Design Manager - Chicago

Department/Function: Development

Location: Remote

Reports to: Director of Design & Construction

Full-Time

Exempt

Travel Requirements: Frequently

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This role will design and project manage small construction projects refreshing interior and exterior designs to existing company shops and existing franchise shops to bring them up to current design standards.

FOCUS

Responsibilities

• Conduct on-site surveys, along with company or franchise operations teams, for all shops to identify scope of work needed for the interior, exterior and building signage while keeping budget and refresh scope level in mind.
• Create and coordinate refresh drawing sets including: Floor Plans, FF&E Plans, RCP, Elevations, Schedules & Details. Gaining approval from development, operations, and franchisees for design alignment and approvals.
• Use creative ability to transform existing shops to meet new design standards within design scope while still maintaining the feel of “The Neighborhood Sandwich Shop”
• Work with signage vendor, landlords and marketing to coordinate new exterior signage and exterior storefront design.
• Create colored elevations and purchase/place wall decor for shop interiors.
• Lead coordination and communication with shop teams with regular updates to clearly explain scope and duration of work for smooth completions and turnover of all refresh projects.
• Maintain ‘Refresh Project Schedule’ and project tracking documents with general contractor timelines/schedule while coordinating orders and deliveries for furniture, lighting, equipment and millwork.
• Maintain refresh costs and budgeting for each project including GC bids and vendor quotations.
• Maintain and coordinate updates for Refresh - PSW Prototypical Drawings, Design Manual and Specifications. Ensuring change management is communicated internally and to vendors and contractors.
• Perform such other related tasks as reasonably requested.
• Potential opportunity to assist and work on New Shop Opening projects as schedule allows.

Skills

• Process-oriented with ability to execute tasks within the parameters outlined by Development Leadership Team.
• Highly organized self-starter with excellent time management skills with ability to multi-task through different phases of the design process and multiple projects at the same time. Able to prioritize duties and tasks with a sense of urgency.
• Creative problem solver and critical thinker, able to work through design & budget challenges with adaptability, resilience, and expertise.
• Detailed oriented with eye for delivering and ensuring high-quality workmanship and adherence to strict design policies. Able to identify emerging patterns, makes connections among data and issues, and appropriately react while develop contingency plans to deal with unexpected situations in the development process
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Strong presentation skills, in person and especially virtually on camera.
• Excellent collaborative skills that demonstrate teamwork, creativity, and innovation.
• Excellent computer design and presentation skills.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS

• Must have the ability/stamina to work 45-50+ hours a week
• Must be able to work in both warm and cool environments, indoors and outdoors
• Must be able to engage in problem-solving skills to help identify and solve potential issues
• Ability to stand/walk for 9-10 hours per day and sit for 1-2 hours per day
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Will frequently reach, feel, bend, stoop, carry, finely manipulate, and key in data

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND BEHAVIORS

• Must represent The Potbelly Values.
• Demonstrated success in meeting or exceeding goals and deadlines.
• Must be coachable, driven, focused, confident and a self-starter
• Cool and collective under pressure.
• Must be passionate about the food business in general and Potbelly in particular.
• Proficient in Auto CAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam/Revu and all Microsoft products. Knowledge of Revit a plus.
• Experience with CRM, FranDash (or similar), SmartSheet/PM for collaboration and communication
• Minimum of 5 years experience of in restaurant development and project management experience
• Must have experience performing in a fast pace environment
• Must strive for excellence and have only the highest integrity in their intentions
• Bachelor’s degree in related field (BA or BS in Interior Design or Architecture)