Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Bagel Brands (Caribou Coffee)

Location: Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design & Construction Operations (GTM/Real Estate)

Date Posted: September 29, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the end-to-end design process for new store developments, remodels, and partner-led projects, ensuring brand consistency and operational efficiency.

• Act as the primary design liaison within the Real Estate, Design, and Construction (RED+C) team, collaborating extensively with internal stakeholders and external partners.

• Drive the creative vision and brand standards for Caribou Coffee's physical spaces, balancing aesthetic appeal with functional requirements and cost-effectiveness.

• Manage multiple concurrent projects, from initial site review through design development, construction documentation, and field support, ensuring timely delivery and quality outcomes.

• Develop and maintain design standards, prototypes, and documentation to support consistent brand representation across all Caribou Coffee locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities clearly place this role within the GTM (Go-To-Market) and Real Estate/Development operations function. The focus on store experience, operational smarts, cost-consciousness, and collaboration with Real Estate, Construction, and Operations teams indicates a strong GTM operations component, managing the physical brand experience.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate due diligence, design, planning, and production phases for new store builds, renovations, and franchisee-initiated projects.

• Collaborate with Real Estate, Construction, Legal, Operations, Facilities, landlords, franchisees, and external consultants to define design intent and secure necessary approvals.

• Direct architectural, engineering, and exterior signage vendors to produce complete, brand-compliant, and permit-ready construction documents within established timelines.

• Proactively assess potential design risks, including layout feasibility, utility and MEP constraints, signage regulations, exterior scope limitations, landlord requirements, and operational integration.

• Manage a portfolio of concurrent projects from initial shell review, through space planning, detailed construction documentation, signage coordination, and ongoing construction support.

• Maintain and update Caribou Coffee's design standards, prototype documents, material specifications, drawing templates, and organized project archives for accessibility and consistency.

• Identify and implement cost-effective design solutions that optimize brand integrity, guest experience, operational workflows, project schedules, and capital investment.

• Review and approve design submissions from franchise and license partners, ensuring adherence to Caribou Coffee's established design guidelines and brand principles.

• Lead the creative development and execution of refreshed design concepts for store renovations and new store constructions to enhance guest experience and support operational goals.

• Facilitate the timely resolution of design-related issues during all project phases to minimize redesign efforts, field conflicts, and potential project delays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic design leadership and hands-on project management within a corporate development context. The scope includes managing external vendors and consultants, which is a critical aspect of operations in managing third-party relationships for efficient project delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management, or a related field is preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 7 years of experience in architecture, with a strong preference for projects within the restaurant or retail sectors. Franchise development experience is considered a significant plus.

Required Skills:

• Strong working knowledge of construction documents, shop drawings, restaurant/retail layout principles, and consultant coordination processes.

• Demonstrated ability to operate independently, prioritize competing tasks, and drive projects forward with minimal direct supervision.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design intent, risks, and trade-offs to diverse internal stakeholders, external consultants, landlords, and franchise/license partners.

• Proficiency in presenting design recommendations and potential challenges to management for informed decision-making.

• Up-to-date knowledge of current design trends in the restaurant, coffeehouse, and retail industries.

• High level of personal accountability, strict adherence to deadlines, and meticulous attention to detail.

• Robust organizational, space planning, and problem-solving capabilities.

• Proven track record of successfully managing multiple priorities within a fast-paced development environment.

• Minimum 5 years of AutoCAD experience; 3D rendering capabilities are a valuable asset.

• Experience coordinating architectural, MEP, interior design, signage, and vendor partners through the entire construction drawing production lifecycle.

• Demonstrated success in managing external consultants, reviewing their deliverables, and resolving design issues across a portfolio of active projects.

• Proven experience partnering cross-functionally with departments such as Real Estate, Construction, Operations, Facilities, or Legal. Preferred Skills:

• Restaurant, coffeehouse, retail, franchise, or multi-unit development project experience.

• Exposure to entitlement processes, permitting procedures, landlord approval workflows, or site due diligence activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are substantial, indicating a need for a seasoned professional who can manage complex projects with a high degree of autonomy. The emphasis on AutoCAD and coordinating various technical consultants points to a need for strong technical project management skills, typical in operations roles managing build-outs and infrastructure.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant projects (new builds, remodels) demonstrating end-to-end design lifecycle management, from concept to completion.

• Include examples of site feasibility studies, space planning exercises, and detailed construction documentation sets (e.g., architectural, MEP, interior finishes).

• Present case studies highlighting cost-conscious design solutions that balanced brand standards, guest experience, operational efficiency, and capital investment.

• Provide documentation of vendor/consultant coordination efforts, including how design issues were resolved and how standards were maintained.

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of brand standards implementation and consistency across multiple retail or restaurant environments. Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to managing the design process from initial concept through construction administration, including key milestones and decision points.

