Store Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Store Design Manager

Company: Lalaland Support Center LLC

Location: 1020 E Levee St, Dallas, TX 75207, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Retail Operations & Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-13

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversees the end-to-end technical execution of La La Land's café build-outs, ensuring brand and design intent are translated into permit-ready construction documents.

• Manages outsourced architects of record and consultants, maintaining rigorous quality control and safeguarding the brand image throughout the design and construction lifecycle.

• Acts as a central communication hub, facilitating seamless collaboration between Architecture, Development, and Operations teams to ensure project alignment from concept to opening.

• Adapts prototype designs and site-specific plans, developing innovative solutions for unique locations, conversions, and branded storefronts to meet diverse project requirements.

• Ensures all design documentation adheres to internal quality standards, jurisdictional regulations, and landlord design criteria, fostering a consistent and high-quality brand experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Store Design Manager," the core responsibilities and provided description strongly indicate a role focused on the technical and project management aspects of retail/café design execution rather than purely aesthetic or conceptual design. This role acts as a crucial bridge between the creative vision and the practical realities of construction and operations, requiring a blend of architectural technical skills, project management, and cross-functional communication. The emphasis on "permit-ready construction documents," "coordinating architects of record," and "tracking sets from concept to opening" points to a highly operational and process-driven function within the broader GTM or Real Estate development team.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design & Documentation Management: Lead the development of drawing sets from schematic design (SD) through detailed construction documents (CDs), ensuring all plans are accurate, compliant, and aligned with brand standards.

• Prototype Adaptation & Innovation: Proactively adapt existing prototype designs and site-specific plans for each new location, developing creative solutions for challenging sites, conversions, and unique branded storefronts.

• Quality Assurance & Brand Integrity: Diligently ensure that all architectural drawing sets meet La La Land's established brand image, jurisdictional requirements, landlord design criteria, and internal quality standards.

• Permitting & Compliance Oversight: Prepare comprehensive permit packages and manage redlines to efficiently clear comments from city officials and landlords, guaranteeing compliance with ADA, building, life-safety, and health codes across all relevant jurisdictions.

• Architectural & Engineering Coordination: Effectively coordinate the work of architects of record, MEP/structural engineers, and expeditors, resolving routine technical questions and RFIs independently to maintain project momentum.

• Cross-Functional Operations Alignment: Serve as the primary communication link between Architecture, Development, and Operations teams, ensuring alignment on timelines, site constraints, equipment/layout changes, and translating operational needs into buildable design solutions.

• Lessons Learned Integration: Systematically fold lessons learned from individual projects and site adaptations into the ongoing refinement of prototype standards, driving continuous improvement in design and construction processes.

• Project Tracking & Escalation: Independently track all drawing sets from their initial concept through to the final opening, escalating only critical issues that require Director-level input to ensure efficient project progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on the process and execution of store design, rather than the initial conceptualization. The role requires a deep understanding of construction documentation, permitting, and the ability to translate operational needs into technical specifications. This is a key operational function within a GTM or Real Estate Development context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Architectural Design, or a closely related field is required. Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in architectural design or design project management, specifically focused on producing permit and construction sets for multi-unit retail environments.

• Demonstrated experience in Quick Service Restaurant (QSR), café, restaurant, or multi-unit retail build-outs is essential. Required Skills:

• Architectural Design & Documentation: Expertise in developing and managing full construction document sets (SD to CDs) for retail environments.

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently from concept to completion with minimal supervision, including scope, timeline, and budget considerations.

• CAD Software Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD for drafting and design, and Bluebeam Revu for document review, markup, and collaboration.

• Permitting & Code Compliance: Strong working knowledge of ADA, building codes, life-safety codes, and health codes across various jurisdictions.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively liaise between design, development, construction, and operations teams.

• Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to independently resolve complex design issues, site challenges, and RFIs with a solutions-oriented approach.

• Retail/QSR Design Standards: Familiarity with industry-specific design criteria and operational requirements for fast-paced retail and food service environments.

Preferred Skills:

• MEP/Structural Coordination: Experience in coordinating with Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP), and structural engineers to ensure integrated design solutions.

