DESIGN MANAGER

Mendocino Farms Talent Acquisition Team•Chicago, IL

3d•$90,000 - $117,500

About The Position

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.

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
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

Nice To Haves

Experience partnering closely with construction and development teams strongly preferred

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