Director of Design & Construction

The Salty Donut Operations•Miami, FL

About The Position

The Director of Design & Construction leads planning, design, and delivery for new Salty Donut locations and major capital improvement projects. This leader translates the brand vision into attractive, functional, durable spaces while managing schedules, budgets, contractors, consultants, and quality from site evaluation through opening and closeout. The role partners with executive leadership, Operations, Finance, and external design and construction teams to support responsible expansion across markets. The position requires an owner’s mindset, disciplined project execution, strong communication, and a commitment to operationally practical design. Responsibilities span design leadership and brand standards; new-store development and project delivery; construction management and field execution; capital budgets; permitting, compliance, and risk management; cross-functional collaboration and store openings; vendor and partner management; and process improvement and growth planning. The role also requires travel to project sites across markets as business needs require.

Requirements

At least 7 years of progressive experience in design, construction, or development, including leadership of multi-site commercial projects.
Experience delivering restaurant, hospitality, retail, or other customer-facing spaces.
Strong understanding of construction methods, architectural drawings, permitting processes, schedules, and project budgets.
Demonstrated success managing external consultants, contractors, vendors, and multiple simultaneous projects.
Ability to balance design excellence with constructability, operational needs, and financial discipline.
Excellent communication, negotiation, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Comfort using project management software, spreadsheets, and drawing/document collaboration tools.
Ability to travel to project sites across markets as business needs require.
Passion for hospitality, craftsmanship, and The Salty Donut brand.

Nice To Haves

Multi-unit rollout experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead architectural, interior, and technical design efforts for new locations, remodels, and special projects.
Translate brand identity into consistent guest-facing environments while allowing for appropriate site-specific solutions.
Review drawings, finish schedules, fixtures, equipment layouts, signage, and material selections for quality and functionality.
Partner with Operations to ensure layouts support guest flow, production efficiency, safety, and team member experience.
Own the project lifecycle from early feasibility and design through permitting, construction, punch list, and handoff.
Develop integrated project plans with clear milestones, dependencies, responsibilities, and opening-readiness checkpoints.
Coordinate architects, engineers, general contractors, landlords, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
Identify risks and resolve issues that could affect project scope, schedule, cost, or quality.
Oversee construction progress, site visits, inspections, and quality control across active projects.
Review contractor schedules, RFIs, submittals, change orders, and project documentation.
Ensure work aligns with approved plans, specifications, lease requirements, and applicable codes.
Manage punch lists, warranties, turnover documents, and post-opening construction follow-up.
Build and maintain project budgets, forecasts, and cash-flow schedules in partnership with Finance.
Solicit and evaluate bids, negotiate commercial terms, and recommend vendors based on value and performance.
Monitor commitments, invoices, contingencies, and change orders; promptly escalate material variances.
Identify opportunities to standardize specifications and reduce costs without compromising the brand or operational needs.
Coordinate required permits, approvals, inspections, and certificates of occupancy with qualified partners.
Work with design professionals and contractors to address building, fire, accessibility, health, and safety requirements.
Track landlord approvals, utility coordination, and jurisdiction-specific requirements.
Maintain organized records of contracts, drawings, permits, insurance documentation, and project closeout materials.
Partner with Operations, Culinary, IT, Procurement, and People teams to support successful openings.
Coordinate equipment installation, utilities, technology infrastructure, furnishings, and final readiness activities.
Provide leadership with timely, transparent project updates, including milestones, decisions needed, and risks.
Support a structured transition from construction to store operations with clear ownership of outstanding items.
Develop a reliable network of architects, engineers, contractors, fabricators, and specialty vendors across markets.
Set clear expectations for partner deliverables, communication, service levels, and accountability.
Evaluate partner performance and continuously improve the development process.
Protect company interests through disciplined documentation and appropriate escalation of contractual issues.
Establish repeatable project templates, reporting tools, design standards, and opening checklists.
Capture lessons learned from each project to improve speed, cost predictability, and store performance.
Support preliminary site assessments and development due diligence as needed.
Balance growth goals with thoughtful execution, operational practicality, and long-term asset quality.