Design Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits :

401(k)

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Health insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Vision insurance

KidStrong is a fast-growing science-based kids training program that builds strong, confident and high-character kids. As we continue to scale nationally, our Franchise Development team plays a critical role in creating consistent, high-quality training center environments that support our brand experience.

Position Overview

The Design Manager is a key member of the Franchise Development team, responsible for managing design standards, coordinating with internal and external partners, and ensuring that all KidStrong centers are executed with accuracy and consistency. This role is ideal for someone with experience in an architecture firm or a similar retail, fitness, or kid-focused brand. This opportunity is especially suited for candidates seeking more ownership, autonomy, and career growth.

This is not a conceptual or highly creative design role. Instead, it requires strong communication, project management, and the ability to interpret and apply established brand design standards across multiple projects.

What You Will Do

Manage the design process for new KidStrong centers from concept through construction handoff.

Create test fits for potential centers and provide feedback on any missing information needed for design development.

Review architectural plans, verify adherence to KidStrong design standards, and provide clear feedback to architects and franchise partners.

Serve as the primary design liaison between KidStrong HQ, franchise owners, architects, vendors, and internal stakeholders.

Manage the cross functional signage program for New Center Openings

Maintain and update design guidelines, finish standards, FF&E specifications, and space planning templates.

Track multiple projects simultaneously and ensure deadlines, deliverables, and communication flow are maintained.

Review submittals, shop drawings, and FF&E packages for compliance.

Collaborate with internal and external teams to solve problems quickly and effectively.

Support value engineering opportunities without compromising brand standards.

Contribute to continuous improvement of design processes and tools as the brand scales.

Who You Are

Experienced in architectural or design project management with strong technical skills.

Detail oriented, organized, and skilled at managing multiple priorities.

A proactive communicator who can work with a variety of stakeholders including architects, franchisees, and internal leadership.

Someone who wants more autonomy than a traditional architecture firm provides and who is looking to grow within a brand rather than being directed by clients.

Comfortable interpreting and enforcing established design standards while supporting franchise partners throughout the process.

Required Qualifications

At least 5 years of experience at an architecture firm, interior design firm, or retail or fitness brand.

Highly proficient in AutoCAD and proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop / In Design).

Ability to provide light drafting support when needed.

Strong understanding of construction documents, design standards, and FF&E.

Experience in roles such as Design Coordinator, Architectural Designer, FF&E Specialist, or similar.

Proven ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with multiple stakeholder groups.

Strong project management and organizational skills.

Excels in a fast-paced, energetic environment and welcomes change.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with multi-unit retail, franchise, fitness, or experiential environments.

Background working with brand standards or prototype guidelines.

Experience supporting franchisees or distributed field teams is a plus.

Why Join KidStrong

Opportunities for career growth that are often not available within traditional architecture firms.

Increased autonomy, ownership, and ability to influence the direction of the brand.

A collaborative, fast paced, problem solving environment where you are not just following client directives and instead representing the client.

The chance to directly impact the environments where thousands of kids build confidence, strength, and life skills.