DESIGN MANAGER

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Job Description

Posted Monday, December 29, 2025 at 10 : 00 AM

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

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

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

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.

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