Regional Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Regional Design Manager Company: Inspire Brands Asia Location: Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines Job Type: Full-Time Category: Design Operations / GTM Operations Date Posted: November 12, 2025 Experience Level: 2-5 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in ensuring the strategic and functional design of fitness facilities across the Asia region, directly impacting the customer experience and operational efficiency.
• It involves translating brand standards into physical spaces, optimizing layouts for member flow, equipment placement, and compliance, thereby supporting the overall GTM strategy for new and existing locations.
• The position requires a blend of design expertise, project management, and stakeholder coordination to deliver high-quality, on-brand facility designs.
• Success in this role contributes to consistent brand delivery and operational excellence across a diverse regional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Regional Design Manager," the responsibilities heavily lean into operationalizing design for a franchise model (Anytime Fitness). This suggests a strong GTM Operations component, focusing on scalable design solutions for market expansion and consistent brand experience. The role bridges design and operational execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Layout Coordination & Optimization:
  • Develop and refine floor layout plans in collaboration with franchisees and Local Village Investment Teams (LVIT).
  • Strategically position equipment to maximize member flow, ensure accessibility, and uphold safety standards.
  • Liaise with equipment suppliers to verify layout compatibility with equipment specifications and delivery schedules.
  • Conduct thorough layout reviews to identify and resolve spatial gaps, workflow inefficiencies, and compliance issues.
• Brand Standards & Compliance Enforcement:
  • Diligently apply the Anytime Fitness Brand Manual to all facility designs, ensuring adherence to brand-mandatory elements.
  • Integrate essential brand components such as signage, fixtures, and finishes into every design proposal.
  • Allocate appropriate space for operational necessities, including vending machines, storage, and regulatory compliance features.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:
  • Serve as the primary design liaison between franchisees, LVIT, and external suppliers to align expectations and address design challenges.
  • Provide critical layout insights to property and operations teams during site approval and pre-opening phases.
  • Maintain a comprehensive tracker of approved layouts, ensuring timely distribution to all relevant stakeholders.
  • Facilitate clear and concise communication of design plans and requirements to diverse audiences.
• Functional & Aesthetic Balance:
  • Create layouts that seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetic appeal to enhance the overall member experience.
  • Propose innovative design solutions that elevate the gym environment while adhering to operational constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep involvement in the operational readiness of new fitness locations. The emphasis on "member flow," "equipment positioning," and "compliance features" indicates a focus on operational efficiency and customer journey optimization, aligning closely with GTM Operations principles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field is preferred.
• Equivalent relevant experience will be considered in lieu of a formal degree.

Experience:

