Development Design Manager ( Franchise)

Job Description: Development Design Manager

Rita’s Italian Ice, is seeking a Development Design Manager to support the design and development of new Rita’s shop locations. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented design professional with experience in architectural design, construction documentation, foodservice operations, and franchise or hospitality environments.

The Development Design Manager will create conceptual and final shop layouts, prepare design packages, support franchisees through pre-design and permitting, and collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, vendors, and internal development team members. This position requires strong technical design skills, excellent organization, and a practical understanding of operational workflow in food production or hospitality environments.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Create conceptual and final shop designs, layouts, and design packages for franchisees, architects, and contractors using AutoCAD and Bluebeam.
• Produce and maintain production drawings, project files, equipment data sheets, plan files, and design blocks.
• Apply knowledge of kitchen operations, food production areas, commissaries, hospitality workflow, and operational ergonomics to shop designs.
• Manage and conduct design meetings with Rita’s franchisees, architects, engineers, contractors, vendors, and internal team members.
• Review plans for compliance with building codes, zoning ordinances, land use regulations, and Rita’s design best practices.
• Review site submissions to assess viability as potential new Rita’s shop locations.
• Support franchisees during pre-design, design, and permitting phases of construction.
• Participate in occasional site tours with the Sr. Director of Development, franchisees, brokers, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain, manage, and organize AutoCAD and Bluebeam design data within construction project files.
• Provide regular project updates to the development team and maintain assigned portions of development reporting.
• Build and maintain strong cross-functional relationships with internal departments and external partners.
• Other duties as requested, directed or assigned.

Required Education & Experience

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in architectural design, construction, engineering, or a related field.
• Architectural, engineering, construction, or equivalent design-related experience required.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience preferred; recent graduates may be considered based on applicable coursework, portfolio, internships, or project experience.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and Bluebeam.
• Working knowledge of SketchUp, 3D modeling software, or AutoCAD-based modeling tools.
• Intermediate or advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Intermediate or higher skill level with design-related tools such as Illustrator, Editor, or similar programs.
• Experience or coursework related to foodservice design, hospitality operations, kitchen workflow, or construction documentation is a plus.

Key Attributes

• Teachable spirit and willingness to learn Rita’s brand standards and development process.
• “Bring It” Every Day: energetic, dependable, and success-oriented.
• Be Obsessive About Organization: strong time management skills and ability to prioritize competing tasks.
• Think Team First: able to work independently while collaborating across teams.
• Find A Way: practical, resourceful problem solver.
• Be A Mentor: willing to support and train others as needed.
• Professional presentation skills and excellent communication across phone, email, and video meetings.