Manager, Design & Construction (LAC Region)

KFC•Plano, TX

About The Position

The Latin America & Caribbean (LA&C) Design & Construction Manager will drive the execution of PHG global design vision and asset strategy across LA&C markets, assuring FZs compliance with PHG & YUM standards. This role is accountable for managing the design approval processes, ensuring that every restaurant delivers a consistent, contemporary, and consumer-relevant experience — while enabling profitable, scalable, and sustainable growth. This leader will also lead the capability building initiatives for FZs teams and external regional vendors/consultants.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture, Design, Engineering, or related field.
Minimum 5/10+ years of experience in multi-market restaurant, retail, or hospitality design leadership roles.
Proven track record in leading global teams and managing cross-functional, multicultural stakeholder networks.
Expertise in design innovation, prototype development, and asset strategy for large-scale franchise or corporate restaurant systems.
Strong understanding of construction processes, cost management, and design governance frameworks.
Demonstrated success in sustainability integration within design and construction.
Exceptional leadership, influencing, and communication skills, with the ability to engage C-suite and franchise partners alike.

Nice To Haves

Spanish or Portugues language skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

Regional Design Leadership Support LA&C NNU growth by leading the execution of the approved global asset and design strategies, delivering consumer-relevant, insights-driven, and cost-effective assets.
Ownership of all Pizza Hut franchisee architectural submission & approval process standards for new and remodel projects.
Ensure implementation of YUM and PHG company’s policies, programs, and specifications related to planning, construction, and design for all Pizza Hut restaurants across the region.
Manage CAPEX optimization initiatives through build smarter processes across BMU markets.
Maintain up-to-date design and construction manuals, image enhancement guidelines, and communications systems for field & FZ partners.
Support training and capability development of regional construction suppliers and design consultants.
Asset Development & Portfolio Optimization Lead cross-functional design approval process to review for all new builds and remodels.
Manage the end-to-end design submission and approval process, including setting reminders, tracking status, and producing monthly progress reports.
Manage post-construction audits of new and remodel restaurants to ensure adherence to brand standards across BMU markets.
Manage CAPEX data collection and asset details upload to internal systems and dashboards to support visibility, compliance, and performance tracking across BMU markets.
Execute the remodel and image upgrade strategy , ensuring compliance with global brand design standards and delivery of ROI-driven results.
Manage remodel obligations compliance in partnership with the regional Development team.
Execution Excellence & Process Governance Implement disciplined design approval processes (DAP) to ensure high-quality, on-time, and cost-effective project delivery.
Manage systems for tracking design submissions, construction progress, and post-construction audits , CAPEX Optimization ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
Maintain up-to-date manuals, guidelines, and dashboards to enable governance and performance visibility across regions.
Sustainability Strategy Lead regional implementation of sustainability strategies aligned with YPHG’s “Green Hut” and broader corporate ESG commitments.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence Partner with Development, Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to ensure designs balance brand storytelling with operational excellence.
Engage franchisees, development partners, and internal stakeholders to align global asset strategies with business priorities and local market realities.
Identify, contract, and manage external design consultants, architects, and vendors to ensure alignment with brand vision and quality standards.
Collaborate with regional sister brand and Yum Global teams to share insights, leverage best practices, and drive cross-brand innovation.
Governance, Compliance & Reporting Oversee and ensure adherence to brand and regulatory design standards across all projects.
Deliver regular reports and insights to Regional leadership on asset performance, innovation impact, and cost optimization outcomes.