• Illustrate how you ensure brand consistency and operational functionality are integrated into the design from the outset.

• Explain your methods for coordinating with cross-functional teams (Operations, Facilities, Marketing) and external partners (Landlords, Franchisees, Vendors) to achieve project goals.

• Outline your strategy for identifying and mitigating design-related risks and resolving conflicts efficiently.

• Showcase your system for organizing and maintaining design standards, templates, and project archives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role with significant project management responsibilities, a robust portfolio is crucial. It should not only display aesthetic capabilities but also demonstrate a strong understanding of process, efficiency, cost management, and cross-functional collaboration – all key operational competencies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,894 - $126,490 per year

Explanation of Range: This range is based on the provided job posting's compensation information for a Design Manager role in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. It reflects the typical salary bands for experienced design and project management professionals in the retail/restaurant development sector within a major metropolitan area. The specific starting pay is subject to local and state minimum wage regulations and may vary based on the candidate's qualifications, experience level, and demonstrated expertise.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage options for employees and their families.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous accrual of vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with potential company match to support long-term financial goals.

• Employee Discounts: Potential for discounts on Caribou Coffee products and merchandise.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and potentially support for continuing education or certifications relevant to architecture and design.

• Life Insurance and Disability Coverage: Protection for employees and their families.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and work-related challenges.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. Standard business hours are expected, with potential for occasional extended hours to meet project deadlines or attend crucial meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range has been directly extracted from the job posting. Benefits are standard for a corporate role of this level, with a focus on those supporting employee well-being and professional growth, which are key considerations for attracting and retaining talent in operations-focused roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage / Coffee Retail. Caribou Coffee operates within a highly competitive and dynamic coffeehouse market, emphasizing community, quality, and a positive guest experience. The company has a strong brand identity rooted in its "herd" mentality and commitment to creating "day-making experiences."

Company Size: Bagel Brands (parent company of Caribou Coffee) is a significant entity in the food and beverage sector. Caribou Coffee itself operates a substantial number of locations, implying a well-established corporate structure with dedicated departments for Real Estate, Design, Construction, Operations, and Facilities. This size suggests structured processes and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration within a large organization.

Founded: Caribou Coffee was founded in 1992. This long history indicates a mature brand with established operational practices and a deep understanding of the coffeehouse market, providing a stable yet evolving environment for design and development professionals.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager is part of the Real Estate, Design, and Construction (RED+C) team, which operates as an internal consultancy.

• This team likely comprises professionals in Real Estate development, Project Management, Design, and Construction oversight.

• The role involves significant collaboration with other corporate departments, including Operations, Facilities, Legal, and Marketing, as well as external partners like landlords, franchisees, architects, engineers, and vendors.

• Reporting structure is likely to a Director or VP overseeing the RED+C function. Methodology:

• Data-driven design decisions informed by guest feedback, operational insights, and market trends.

• Emphasis on brand consistency and adherence to established design standards and prototypes.

• Collaborative approach to project management, involving all relevant stakeholders from early stages.

• Focus on efficiency and cost-consciousness in design solutions, balancing capital investment with long-term value and operational needs.

• Structured project execution, moving from site assessment and due diligence through design development, construction documentation, and field support.

Company Website: [Bagel Brands Website - Assuming this is the parent company, specific Caribou Coffee site is www.cariboucoffee.com]

📝 Enhancement Note: Contextualizing Bagel Brands and Caribou Coffee provides a clearer picture of the operational environment. The "herd" mentality and focus on "day-making experiences" suggest a culture that values teamwork, positive impact, and customer-centricity, which are important considerations for how design integrates with operational goals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a mid-to-senior management level within the Real Estate, Design, and Construction operational function. It requires significant technical expertise in architecture and construction documentation, coupled with strong project management and stakeholder management skills. The Design Manager is responsible for guiding the physical manifestation of the brand, directly impacting guest experience and operational efficiency.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report into a leadership role within the Real Estate, Design, and Construction (RED+C) department, likely a Director or VP. They will manage external consultants and vendors, but not direct reports internally. This structure emphasizes influence and coordination rather than direct team management.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a substantial impact on the company's revenue and business decisions by:

• Ensuring new store designs are operationally efficient, leading to better throughput and reduced labor costs.

• Creating welcoming and on-brand environments that attract and retain customers, directly influencing sales.

• Managing capital expenditures effectively through cost-conscious design solutions, optimizing ROI on store development projects.

• Maintaining brand consistency, which is crucial for brand equity and customer recognition in a competitive market.

• Mitigating project delays and cost overruns through proactive design management, protecting profit margins. Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in retail/restaurant design, sustainable design practices, or specific project types (e.g., large-scale remodels, international expansion).

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Design Manager or Director of Design/Development role, overseeing larger teams and strategic initiatives.