• 2-4 years of demonstrated experience in layout planning, facility design, or specifically gym design.
• Prior experience within a franchise or multi-location retail/service environment is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Design Software Proficiency: Working knowledge of industry-standard design tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, or similar architectural/design software.
• Spatial Planning & Layout Design: Proven ability to create functional and aesthetically pleasing floor plans.
• Brand Standard Adherence: Ability to interpret and consistently apply brand guidelines to design projects.
• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective coordination with franchisees, internal teams, and suppliers.
• Detail Orientation: Meticulous attention to detail in reviewing plans, specifications, and ensuring compliance.
• Project Management: Capacity to manage multiple design projects simultaneously across various markets, ensuring timely delivery.
• Understanding of Fitness Environments: Strong grasp of gym flow dynamics, fitness equipment requirements, and considerations for optimal member experience.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with graphic design software for presentations or mood boards.
• Familiarity with regional building codes and accessibility standards in the Philippines and broader Asia region.
• Experience in fast-paced, multi-market franchise operations.
• Basic understanding of construction processes and materials relevant to interior fit-outs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize practical application of design tools and spatial planning, coupled with strong interpersonal abilities for stakeholder engagement. The "2-4 years" experience aligns with an intermediate level, suggesting a need for candidates who can work independently but also collaborate extensively.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies in Spatial Optimization: Showcase examples of past layout projects, detailing the process from initial concept to final implementation, with an emphasis on problem-solving for member flow, equipment placement, or space utilization.
• Brand Standard Integration Examples: Include designs that clearly demonstrate the successful integration of specific brand guidelines, showing how mandatory elements were incorporated effectively and aesthetically.
• Technical Drawing Samples: Provide samples of technical drawings (e.g., floor plans, equipment layouts) created using AutoCAD, SketchUp, or similar software, highlighting clarity, accuracy, and detail.
• Project Management Documentation: If possible, include examples of project trackers or documentation that illustrate the candidate's ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and stakeholder communications.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their process for receiving design briefs, developing initial layouts, incorporating feedback, and finalizing plans, emphasizing efficiency and clarity.
• System Integration: Be ready to explain how they ensure designs align with equipment specifications and supplier requirements, demonstrating an understanding of the supply chain and operational integration aspects.
• Quality Assurance: Discuss methods for reviewing designs to identify potential issues, ensure compliance, and maintain a high standard of quality across all projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio demonstrating practical application of design skills, adherence to brand standards, and project management capabilities is crucial. For operations-focused roles like this, showcasing how the candidate has translated design requirements into scalable, efficient operational layouts is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Regional Design Manager role with 2-4 years of experience in Manila, Philippines, the estimated annual salary range is PHP 600,000 - PHP 900,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Manila, the scope of regional responsibility, and the required technical and soft skills.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and potentially certifications in design or project management.
• Travel Opportunities: Potential for regional travel to oversee site designs and collaborate with stakeholders.
• Employee Discounts: Access to Inspire Brands Asia's portfolio of F&B brands.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Company-contributed pension or provident fund.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Flexibility may be required to accommodate project deadlines or urgent stakeholder needs, particularly when coordinating across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for similar roles in the Philippines, considering the experience level and regional scope. Specific benefits will be detailed during the interview process. The role's focus on multiple markets may necessitate some flexibility in working hours.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage Franchising (specifically fitness) Company Size: Large (part of Inspire Brands, a major global restaurant company with over 3,100 locations and 130,000 employees across its portfolio). Inspire Brands Asia operates a significant number of outlets within its region. Founded: Inspire Brands was formed in 2018, bringing together established brands. Inspire Brands Asia operates as its regional arm.

Team Structure:

• The Regional Design Manager likely reports to a Head of Design, Development, or Operations for the Asia region.
• They will collaborate closely with franchise partners, regional operations managers, property development teams, and potentially marketing and brand teams.
• The role involves working within a matrixed organization, requiring strong cross-functional communication and alignment.
• The team emphasis is on supporting franchise partners to achieve brand consistency and operational success across diverse markets.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Leveraging insights from member feedback, operational performance data, and market trends to inform layout decisions.
• Standardized Processes: Implementing and adhering to established design and approval workflows to ensure scalability and consistency across the region.
• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Working closely with all stakeholders to address challenges and find optimal solutions that balance brand, operational, and franchisee needs.
• Continuous Improvement: Regularly reviewing design processes and outcomes to identify opportunities for enhancement and efficiency gains.

Company Website: https://careers.inspirebrandsasia.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Inspire Brands' scale implies a structured environment with established processes, but also potential for dynamic growth and adaptation within the Asia region. The "Asia" focus suggests a need for cultural awareness and adaptability in design solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at an intermediate level, often referred to as an "Individual Contributor" with specialized expertise that has a significant impact on operational rollout and customer experience. It requires a strong understanding of both design principles and operational realities. Reporting Structure: The Regional Design Manager typically reports to a senior manager or director within the Development or Operations department, overseeing multiple markets or brands within the region. Operations Impact: The role directly influences the success of new and renovated fitness facilities by ensuring they are not only aesthetically pleasing and on-brand but also functionally optimized for operational efficiency, member satisfaction, and franchisee profitability. Effective design is a critical component of the Go-To-Market strategy for site development.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design or Development Roles: Advancement to a Senior Regional Design Manager, Head of Design, or Development Manager overseeing larger portfolios or more complex projects.
• Operations Management: Transition into broader operations roles, leveraging the understanding of facility functionality and member experience to manage day-to-day operations or regional operational strategy.
• Brand Expansion Management: Moving into roles focused on market expansion strategy, leveraging design and operational insights to guide new market entries.
• Specialization: Developing deeper expertise in specific areas such as sustainable design, technology integration in facilities, or franchise support systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role serves as a strong foundation for a career in operations, design management, or franchise development, offering tangible impact on business growth and customer experience. The regional scope provides valuable international experience.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an office-based role requiring regular attendance at the company's Manila office. Some site visits to new or existing locations may be necessary. Office Location(s): Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines. Specific office details would be provided upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities to interact with design, operations, and development teams.
• Access to standard office technology, design software, and potentially shared resources for presentations and project planning.
• The environment likely fosters a fast-paced, results-oriented culture, common in franchise operations and retail development.

