts, architectural drawings, interior designs and technical details, ensuring alignment with KFC's brand standards.
• Work across different retail formats, including malls, food courts, high streets, standalone restaurants and drive-thrus.
• Balance great design with operational efficiency, customer experience and commercial needs.
• Bring fresh thinking and practical ideas to continuously improve our restaurants.

Turn Ideas into Reality

• Support projects from early design stages through construction and store opening.
• Work closely with franchise partners, architects, consultants and construction teams to ensure quality execution.
• Identify potential design and construction challenges early and develop smart, practical solutions.
• Support cost optimization and value engineering without compromising quality or brand identity.

Think Retail, Think Customer

• Understand how design influences customer flow, restaurant operations, brand perception and business performance.
• Collaborate with Operations, Marketing and Digital teams to create functional, efficient and engaging restaurant environments.
• Stay curious about retail trends, new materials, technology and emerging QSR concepts.
• Own It & Make It Happen
• Manage multiple projects across different markets, ensuring timely reviews, approvals and follow-ups.
• Build strong relationships with franchise partners and internal stakeholders.
• Take ownership of projects, from the smallest technical detail to the bigger picture.
• Continuously challenge existing processes and look for smarter, faster and better ways of working.

BRING YOUR BEST SELF… with your top-notch qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, Interior Design or a related field.
• 7+ years of relevant experience, ideally within retail, QSR, F&B or hospitality design and construction.
• Strong technical knowledge of architectural drawings, interior detailing, construction methods, materials and finishes.
• Excellent AutoCAD skills and proficiency in design, presentation
• Solid understanding of retail planning, customer experience and operational efficiency.
• Experience working with international brands or franchise organizations is an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English.

What Makes You an Original?

• You love retail. You're passionate about creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and commercially successful.
• You're hands-on. You enjoy getting into the details and have the technical confidence to challenge drawings and find solutions.
• You make things happen. You're proactive, organized and take ownership without waiting to be asked.
• You have an eye for detail. You notice the little things that make a big difference.
• You thrive on challenges. Multiple projects, different markets and tight timelines keep you motivated.
• You're a team player with a point of view. You collaborate naturally, communicate clearly and aren't afraid to challenge ideas constructively.
• You're always curious. You love learning, exploring new ideas and finding better ways to do things.
• HAVE FUN… growing and thriving with us
• Internal Collaboration : Work closely with Development, Operations, Marketing, Digital, Supply Chain and other regional and global teams to bring KFC's restaurant vision to life.
• External Collaboration : Partner with franchise development teams, architects, designers, consultants, contractors and suppliers across our regional markets.
• Ready to bring your passion for retail design to one of the world's most iconic restaurant brands?
• Bring your creativity. Bring your technical expertise. Bring your energy. Bring It!

Stay connected with Yum! Brands and be the first to know about new opportunities across KFC, Taco Bell, The Habit Burger Grill, and our corporate functions.