• Cross-functional Moves: Transition into roles within Operations, Facilities Management, or Real Estate Development, leveraging a strong understanding of the physical store environment.

• Process Improvement: Lead initiatives to refine design processes, implement new design technologies, or develop updated brand prototypes.

• Industry Engagement: Represent Caribou Coffee at industry conferences, contribute to design forums, and stay abreast of emerging trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: Analyzing career trajectory and impact is crucial for operations professionals. This role offers a clear path for growth within the RED+C function or adjacent operational departments, emphasizing the strategic importance of design in the broader GTM and operational success of a retail brand.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, primarily based at the Minneapolis Support Center or Brooklyn Center location. The environment is expected to be a corporate office setting, conducive to collaboration, focused work, and team interaction.

Office Location(s):

• Brooklyn Center, Minnesota (Primary location indicated by job posting details).

• Minneapolis Support Center (also mentioned in raw data).

Candidates should confirm the primary work location during the application process. Both locations are in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, offering access to amenities and transportation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires frequent interaction with internal teams (RED+C, Operations, Facilities, Legal) and external partners. The office space will likely facilitate this through meeting rooms, common areas, and potentially open-plan workspaces.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, including high-performance computers capable of running architectural software (AutoCAD), reliable internet, and communication platforms.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct engagement with project managers, real estate developers, and operations leaders to discuss design implications and project status.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. While office hours are typical, the nature of project management in development often requires flexibility to attend site visits, meet with distant partners, or address urgent project needs, which may involve occasional work outside of standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical for this role, emphasizing the need for in-person collaboration with internal teams and stakeholders, a common characteristic of roles managing physical assets and construction in GTM operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter conducts a preliminary review of applications, focusing on experience alignment with requirements (7+ years architecture, AutoCAD, retail/restaurant focus).

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (likely Director/VP of RED+C) to assess technical skills, project management approach, understanding of brand standards, and problem-solving abilities. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their portfolio and specific project experiences.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with key internal stakeholders from Operations, Facilities, or Real Estate to evaluate collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and ability to integrate design with operational needs.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: A dedicated session where the candidate presents selected projects from their portfolio. This is a critical stage to demonstrate design rationale, process, problem-solving, and impact. Be ready to discuss challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or executive, focusing on strategic thinking, cultural fit, and overall leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your experience with new builds, remodels, and franchise/partner projects. Highlight projects with operational considerations and cost-saving initiatives.

• Structure for Clarity: For each project, clearly outline the objective, your role, the process followed, key challenges faced, solutions implemented, and quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, operational improvements).

• Demonstrate Process: Walk through your methodology for design development, construction documentation, and field support. Explain how you manage consultants and ensure brand consistency.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs. For example, "Implemented a new layout that increased guest throughput by X%" or "Identified material cost savings of Y% through value engineering."

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handle design conflicts, your approach to balancing brand aesthetics with operational constraints, and your experience with AutoCAD and other relevant software.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You may be given a hypothetical design problem (e.g., re-designing a specific store type, addressing an operational bottleneck through design) and asked to outline your approach, key considerations, and potential solutions.

• Process Mapping: Be ready to discuss how you would map out or improve a specific design process within Caribou Coffee's context.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare to discuss how you would manage a challenging stakeholder (e.g., a resistant franchisee, a landlord with strict requirements) during a project.

• Brand Interpretation: Understand Caribou Coffee's brand identity and be ready to articulate how you would translate that into physical space design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process for a role like this heavily emphasizes practical application of skills and the ability to articulate complex design and project management processes, aligning with the operational focus of demonstrating competence and efficiency.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for architectural drafting, design development, and producing construction documents. Proficiency is a hard requirement (5+ years).

• 3D Rendering Software (Preferred): Tools like SketchUp, Revit (if applicable), or other visualization software to present design concepts effectively.

• Project Management Software: While not explicitly stated, experience with platforms like Procore, Asana, Monday.com, or similar for tracking project timelines, tasks, and communication is highly beneficial.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for documentation, reporting, presentations, and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Budgeting & Cost Tracking Tools: Familiarity with tools or methods for tracking project budgets, managing change orders, and analyzing capital investments.

• Data Analysis for Design: Ability to interpret data related to store performance, guest traffic, and operational efficiency to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• Vendor/Consultant Management Systems: While not a formal CRM, systems or processes for managing external partner relationships, contracts, and deliverables are crucial.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with cloud-based storage and collaboration platforms (e.g., SharePoint, Google Drive) for organizing and sharing project files.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AutoCAD and the implied need for project management and visualization tools highlight the technical requirements. For operations roles, understanding how these tools integrate into broader project lifecycles and support efficiency is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• TEAM: Emphasizes collaboration, mutual support, and working together to achieve common goals. For this role, it means effective partnership with internal departments and external consultants.