Work Schedule:

• Standard business hours (Monday-Friday) are typical, though flexibility may be needed to accommodate project deadlines, urgent requests, or to align with the schedules of stakeholders in different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the need for direct collaboration and access to company resources. The fast-paced nature of franchise development suggests a dynamic and potentially demanding work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Technical Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager or a senior member of the design/operations team, focusing on design skills, software proficiency, and understanding of gym operations.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design processes, challenges, and outcomes. This is a critical stage for assessing practical application and problem-solving.
• Case Study/Design Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or solve a hypothetical layout problem relevant to the role, often presented during the interview process.
• Final Interview: Meeting with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Operations, Regional Director) to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and final suitability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 strong projects that best showcase your layout planning, brand compliance, and problem-solving skills. Prioritize projects that demonstrate experience with multi-location rollouts or similar facility types.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the challenges faced (e.g., space constraints, specific brand requirements), your design process, the solutions implemented, and the impact (e.g., improved member flow, successful compliance).
• Showcase Technical Skills: Include examples of AutoCAD/SketchUp drawings, clearly labeled and demonstrating your technical proficiency. Highlight any innovative use of space or equipment layout.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., "increased usable space by X%," "reduced member congestion points by Y%," "met all brand compliance requirements on time").
• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design philosophy, how you handle conflicting stakeholder feedback, and your approach to balancing aesthetics with operational needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Review the Anytime Fitness brand guidelines and typical layouts for fitness centers.
• Focus on Flow and Function: Practice thinking through how members and staff move within a space, how equipment is best utilized, and how to optimize for safety and accessibility.
• Time Management: If given a timed challenge, allocate time for understanding the brief, sketching initial ideas, developing a more detailed plan, and preparing a concise presentation of your solution.
• Communication: Be prepared to clearly articulate your rationale and design decisions, demonstrating your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component, serving as a practical demonstration of the candidate's capabilities. Candidates should prepare to discuss their process and strategic thinking behind their design choices, not just the final output.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for creating precise 2D floor plans, elevations, and equipment layouts. Proficiency is a must.
• SketchUp: Widely used for 3D modeling, visualization, and creating immersive renderings of proposed layouts.
• Other 3D Modeling Software: While SketchUp is mentioned, familiarity with other tools like Revit or 3ds Max could be advantageous.

Visualization & Presentation Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign): Useful for enhancing renderings, creating mood boards, and producing professional presentation materials.
• Microsoft PowerPoint / Google Slides: Standard tools for presenting design proposals, project updates, and reports to stakeholders.

Project Management & Collaboration Tools:

