Design Manager

ZipRecruiter; Charleston (SC); Remote; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading restaurant brand is seeking a Design Manager to join their Development team. You will be responsible for creating innovative site designs that align with brand standards while managing multiple projects. The role is fully remote with required travel, providing competitive compensation and benefits.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid-remote work environment

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Annual bonus program

401K plan with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Qualifications

• Minimum seven years of architectural and construction experience in retail/hospitality.
• Experience managing development projects encompassing zoning, design standards.
• Ability to recognize patterns, connect data, and react appropriately.

Responsibilities

• Create preliminary designs and develop site-specific design solutions.
• Review due diligence information to develop preliminary site plan designs.
• Partner with Construction and Real Estate teams for successful implementation.

Skills

Creative problem solver

Strong organizational skills

Time management skills

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 is on track 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 continue to grow our brand!

WHAT WE OFFER

Playa Bowls offers competitive compensation, an annual bonus program, a flexible hybrid-remote work environment, medical, dental, and vision benefits, 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, and a company credit card.

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. The position manages 40-50 projects annually and coordinates with consultants, 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, and develop 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 completion of construction documents to Playa Bowls specifications.
• Partner with Construction and Real Estate teams to implement store designs successfully. Assist in coordinating the turnover of new shops and remodel projects to operations and training teams.
• Use the company's project management platform (FranConnect) to ensure alignment among franchisees, A&E vendors, FF&E vendors, and other teams for timely and cost-effective development.
• Maintain schedules and supplier pricing for FF&E, millwork, and installations.
• Update and coordinate PB Prototypical Drawings, Design Manual, and Specifications, ensuring change management is communicated internally and externally.
• Have a creative vision for new and existing shops to create 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.
• Experience managing development projects, including plans, zoning, design standards, and entitlements.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, InDesign, SketchUp, and Photoshop.
• Proficient in Google Suite, FranConnect, and Microsoft Office.
• Process-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Strong financial understanding related to store success.
• Creative problem solver with adaptability and resilience.
• Able to develop contingency plans and prioritize tasks with urgency.
• Able to recognize patterns, connect data, and react appropriately.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS

• Ability to traverse and inspect all areas of the job site in all 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.
• On call to address delays, emergencies, weather, and other issues at the 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 employment 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, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected status under law.