Design Manager

ZipRecruiter; Boston (MA); Remote; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fast casual restaurant concept is seeking a Design Manager to oversee site designs and coordinate multiple projects annually. This fully remote position requires extensive architectural experience and offers competitive compensation with a flexible work environment, including an annual bonus program and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Competitive Compensation

Flexible Hybrid-Remote Work Environment

401K Plan with company match

Paid Time Off

Health Savings Account

Qualifications

• Minimum seven years of architectural and construction experience.
• Experience managing development projects in retail environments.
• Strong understanding of design standards and zoning.

Responsibilities

• Create site designs consistent with brand standards.
• Manage 40-50 projects annually.
• Coordinate with Construction and Real Estate teams.

Skills

Project Management

Creative Problem Solving

Time Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Urban Planning, Architecture, or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

InDesign

SketchUp

Photoshop

Google Suite

FranConnect

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Playa Bowls is New Jersey's Original Acai Shop, and our mission is to bring superfruit bowls to the masses using only the freshest, highest quality ingredients while providing a fantastic in-store brand experience. What began as a pair of blenders, a patio table, and a fridge has flourished into a 300+ unit operator and franchisor of the leading fast casual restaurant concept. Playa Bowls added more than 70+ locations in 2024 and are on target to add as many as 90 new locations in 2025. Our continued rapid growth has created the opportunity for an individual who will help us with continuing to grow our brand!

WHAT WE OFFER

Playa Bowls offers Competitive Compensation, Eligible for the Annual Bonus Program, Flexible Hybrid-Remote Work-Environment, Medical, Dental, Vision, Domestic Partner Benefits, Spouse & Children Benefits, 401K Plan with company match, Health Savings Account, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flight/Hotels paid for, Mileage Reimbursement, Cell Phone Stipend, Company Credit Card provided.

WHO YOU ARE

The Design Manager is a key member of the Development team, reporting directly to the Director of Design. This individual will be responsible for creating site designs that are consistent with the company’s brand standards, while adhering to cost, schedule, and operational requirements. This position manages 40-50 projects annually and coordinates with in-house Real Estate, Construction Managers, and Operations on the real estate development process.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

• Open to candidates within our footprint near a major airport
• Fully remote with the ability to travel up to 50% of the time

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create preliminary designs including test fit and schematic design (including RCP) that adhere to company brand and construction standards, developing site-specific design solutions aligned with prototype design intentions.
• Review and analyze due diligence information to develop preliminary site plan designs. Coordinate with architectural and engineering consultants to ensure construction documents meet Playa Bowls specifications.
• Partner with Construction and Real Estate teams to successfully implement store designs. Assist in coordinating for smooth turnover of new shops and remodel projects to operations and training teams.
• Utilize the company's project management platform (FranConnect) to ensure alignment among franchisees, A&E purveyors, FF&E vendors, and other teams for timely and cost-effective development.
• Maintain all FF&E, millwork, and supplier installation schedules and pricing.
• Update and coordinate the PB Prototypical Drawings, Design Manual, and Specifications, ensuring change management is communicated internally and to vendors and franchisees.
• Have the creative vision to develop new and existing shops that embody the ‘Playa Bowls Jersey Shore Vibe’.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND BEHAVIORS

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Urban Planning, Architecture, or related field
• Minimum seven years of architectural and construction experience in retail/hospitality environments
• Experience managing development projects, including plans, zoning, design standards, construction documents, and entitlements
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, InDesign, SketchUp, Photoshop
• Proficient in Google Suite, FranConnect, and Microsoft Office
• Process-oriented with the ability to execute within laid-out parameters
• Organized with strong time management skills and ability to handle multiple tasks
• Strong financial understanding related to store success
• Creative problem solver, adaptable, resilient, and experienced in overcoming challenges
• Ability to develop contingency plans for unforeseen issues
• Able to prioritize tasks with a sense of urgency
• Recognizes patterns, makes connections, and reacts appropriately

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS

• Ability to traverse and inspect all areas of the job site in various weather conditions, including walking, climbing, reaching, bending, crawling, or stretching.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Engage in problem-solving to identify and resolve potential issues
• Be on call to address delays, emergencies, and other issues at the job site.

MISSION

Inspire and support our communities one bowl at a time.

VALUES

Real Deal. Playa Passion. Powerhouse. Big Wave Chaser. Dawn Patrol

Playa Bowls is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, discipline, or discharge decisions, are based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected class under law.