• Microsoft Excel / Google Sheets: For tracking multiple projects, managing timelines, equipment lists, and budget considerations.
• Project Management Software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com): Familiarity with these tools can demonstrate organizational skills and ability to manage workflows.
• Communication Platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom): Essential for coordinating with geographically dispersed teams and stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design feeds into broader franchise management systems or how to document and share approved designs efficiently within a company's ecosystem is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AutoCAD and SketchUp indicates a need for strong technical design skills. Proficiency in these tools is non-negotiable for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality, functional, and on-brand designs that support operational success.
• Collaboration & Partnership: Working effectively with franchisees, internal teams, and suppliers to achieve shared goals.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing insights and feedback to inform design choices and optimize facility performance.
• Adaptability & Innovation: Embracing new ideas and solutions to meet evolving market needs and member expectations.
• Brand Integrity: Upholding the core values and standards of the Anytime Fitness brand in all design aspects.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Regularly engaging with stakeholders to provide updates, seek input, and resolve issues promptly.
• Cross-Functional Synergy: Fostering strong working relationships with operations, property development, and marketing teams to ensure holistic project success.
• Feedback Integration: Open to constructive feedback and skilled at incorporating diverse perspectives into design solutions.
• Efficiency-Focused: A collaborative approach geared towards streamlining processes and ensuring timely project completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values a blend of creative problem-solving and disciplined execution, essential for managing a franchise system. Collaboration is key, given the need to work with numerous external and internal parties.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Franchisee Needs: Catering to the unique requirements and constraints of individual franchisees while maintaining brand consistency across the region.
• Navigating Regional Market Differences: Adapting designs to suit local regulations, available materials, and cultural preferences within various Asian markets.
• Managing Multiple Projects Simultaneously: Effectively juggling numerous design projects with competing deadlines and priorities.
• Ensuring Consistent Brand Implementation: Verifying that all designs accurately reflect Anytime Fitness standards and deliver the intended member experience.
• Integrating New Equipment or Technologies: Adapting layouts to accommodate evolving fitness equipment or facility technologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in AutoCAD, SketchUp, or explore new visualization tools.
• Franchise Operations Immersion: Gaining a deeper understanding of the franchise business model and operational best practices within the fitness industry.
• Regional Market Insights: Developing expertise in specific Asian markets, including their unique business environments and consumer behaviors.
• Project Management Certifications: Potential support for obtaining certifications like PMP or relevant design credentials.
• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Exposure to property development, marketing, and operational strategy within Inspire Brands Asia.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities to develop expertise in franchise operations, multi-market design execution, and cross-cultural collaboration, preparing candidates for leadership roles in global expansion and operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a fitness facility layout from initial brief to final approval, highlighting how you ensure member flow and equipment efficiency."
• "How would you handle a situation where a franchisee has a strong preference for a design element that conflicts with brand standards? What steps would you take?"
• "Walk us through a challenging layout project you managed. What were the key obstacles, how did you overcome them, and what was the outcome?"
• "How do you ensure your designs are compliant with accessibility standards and safety regulations in a regional context?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Inspire Brands Asia and the Anytime Fitness brand specifically?"
• "How do you approach collaboration with diverse stakeholders, such as franchisees, suppliers, and internal operations teams?"
• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a positive team culture."
• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in fitness facility design and member experience?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the "Before" (the problem/brief), "During" (your process, challenges, solutions), and "After" (the outcome, impact, learnings).
• Highlight Operational Relevance: Emphasize how your design choices directly contribute to operational efficiency, member satisfaction, and brand consistency. Use specific examples.
• Showcase Technical Prowess: Be prepared to explain specific design decisions made in AutoCAD or SketchUp and why they were chosen.
• Focus on Brand Adherence: Demonstrate your understanding of brand standards and how you effectively integrated them into your designs.
• Be Concise and Engaging: Present your work clearly and enthusiastically, allowing time for questions and discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of design acumen, operational understanding, and strong stakeholder management skills. Preparing specific examples that demonstrate these competencies is crucial, particularly drawing from the portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused design position:

• Submit Your Application: Navigate to the Inspire Brands Asia careers portal and submit your application via the provided link.
• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights experience in layout planning, facility design (especially gyms), proficiency in AutoCAD/SketchUp, brand standard adherence, and stakeholder coordination. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select projects that best demonstrate your ability to create functional, brand-compliant, and efficient facility layouts. Prepare a clear narrative for each project, focusing on process, problem-solving, and impact.
• Prepare for the Portfolio Review: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on the "why" behind your design decisions and how they align with operational goals and brand standards. Be ready to discuss your process and problem-solving approach.
• Research Inspire Brands Asia: Familiarize yourself with the company's portfolio, its mission, and the Anytime Fitness brand. Understand the challenges and opportunities of operating a franchise model in the Asia region.

⚠️ 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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