DESIGN MANAGER

Job Title: Design Manager
Reports to: VP of Design & Construction
Location: Candidates living in TX, IL, CO, or AZ
FLSA Status: Exempt
Compensation: $90,000-$117,500 plus a 10% annual bonus

Summary:
At Mendocino Farms, we don’t just sell sandwiches – we Sell Happy!
The Design Manager is a key role reporting directly to the Vice President of Design & Construction and is responsible for owning, driving, and continuously improving the restaurant design function at Mendocino Farms. This role is intended to operate at a manager level with significant accountability and influence across the development lifecycle.
This position goes beyond creative execution and requires technical expertise, strong process leadership, and schedule accountability to ensure the design department operates efficiently, predictably, and in alignment with aggressive growth and operational goals.
The Design Manager serves as the day-to-day owner of the design function, managing the end-to-end design process for new restaurant development and remodel/refresh programs while ensuring brand consistency, operational excellence, cost awareness, and on-time delivery.

Responsibilities:
Design Leadership & Brand Stewardship

• Own and evolve Mendocino Farms’ restaurant design standards, principles, and brand expression across all locations
• Develop, maintain, and enforce a comprehensive design standards manual and look book to support scalable growth
• Ensure all designs deliver the upscale fast-casual “Eat Happy” brand experience while supporting efficient operations and maintainability
• Provide design leadership and mentorship, setting clear expectations for quality, consistency, and accountability

Project Execution & Technical Oversight

• Lead interior and exterior design for multiple new restaurant and remodel projects concurrently
• Manage design projects from site test fit and schematic design through permit approval and construction documentation
• Perform detailed reviews and redlines of architectural, MEP, kitchen, and consultant drawings to ensure coordination, constructability, cost accountability, and compliance with brand and operational standards
• Ensure design solutions are technically sound, code-compliant, cost-aware, and executable in the field
• Partner closely with Construction teams to proactively resolve design and technical issues
• Create test fit feasibility studies and Schematic Designs as needed to push projects forward

Process, Schedule & Delivery Accountability

• Own the design schedule across all projects, ensuring milestones are clearly defined, tracked, and met
• Drive standardized design processes, templates, and workflows to improve speed, quality, and predictability
• Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the design process and implement improvements
• Establish clear deliverables and accountability with internal teams and external consultants
• Ensure seamless handoff from design to construction, minimizing RFIs, rework, and field issues

Cross-Functional & Consultant Management

• Act as the primary design liaison with Operations, Construction, and Marketing
• Manage external architects, designers, engineers, and vendors, including scope definition, performance expectations, and deliverables
• Collaborate with Procurement and vendors on material selection, alternates, and standardization opportunities
• Coordinate brand imagery and assets with Marketing to implement in Store Designs

Documentation, Tools & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure design documentation is accurate, complete, and consistently organized
• Maintain organized digital project files, drawings, specifications, and design assets
• Leverage and continuously improve design tools, software, and systems (Revit, CAD, SketchUp, etc.)
• Support long-term design strategy focused on scalability, speed to market, cost control, and guest experience

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field
• 7 years of experience in restaurant or retail design, with direct involvement in new unit development
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced growth environment
• Experience partnering closely with construction and development teams strongly preferred

Benefits:
At Mendocino Farms, we believe Selling Happy starts from within. That’s why we offer:

• Competitive Salary
• Annual Bonus
• Meal Privileges—because food should make people feel good!
• Comprehensive Health Benefits & 401k Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation to recharge and fuel your best self

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Sitting / standing 6-8 hours.
• Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling
• Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching

There is no “I” in Mendo Mendocino Farms is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. Mendocino Farms will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. * Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Salary : $90,000 - $117,500