What are the responsibilities and job description for the Design and Entitlement Manager position at Primrose Schools?
Benefits:
What a Difference
At Primrose, our mission - to forge a path that leads to a brighter future for all children - is why we do what we do each day. Primrose provides a life-changing early learning experience for children and their families. We believe who children become is as important as what they know.
We believe who YOU are is as important as what you know. We make every effort to ensure everyone feels they belong in our Primrose community. Our commitment to Belongingness means we seek similarities and respect differences in our unique backgrounds, life experiences and perspectives.
What You Will Do
In your role as Design & Entitlement Manager, you will partner with Franchise Owners, architects, consultants, and municipal stakeholders to help bring new Primrose schools to life. You will serve as Primrose's design and entitlement expert, helping ensure each project aligns with brand standards while successfully navigating site-specific development challenges. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex development problems, building strong relationships, and helping Franchise Owners move projects from concept to construction.
Design Guidance & Brand Stewardship
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
What a Difference
At Primrose, our mission - to forge a path that leads to a brighter future for all children - is why we do what we do each day. Primrose provides a life-changing early learning experience for children and their families. We believe who children become is as important as what they know.
We believe who YOU are is as important as what you know. We make every effort to ensure everyone feels they belong in our Primrose community. Our commitment to Belongingness means we seek similarities and respect differences in our unique backgrounds, life experiences and perspectives.
What You Will Do
In your role as Design & Entitlement Manager, you will partner with Franchise Owners, architects, consultants, and municipal stakeholders to help bring new Primrose schools to life. You will serve as Primrose's design and entitlement expert, helping ensure each project aligns with brand standards while successfully navigating site-specific development challenges. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex development problems, building strong relationships, and helping Franchise Owners move projects from concept to construction.
Design Guidance & Brand Stewardship
- Serve as the design lead for assigned development projects, ensuring alignment with Primrose brand standards, prototype requirements, and operational needs.
- Partner with Franchise Owners, architects, and consultants to review plans, resolve design challenges, and protect the intended school experience.
- Identify opportunities for design improvements and value engineering while maintaining design intent and operational functionality.
- Serve as a trusted advisor and primary development partner to Franchise Owners throughout the design and entitlement process.
- Guide Franchise Owners and their consultants through development requirements, helping them navigate challenges and make informed decisions.
- Communicate proactively regarding project status, risks, and key decisions requiring Franchise Owner input.
- Guide Franchise Owners through zoning, permitting, site planning, and municipal approval processes.
- Evaluate proposed sites and due diligence findings to identify entitlement risks and development opportunities early in the process.
- Support meetings with municipal staff, review boards, planning commissions, and other jurisdictional stakeholders as needed.
- Monitor project schedules and key milestones, identifying risks and helping keep projects on track.
- Travel to development markets to meet with Franchise Owners, visit project sites, and support successful project execution.
- Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
- Five or more years of experience in franchise, retail, restaurant, multi-unit, or commercial development.
- Experience working directly with Franchise Owners, owner-developers, or multi-unit operators preferred.
- Strong understanding of design development, construction documents, and development workflows.
- Working knowledge of entitlement, zoning, permitting, and municipal approval processes.
- Ability to review plans, identify issues, and recommend practical solutions.
- Experience interpreting due diligence reports, site studies, and development documentation.
- Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously.
- Proficiency with project scheduling and collaboration tools.
- Willingness to travel up to 50%.
- Commission or bonuses based on personal and company performance
- 50% tuition reimbursement for up to three children and/or one grandchild at any Primrose School
- Full-time team members are eligible for health, dental and vision insurance
- 401k with company matching up to 3.5% and company provided life insurance
- Employee Assistance Program