• GUEST: Focuses on creating positive experiences for customers. The Design Manager's work directly contributes by creating welcoming, functional, and on-brand store environments.

• BUSINESS: Implies a focus on results, efficiency, and profitability. Design solutions must be operationally sound and cost-conscious to support business objectives.

• Integrity & Accountability: High personal accountability and deadline discipline are explicitly mentioned, reflecting a value placed on reliability and commitment.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Driving creative vision for renovations and new developments suggests a culture that embraces fresh ideas and seeks to elevate the brand experience.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role thrives on seamless collaboration with Real Estate, Construction, Operations, Facilities, and Legal teams. This involves active listening, clear communication, and a willingness to find solutions that satisfy multiple departmental needs.

• Process Review: Openness to feedback and iterative design processes, especially when working with Operations to ensure functional requirements are met.

• Knowledge Sharing: Sharing design best practices, updated standards, and lessons learned from projects with the RED+C team and other relevant departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the company's core values ("TEAM, GUEST, BUSINESS") provides insight into how design decisions are made and how individuals are expected to contribute. For operations roles, these values often translate into a focus on efficiency, customer satisfaction, and team performance.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Juggling multiple projects with varying deadlines, budgets, and stakeholder requirements simultaneously.

• Navigating Brand Evolution: Keeping design standards fresh and relevant while maintaining consistency and operational feasibility across a large portfolio.

• Managing External Stakeholders: Effectively leading and coordinating diverse groups of consultants, landlords, and franchisees, each with their own objectives and constraints.

• Cost Containment: Delivering on brand vision within tight capital budgets and potentially fluctuating material costs.

• Operational Integration: Ensuring that design choices truly enhance, rather than hinder, day-to-day store operations and guest experience.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software: Opportunities to gain proficiency in newer architectural software or BIM (Building Information Modeling) if implemented by the company.

• Sustainability in Design: Learning about and incorporating sustainable building practices and materials into store designs.

• Franchise Operations & Development: Deepening understanding of the franchise model and how design impacts franchisee success and brand representation.

• Project Leadership: Developing skills in strategic project planning, risk management, and leading complex, multi-faceted development projects.

• Industry Trends: Staying current with emerging trends in retail design, hospitality, and operational efficiency through conferences, publications, and networking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges and growth areas is vital for operations professionals looking for roles where they can learn and develop. This role offers opportunities to hone project management skills and gain deeper expertise in the operational aspects of retail development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for managing a new store design project from initial site assessment through construction documentation. What are the key decision points?" (Focus on process, stakeholder engagement, and risk mitigation.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple projects, especially when working with different external design consultants and franchisees?" (Highlight your approach to brand standards, templates, and review processes.)

• "Walk us through a time you had to balance a strong brand vision with significant operational constraints or budget limitations. What was your approach and the outcome?" (Prepare a specific case study demonstrating problem-solving and compromise.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Caribou Coffee's brand and its commitment to creating 'day-making experiences'? How would you translate that into store design?" (Showcase your understanding of the brand and its operational implications.)

• "How do you collaborate with Operations and Facilities teams to ensure store designs are functional and efficient for daily operations?" (Emphasize your cross-functional communication and problem-solving skills.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to present design trade-offs or risks to management. How did you prepare and what was the result?" (Demonstrate your communication and presentation skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative, detailing the challenge, your solution, and the impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality images, floor plans, and renderings to illustrate your work. Keep text on slides concise.

• Process Focus: Clearly explain the steps you took, the tools you used (especially AutoCAD), and how you managed consultants and cross-functional input.

• Quantify Results: Wherever possible, present data on cost savings, schedule adherence, or operational improvements achieved through your designs.

• Brand Alignment: Explicitly connect your design choices to Caribou Coffee's brand values and operational goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tailoring interview preparation to the specific role and company is key. For a Design Manager in a GTM/Real Estate operations context, demonstrating strategic thinking, process management, and brand execution is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight your 7+ years of architecture experience, specifically mentioning restaurant or retail projects. Emphasize your AutoCAD proficiency (5+ years) and experience managing consultants and construction documentation. Integrate keywords from the job description such as "brand standards," "operational efficiency," "cost-conscious design," and "cross-functional collaboration."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a digital portfolio showcasing 3-5 key projects. Focus on demonstrating your end-to-end design process, ability to manage complex projects, cost-saving initiatives, and successful collaboration with various stakeholders. Be ready to present and discuss specific examples.

• Research Caribou Coffee: Understand their brand identity, mission, and values ("TEAM, GUEST, BUSINESS"). Familiarize yourself with their current store designs and any recent renovations or new initiatives. Consider how your design philosophy aligns with their operational goals.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to discuss your project management methodology, how you handle design challenges, and your experience working with Operations and Facilities teams. Rehearse presenting a case study from your portfolio.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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