DESIGN MANAGER

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Mendocino Farms Talent Acquisition Team

Location: Dallas, TX; Chicago, IL; Scottsdale, AZ; Denver, CO

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design & Construction Operations

Date Posted: December 29, 2025

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is central to the operational success of Mendocino Farms' expansion by owning and driving the restaurant design function.

• It requires a blend of creative design leadership and rigorous project management to ensure brand consistency, operational efficiency, and timely project delivery.

• The Design Manager will be accountable for the end-to-end design lifecycle, from conceptualization through to construction documentation and implementation.

• This position demands a strategic approach to process optimization and scalability, directly impacting the company's aggressive growth objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the description emphasizes operational aspects like process ownership, schedule accountability, and cross-functional collaboration with construction and operations teams. This suggests a role that bridges creative design with the practicalities of GTM (Go-To-Market) execution, making it highly relevant to operations professionals focused on physical expansion and brand rollout.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Leadership & Brand Stewardship: Own and evolve restaurant design standards, ensuring brand expression, operational efficiency, and a positive guest experience across all locations through a comprehensive design standards manual.

• Project Execution & Technical Oversight: Lead interior and exterior design for multiple new restaurant and remodel projects concurrently, managing the process from site test fit and schematic design through permit approval and construction documentation, with detailed review and redlining of all consultant drawings.

• Process, Schedule & Delivery Accountability: Own the design schedule across all projects, drive standardized design processes, templates, and workflows to improve speed and quality, and identify/implement improvements to the design process to ensure on-time delivery and seamless handoffs.

• Cross-Functional & Consultant Management: Act as the primary design liaison with Operations, Construction, and Marketing teams, and manage external architects, designers, engineers, and vendors, including scope definition, performance expectations, and deliverables.

• Documentation, Tools & Continuous Improvement: Ensure accurate and organized design documentation, maintain digital project files, and leverage/improve design tools and software to support long-term design strategy focused on scalability, speed to market, cost control, and guest experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for strong process management, schedule adherence, and cross-functional coordination – core competencies in operations. The emphasis on "operational excellence," "cost accountability," and "on-time delivery" directly aligns with GTM operations objectives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 7+ years of experience in restaurant or retail design, with direct involvement in new unit development. Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced growth environment is essential.

Required Skills:

• Design Leadership & Brand Management: Proven ability to define, maintain, and enforce design standards and brand expression.

• Project Management: Expertise in managing the full design lifecycle for multiple concurrent projects from schematic design through construction documentation.

• Technical Review & Coordination: Strong skills in reviewing and redlining architectural, MEP, kitchen, and consultant drawings for coordination, constructability, and compliance.

• Process Optimization: Demonstrated ability to drive standardized design processes, identify bottlenecks, and implement improvements for efficiency and predictability.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Experience working effectively with Operations, Construction, Marketing, and external consultants.

• Schedule Management: Ability to own and manage design schedules, ensuring timely milestone achievement.

• Software Proficiency: Familiarity with design tools such as Revit, CAD, and SketchUp.

Preferred Skills:

• Construction Partnership: Experience partnering closely with construction and development teams.

• Cost Accountability: Demonstrated understanding of cost-awareness in design decisions and material selection.

• Vendor Management: Experience managing external architects, designers, engineers, and vendors.

• Team Mentorship: Ability to provide design leadership and mentorship to internal teams or external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "7+ years of experience" and "Bachelor's degree" align with a mid-to-senior level operational role. The preference for "partnering closely with construction and development teams" and "cost accountability" highlights the operational integration required, moving beyond pure design to encompass development lifecycle management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Standards Manual: Evidence of developing or significantly contributing to a comprehensive design standards manual.

• Project Portfolio: A curated selection of past restaurant or retail design projects showcasing end-to-end management from concept to construction documents, highlighting brand consistency and operational considerations.

• Process Improvement Case Studies: Examples demonstrating how you've identified inefficiencies in design workflows and implemented process improvements to enhance speed, quality, or predictability.

• Technical Review Examples: Redlines or annotated drawings that showcase your ability to perform detailed reviews and ensure constructability and compliance.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Documentation or examples of standardized design processes, templates, and workflows developed to improve project delivery.

• Cross-Functional Handoffs: Examples of clear deliverables and accountability structures established for seamless transitions between design, construction, and operations teams.

• Performance Analysis: Any documentation or metrics related to tracking design schedules, identifying bottlenecks, or measuring the impact of design improvements on project timelines or costs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase aesthetic design but also a strong understanding of process, documentation, and the ability to manage projects within operational constraints (schedule, budget, brand standards). Operations candidates should emphasize their process-driven approach and quantifiable achievements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 - $117,500 annually, plus a 10% annual bonus.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: Reflecting the value and responsibility of the role.

• Annual Bonus: Performance-based incentive tied to company and individual achievements.

• Meal Privileges: Offering a tangible perk related to the company's core product.

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• 401k Plan with Company Match: Supporting long-term financial planning and retirement savings.

