Design Manager - CAVA Restaurants (Remote in CA, TX, and NY)
CAVA is a rapidly expanding fast-casual restaurant and CPG brand focusing on fresh, Mediterranean-inspired, better-for-you cuisine. Born from our full-service restaurants, our chef-driven fast-casual format is currently in four states with further expansion ahead. We are looking for a Design Manager to join the Development Group at CAVA, helping us reach new communities with each new location. This position can be in LA, TX, NY and is remote.
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What You’ll Do:
Responsible for performing, coordinating, and/or managing design activities during pre-lease and design phases for the national expansion of CAVA restaurants and CAVA Products production facilities.
Assist Real Estate team in the evaluation of prospective locations and provide feedback on draft Letter of Intent and/or Landlord Work Letter. Provide initial test fits and lease exhibits for sites.
Coordinate internal meetings with cross-functional partners for final design approval.
Prepare initial project schedules in conjunction with internal stakeholders for review/approval by corporate leadership.
Manage Design Consultants’ project contracts, scope of work, and schedules. Review and ensure consultant deliverables are in accordance with design and brand standards.
Work with internal development partners and Design Consultants to prepare full project due diligence reports.
Coordinate with Utility Consultants during due diligence. Review site reports with Design/Engineering Consultants to provide scope of work assessments to project team.
Moderate Project Kick-Off meetings with internal stakeholders and Consultants.
Review and coordinate Landlord’s scope of work with Design Consultants’ Construction Documents.
Coordinate design activities by various vendors during design phase, including architect, MEP engineer, kitchen equipment vendor, internal/external signage vendor(s), millwork fabricator, etc.
Review design documents and specifications and facilitate various reviews by CAVA team members.
Assist Construction Managers to validate project budgets are in accordance with scope of work.
Facilitate Landlord approvals of CAVA’s design, as required.
Work with licensed Consultants to oversee jurisdictional approvals and building permits are obtained for projects. Attend jurisdictional approval meetings to present designs, as required.
Travel to restaurant sites in any CAVA/Zoe’s Kitchen markets and attend construction progress meetings as needed, to ensure brand standards and project requirements are met.
Partner with Construction team to resolve on-site issues, provide sketches and responses as necessary to Contractor RFI’s.
Maintain detailed files for all projects in accordance with CAVA filing standards.
Collaborate with internal partners to evaluate and enhance brand recognition and design standards.
Assist Department leadership in various brand initiatives that may include concept/schematic design, interior and industrial design.
Assist Department leadership with design presentations and R&D.
Identify opportunities for the use of new technology and materials.
The Qualifications:
Minimum 5 years’ post-collegiate experience designing hospitality/retail/restaurant projects.
Minimum 2 years’ experience working for a company with a roll-out program (retail/restaurants/hospitality).
Minimum 1 years’ experience overseeing the design of restaurant or similar foodservice projects, with knowledge of health code requirements and restaurant infrastructure (HVAC and exhaust systems, kitchen equipment, etc).
Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and Adobe Creative Suite proficient.
Rendering, 3D modeling, and hand sketching skills a plus.
Able to manage several projects and consultants simultaneously, and work with multiple project stakeholders across the organization.
Strong communication and time management skills.
Knowledge of retail/restaurant/hospitality design industry trends and best practices.
Positive attitude with team-driven mentality and detail-oriented approach.
Ability to travel up to 30% throughout CAVA and Zoe’s markets.
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods
Must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment
Must be able to identify, assess and observe detail
Must be able to push and pull up to 35 pounds
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
Must be able to sit, squat and kneel occasionally
Must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner
May be required to occasionally work in outdoor weather conditions
What we offer:
Competitive salary, plus bonus and long-term incentives*
Unlimited PTO, paid parental leave, plus paid opportunities to give back to the community
Health, Dental, Vision, Telemedicine, Pet Insurance plus more!
401k enrollment with CAVA contribution
Company-paid STD, LTD, Life and AD&D coverage for salaried positions*
Free CAVA food
Casual work environment
The opportunity to be on the ground floor of a rapidly growing brand