Design Manager

Coffee & Bagel Brands; United States; On-site; USD 76,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

Caribou Coffee is seeking a Design Manager to shape store experiences across new builds, remodels, and partner-led projects. The role guides design from early site review through construction documentation and field support within a Real Estate, Design and Construction team.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in architecture with restaurant/retail focus, plus AutoCAD proficiency and strong vendor coordination skills.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in architecture, especially restaurant/retail.
• 5 years of AutoCAD experience.
• 3D rendering capabilities are a plus.
• Experience coordinating architectural, MEP, interior design, signage and vendor partners.
• Proven ability to manage outside consultants and resolve design issues across multiple projects.
• Experience partnering cross-functionally with Real Estate, Construction, Operations, Facilities, Legal or equivalents.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate due diligence, design, planning and production phases for new, remodel and partner-led store projects.
• Collaborate with Real Estate, Construction, Legal, Operations, Facilities, landlords and consultants to establish design intent and approvals.
• Direct architectural, engineering and exterior sign vendors to deliver complete construction documents on time.
• Assess design risks: layout feasibility, utility/MEP constraints, signage, exterior scope, landlord requirements, operational fit.
• Manage multiple projects from shell review to space planning, documentation, signage coordination and field support.
• Maintain Caribou design standards, prototype documents and finish/material standards.

Skills

Design leadership

Construction documents

Stakeholder communication

Project management

Detail oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

3D Rendering

Job description

At Caribou Coffee we create day-making experiences that spark a chain reaction of GOOD! This is our purpose. Our team brings this to life by focusing on what’s really important around here – TEAM, GUEST, BUSINESS! It’s that simple. If you’re ready to work somewhere you can be yourself while making an impact on your community, creating life-long relationships, and serving the best coffee around, join our herd!

Position Overview

As Design Manager, you will help shape the future of Caribou’s store experience by bringing brand-right, operationally smart and cost-conscious designs to life. As the primary design resource within the Real Estate, Design and Construction team, you will guide new stores, remodels and partner-led projects from early site review through design development, construction documentation and field support. This role partners closely with Real Estate, Construction, Operations, Facilities, landlords, franchisees, consultants and vendors to create consistent, welcoming and highly functional Caribou environments. This position works within the Development team alongside the Real Estate, Design and Construction team and acts as an internal consultant to Facilities, Operations and franchise/license partners.

Core Responsibilities

• Coordinate due diligence, design, planning and production phases for new, remodel and partner-led store projects.
• Partner with Real Estate, Construction, Legal, Operations, Facilities, landlords, franchisees and consultants to establish design intent and secure required approvals.
• Direct architectural, engineering and exterior sign vendors to deliver complete, brand-right and permit-ready construction documents within agreed timelines.
• Assess early design risks, including layout feasibility, utility/MEP constraints, signage, exterior scope, landlord requirements and operational fit.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects from shell review through space planning, construction documentation, signage coordination and construction support.
• Maintain Caribou design standards, prototype documents, finish/material standards, drawing templates and organized project archives.
• Identify cost-conscious design solutions that balance brand intent, guest experience, operational needs, schedule and capital investment.
• Review partner-led drawings and support franchise/license partners in applying Caribou design standards consistently.
• Drive the creative vision for store renovations and new store development, leading the creation of refreshed design concepts that elevate the guest experience while supporting operational and brand objectives.
• Lead timely resolution of design issues to reduce redesign cycles, field conflicts and project delays.

Skills and Qualifications

Strong working knowledge of construction documents, shop drawings, restaurant/retail layouts and consultant coordination. Able to operate with independence, prioritize competing work and keep projects moving without direct team support. Clear, concise communicator who can influence internal stakeholders, external consultants, landlords and franchise/license partners. Comfortable presenting design recommendations, risks and tradeoffs to management. Current knowledge of restaurant, coffeehouse and retail design trends. High personal accountability, deadline discipline and attention to detail. Strong organizational, space planning and problem-solving skills. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced development environment.

Qualifications

Required: At least 7 years of experience in architecture, with an emphasis in restaurant or retail projects preferred; franchise experience is a plus. 5 years of AutoCAD experience; 3D rendering capabilities are a plus. Experience coordinating architectural, MEP, interior design, signage and vendor partners through construction drawing production. Demonstrated ability to manage outside consultants, review drawings and resolve design issues across multiple active projects. Experience partnering cross-functionally with Real Estate, Construction, Operations, Facilities, Legal or equivalent business partners.

Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management or related field. Restaurant, coffeehouse, retail, franchise or multi-unit development experience. Exposure to entitlement, permitting, landlord approval or site due diligence processes.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements for this position include sitting, standing, bending, lifting, and moving intermittently during working hours. These physical requirements must be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodation. The duties of this position may change from time to time. Caribou reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the company or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Caribou Coffee Operating Company, Inc. and its affiliates are proud to be Equal Opportunity Employers to all applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on any characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

Address: | 3900 Lakebreeze Ave N , Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55429 | Compensation Range: $75,894.00 - $126,490.00 per year *Starting pay is subject to Local and State Minimum Wage regulations. **Ranges reflect what employer reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for such position. The physical demands for this position are reaching, lifting up to 50 pounds, sitting, standing, for 4 to 8 hours, bending, and moving intermittently during working hours. These physical demands may be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodations.

Brand: Caribou Coffee Caribou Coffee serves high-quality handcrafted beverages and crave-worthy food in more than 800 coffeehouses worldwide. Committed to building personal connections and supporting the communities it serves, Caribou uses premium ingredients like specialty-grade coffee and real chocolate chips in our handcrafted beverages to help create day-making experiences for every guest. Caribou Coffee is part of Panera Brands with Panera Bread® and Einstein Bros.® Bagels. To learn more, visit cariboucoffee.com.