Associate Concept Design Manager-Remote

Associate Concept Design Manager (Remote role with preference to be NYC based)
Can you set up projects for success, and ensure they are executed to high brand standards? Are you enthusiastic about collaborating effectively with partners across an organization? Do you have a passion for design, and strive to make each project better than the last? If this is you, we want you to join our team. 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 26 states with further expansion ahead. We are looking for an Associate Concept Design Manager to join the Development and Design Team at CAVA, helping us reach new communities with each new location.
 
What You’ll Do:
Assist Principal Design Manager in performing, coordinating, and/or managing design activities during pre-lease and design phases for the national expansion of CAVA restaurants.
Create initial test fits and lease exhibits for prospective new restaurant sites.
Develop design concepts and refinements related to FFE with particular focus on millwork, lighting and architectural integration.
Develop concept renderings for both full restaurant experiences, as well as smaller-scale details.
Collaborate with internal partners to evaluate and enhance brand recognition and design standards.
Coordinate internal meetings with cross-functional stakeholders for final design approval.
Assist Principal Design Manager in reviewing Design Consultants’ project contracts, scope of work, and schedules. Review and ensure consultant deliverables are in accordance with design and brand standards.
Assist Department leadership with design presentations and R&D.
Identify opportunities for the use of new technology and materials.
Assist Department leadership in various brand initiatives that may include concept/schematic design, interior and industrial design.
Review project due diligence reports in preparation for Project Kick-Off calls.
Coordinate with Utility Consultants during due diligence. Review site reports with Design/Engineering Consultants to provide scope of work assessments to project team.
Attend Project Kick-Off meetings with internal stakeholders and Consultants.
Review and coordinate Landlord’s scope of work with Design Consultants’ Construction Documents.
Assist Design Manager with 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.
Facilitate Landlord approvals of CAVA’s design, as required.
Travel to restaurant sites in any CAVA 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.
 
The Qualifications:
3+ years post-collegiate experience designing hospitality/retail/restaurant projects.
1+ years of experience working for a company with a roll-out program (retail/restaurants/hospitality).
1+ years of experience designing restaurant or similar foodservice projects, with knowledge of health code requirements and restaurant infrastructure (HVAC and exhaust systems, kitchen equipment, etc.)
Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop and InDesign required), Sketchup/3D modeling proficient.
Strong visual communication and concepting skills with ability to create 2D and 3D images for presentations.
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, be able to research trends, design elements and best practices.
Positive attitude with team-driven mentality and detail-oriented approach.
Ability to travel up to 30% throughout CAVA markets.