Principal Restaurant Design Lead

The Principal Design Lead (Reinvestment & Custom Project Solutions) will direct and oversee the design, architecture, and engineering project management for Strategic Reinvestment (Remodels, Scrape & Rebuilds, Relocations) and Custom Projects Solutions projects in multiple regions.

This role will partner with Strategic Reinvestment and Custom Project Solutions leadership teams in developing design strategies for both programs. This role will also partner with Asset Management and Operations leadership teams as well as our local Operators (Franchisees) to ensure each Restaurant is fully optimized ensuring operational effectiveness, brand expression, and ensuring the right investment in our existing Restaurants.

Our Flexible Future model offers a healthy mix of working in person and virtually, strengthening key elements of the Chick-fil-A culture by fostering collaboration and community. 

• Lead, orchestrate, and oversee regional design partners in developing schematic designs, back of house operational layouts, seating & décor plans, and design development documents for existing Chick-fil-A Restaurants.
• Partner in the selection of regional design partners and professionals responsible for execution our regional design strategies, outcomes, and results for our Strategic Reinvestment program.
• Influence and execute strategies & operational plans for our Strategic Reinvestment and Custom Project Solutions programs.
• Direct and train Chick-fil-A regional architects, engineers, kitchen design partners, Market Level Design Consultants, and internal stakeholders on Chick-fil-A Brand standards, processes, and requirements.
• Track and ensure all design projects for Reinvestment & Custom Project Solutions for existing Restaurants are in alignment with Chick-fil-A's pipeline schedule.
• Responsible for relationship management & performance reviews of regional design partners.
• Direct, oversee, and ensure change management and integration of new initiatives into design projects for Strategic Reinvestment & Custom Project Solutions program.
• Provide thought leadership, oversight, and implementation of new design processes, systems, and strategies.
• May participate and represent Design Team on our Operations Area Support Team.
• Serve on Department cross-functional initiative teams as necessary.
• Accountable for processing, tracking, and approval of design budget & invoicing ensuring timely payment to our Partners.

• Bachelor's Degree
• 8+ Years in Design in multi-site, multi-location Restaurant, Retail, or Commercial Real Estate
• Team player who values and demonstrates strong collaboration, listens to differing opinions, comfortable navigating the unknown and positively challenges and influences others. Understands the necessity to build and nurture relationships.
  
• Proven experience leading, selecting, and managing architectural, engineering, & design partners.
  
• Experience in leading, applying, developing, and driving design strategy for multiple location specific Restaurants.
  
• Ability to see, understand, orchestrate, and apply excellent exterior, interior, and operational design acumen across many projects.
  
• Proven experience in designing Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment and Back of House (Kitchens) for location specific Restaurants.
  
• Proven ability to navigate & work across multiple departments, teams, and initiatives supporting a positive work environment through effective interpersonal skills.
  
• Understands capital investment and investment analysis principles for Restaurant design & construction.
  
• Strong ability to work independently with wide latitude for unreviewed action & autonomous decision making.
  
• Strong communication skills (written, oral, & presentations).
  
• Demonstrates ability to teach as well as learn from others.
  
• Manage high number of projects through ability to organize, prioritize, delegate and communicate in a timely manner.

• Educational background in Architecture, Interior Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, Environment Design, or Project Management
• Master’s Degree (MBA, Organizational Leadership, or Project Management)
• Professional License (AIA, NCIDQ, PE-Professional Engineering, PMP)