• Paid Vacation: Allowing for rest and rejuvenation to maintain productivity and well-being.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected to meet project demands and deadlines common in a growth-oriented environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Design Manager role with significant operational and project management responsibilities in these metropolitan areas. The bonus structure further incentivizes performance linked to growth and efficiency objectives.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fast-Casual Dining / Food & Beverage. Mendocino Farms operates in a highly competitive and dynamic sector, emphasizing fresh ingredients, unique flavor profiles, and a positive customer experience.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated for Mendocino Farms Talent Acquisition Team, the dynamic nature of their growth suggests a mid-to-large size organization with dedicated departments for Design & Construction and Talent Acquisition.

Founded: Mendocino Farms was founded in 2005, indicating a company with established operational processes and a history of growth and brand development.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: The Design Manager reports directly to the VP of Design & Construction, indicating a clear hierarchical structure within the development and construction division.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role heavily emphasizes collaboration with Operations, Construction, and Marketing teams, suggesting an integrated approach to new store development and brand initiatives.

• External Partnerships: Managing external consultants (architects, designers, engineers) is a key component, requiring strong vendor management and communication skills within the broader organizational ecosystem.

Methodology:

• Brand-Centric Design: A core methodology is ensuring all designs "Sell Happy" and deliver the "Eat Happy" brand experience, integrating brand values with functional design.

• Process-Driven Development: The role is tasked with driving standardized design processes, templates, and workflows for predictable and scalable growth.

• Data-Informed Decisions: While not explicitly stated, the emphasis on cost accountability, operational efficiency, and technical soundness implies a data-informed approach to design choices and process improvements.

Company Website: https://www.mendocinofarms.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Mendocino Farms' "Sell Happy" ethos suggests a culture that values employee well-being and a positive work environment, which can translate into more collaborative and supportive internal operations. The focus on growth implies a fast-paced, dynamic work environment where operational efficiency is paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Manager level, responsible for owning a critical operational function (restaurant design) and driving its processes and outcomes. It requires significant autonomy and accountability.

Reporting Structure: Direct reporting to the VP of Design & Construction provides visibility to senior leadership and opportunities to influence strategic decisions within the development pipeline.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly impacts the company's ability to scale rapidly and consistently. Successful design implementation leads to efficient store operations, a strong brand presence, and a positive customer experience, all of which drive revenue and market share.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into senior leadership roles within the Design & Construction department, managing larger teams or broader scopes of responsibility.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the long-term design strategy and operational standards for a growing national brand.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in restaurant design, construction processes, brand integration, and operational efficiency within the food and beverage sector.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broad exposure to other operational areas such as F&B operations, marketing, and supply chain through collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for operations professionals looking to specialize in the physical expansion and development side of the F&B industry. The focus on process ownership and strategic impact provides a strong foundation for career growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as On-site, indicating a need for a physical presence, likely within a corporate office or a dedicated design studio environment.

Office Location(s): The role is open to candidates residing in Dallas, TX; Chicago, IL; Scottsdale, AZ; or Denver, CO, suggesting a distributed team structure for this function, with potential for collaboration across these hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Space: Expect a work environment that fosters collaboration with internal teams (Operations, Construction, Marketing) and external consultants, likely involving design reviews, project meetings, and brainstorming sessions.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Revit, CAD, SketchUp) and potentially project management tools will be essential for daily tasks.

• Dynamic Pace: As part of a growing company, the workspace is likely fast-paced, requiring adaptability and efficient workflow management.

Work Schedule: Primarily a standard 40-hour work week, but the nature of project-based work, especially in design and construction, may require flexibility to meet critical deadlines for new store openings or remodels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distributed nature of the allowed locations suggests a modern approach to talent acquisition, allowing for regional expertise while maintaining an on-site requirement for core duties. Operations candidates should be prepared for a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role's operational and design requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the VP of Design & Construction to evaluate design philosophy, project management approach, process management capabilities, and cultural fit.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Operations, Construction, and potentially Marketing to assess collaboration skills, understanding of operational needs, and ability to integrate design with business goals.

• Technical/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss past projects, focusing on design process, problem-solving, technical reviews, and demonstrated impact on operational efficiency and brand consistency.

• Final Interview: Potential meeting with senior leadership to finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Process & Operations: Beyond aesthetics, showcase your process for managing projects, ensuring brand consistency, and supporting operational efficiency. Use case studies to demonstrate how your designs solved specific operational challenges or improved workflows.

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, provide metrics on schedule adherence, cost savings, reduction in RFIs, or improvements in site test fit efficiency.

• Demonstrate Technical Rigor: Include examples of your detailed reviews and redlines on drawings, illustrating your understanding of constructability and compliance.

• Showcase Brand Stewardship: Clearly articulate how your designs embody and enhance the Mendocino Farms brand experience while supporting operational needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Improvement Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you need to identify and propose improvements to a design process bottleneck.

• Design Review Exercise: You might be asked to review a set of drawings and provide feedback, focusing on constructability, brand consistency, and operational impact.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Discussion: Prepare to discuss how you would handle design conflicts or integrate feedback from Operations or Construction teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations candidates should tailor their portfolio and interview responses to emphasize their process-oriented mindset, project management discipline, and ability to drive efficiency and consistency, in addition to their design acumen.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in AutoCAD is standard for architectural and design documentation.

• BIM Software: Experience with Autodesk Revit is highly desirable for its building information modeling capabilities, facilitating better coordination and documentation.

• 3D Modeling Software: Familiarity with SketchUp or similar tools for conceptual design, visualization, and site test fits.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Monday.com, or similar platforms for tracking project timelines, tasks, and deliverables.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, cost tracking, and scheduling.

• Presentation Software: Expertise in PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating design presentations, reports, and standards manuals.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how design impacts customer experience and operational efficiency in the sales funnel is beneficial. Familiarity with how design data integrates with broader business systems could be a plus.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with cloud-based storage and collaboration platforms like SharePoint, Google Drive, or Dropbox for managing project files.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of Revit, CAD, and SketchUp highlights essential technical proficiencies. Operations professionals should be comfortable not only using these tools but also understanding how they integrate into larger project management and GTM workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• "Sell Happy" Ethos: A core value that permeates all aspects of the business, encouraging a positive, enthusiastic, and customer-centric approach to work, including how designs contribute to the overall guest experience.

• Brand Stewardship: A deep commitment to maintaining and evolving the Mendocino Farms brand across all physical touchpoints, ensuring consistency and quality.

• Process Excellence: A drive for efficiency, predictability, and continuous improvement in all operational processes, including design and construction.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where cross-functional teams work together seamlessly to achieve shared goals.

• Growth Mindset: Embracing challenges, learning from experiences, and constantly seeking ways to innovate and improve.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Approach: Expect a highly collaborative environment where design is seen as an integral part of the broader business strategy, working closely with operations, construction, and marketing.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that values constructive feedback and open communication to ensure designs meet diverse stakeholder needs and operational requirements.

• Solution-Oriented: A focus on finding practical, effective solutions that balance brand vision with functional execution and cost-effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Sell Happy" culture is a key differentiator. Operations candidates should demonstrate how their work, particularly in design and development, contributes to this positive brand experience and internal employee satisfaction.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Vision with Operational Constraints: Meeting aggressive growth targets while ensuring design integrity, operational functionality, and cost control across numerous projects.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively coordinating diverse needs and expectations from Operations, Construction, Marketing, and external consultants.

• Maintaining Consistency at Scale: Ensuring brand uniformity and quality as the company expands into new markets and opens new locations.

• Adapting to Evolving Trends: Staying current with design trends, material innovations, and operational best practices in the fast-casual dining industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences & Training: Opportunities to attend design, construction, and restaurant industry events to stay abreast of trends and best practices.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining deeper understanding of other operational functions through collaborative projects.

• Leadership Development: Access to training and mentorship focused on management, strategic planning, and operational leadership.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Leading or contributing to projects focused on refining and optimizing the entire design-to-construction pipeline.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges that translate into substantial growth opportunities for operations professionals looking to make a tangible impact on a growing brand's physical footprint and operational efficiency.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a new design standards manual for a rapidly growing restaurant brand, ensuring it balances brand expression with operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness?" (Focus on process, stakeholder input, and documentation).

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting design requirements from different departments (e.g., Operations vs. Marketing). How did you resolve it?" (Highlight collaboration, negotiation, and problem-solving).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Mendocino Farms' 'Sell Happy' culture, and how would you ensure our restaurant designs embody this?" (Connect brand values to design execution).

• "How do you see the role of design in supporting the operational success and scalability of a fast-casual restaurant chain?" (Demonstrate understanding of operations and GTM).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation by project type (new build, remodel) or by key responsibility area (e.g., Brand Standards, Process Improvement, Technical Oversight).

• Narrative: For each project, tell a story: the challenge, your approach (emphasizing process and collaboration), the solution, and the outcome (quantifiable if possible, e.g., reduced RFIs, faster permit approvals, improved operational flow).

• Focus on Operations: Clearly articulate how your design decisions supported operational efficiency, cost control, and brand consistency. Use visual aids effectively to showcase your work.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with the mentioned design tools and how you leverage them for efficiency and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your experience through the lens of operations. Frame your design expertise within a context of process management, project delivery, and cross-functional collaboration, highlighting how you drive efficiency and support business objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.dayforcehcm.com.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight experience in restaurant/retail design, project management, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords from the job description such as "Design Manager," "brand standards," "project execution," "operational efficiency," and "schedule management."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your end-to-end project management capabilities, your understanding of operational needs, and your ability to drive process improvements. Prepare a concise presentation that addresses the "Portfolio Review Tips" outlined above.

• Research Mendocino Farms: Familiarize yourself with their menu, brand presence, store designs (if possible), and company culture. Understand their growth trajectory and operational goals.

• Prepare for Technical & Behavioral Questions: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and collaboration style, linking them directly to operational success and business outcomes.

⚠️ 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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