• Site Adaptation Expertise: Proven ability to adapt standardized designs to diverse site conditions, including conversions and unique architectural challenges.

• Brand Standards Implementation: Experience in rigorously applying and maintaining brand image and design standards across multiple project locations.

• Expeditor Management: Familiarity with managing the permitting process with city officials and expeditors.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for reporting, documentation, and general business operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are heavily weighted towards technical execution and project management within a design context, aligning with operational efficiency and process adherence. The preference for MEP/Structural coordination and expeditor management further emphasizes the operational execution aspect of this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Construction Document Samples: Showcase at least two distinct projects with complete construction document sets (from schematic design through final CDs), demonstrating technical proficiency and adherence to standards.

• Site Adaptation Case Studies: Include examples of how prototype designs were successfully adapted to unique site conditions, highlighting problem-solving skills and creative solutions.

• Permitting Package Examples: Present a sample permit package or documentation demonstrating understanding of jurisdictional requirements and the ability to meet compliance standards.

• Brand Standards Integration: Provide examples where brand image and internal quality standards were meticulously maintained and integrated into the final build-out documents.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Documentation: Illustrate how communication and collaboration with different departments (e.g., Operations, Development) were managed and documented to ensure project alignment.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Detail your approach to managing the design and documentation workflow from initial concept to permit submission, emphasizing efficiency and quality control checkpoints.

• Problem-Solving & RFI Resolution: Outline a structured process for addressing and resolving Request for Information (RFIs) and other technical queries during the construction document phase.

• Code Compliance & Permitting Strategy: Describe your methodology for ensuring compliance with all relevant building, ADA, and health codes, and your strategy for navigating the permitting process.

• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Document your methods for ensuring that operational needs and development constraints are effectively translated into architectural plans and design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are tailored to demonstrate practical application of design execution, project management, and operational compliance. Candidates are expected to showcase their ability to manage complex processes and deliver technically sound, compliant documentation. This is crucial for an operations-focused role where tangible outputs and process adherence are paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Store Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in Dallas, TX, the estimated annual salary range is between $85,000 and $115,000. This estimate considers factors such as the complexity of multi-unit retail/café build-outs, required technical proficiencies (AutoCAD, Bluebeam), and the responsibilities of managing external consultants and cross-functional teams. Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, workshops, and potential support for industry certifications.

• Employee Discounts: Potential for discounts on company products or services.

• Life & Disability Insurance: Coverage to provide financial security.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected to be approximately 40 hours per week, aligning with typical business operations in the retail and design industry. Some flexibility may be available, but the role requires consistent on-site presence and availability to manage project timelines effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for similar roles in the Dallas, Texas area, considering the experience level and the specialized nature of retail design project management. Benefits are standard for full-time roles and tailored to attract professionals in the design and operations field.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage / Retail (Café)

Company Size: While specific size isn't provided, Lalaland Support Center LLC likely supports a growing multi-unit retail operation, suggesting a dynamic and potentially fast-paced environment. This implies a need for structured processes and efficient operations management.

Founded: Information not provided, but the context suggests an organization with established brand standards and a growth trajectory in the café/retail space.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The Store Design Manager will likely be part of a larger Real Estate Development, Construction, or Facilities team.

• Reporting Line: Reports to a Director or Senior Manager overseeing Design, Construction, or Development.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: Works closely with internal teams such as Architecture (potentially external), Development, Operations (store-level and regional management), Marketing (for brand consistency), and Procurement.

• External Partners: Manages relationships with outsourced architects of record, MEP/structural engineers, and permitting expeditors.

Methodology:

• Standardized Processes: Emphasis on following established prototype designs and internal quality standards for consistency across all locations.

• Data-Driven Adaptations: Utilizing site-specific data and operational feedback to inform design adaptations and prototype improvements.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Employing a structured approach to identify and resolve design challenges through cross-functional input and technical expertise.

• Agile Execution: Adapting to evolving project requirements and site conditions while maintaining project timelines and budget constraints.

Company Website: https://www.lalalandfoundation.com/ (Based on domain derived, assuming this is the relevant company website)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context suggests an organization that values operational efficiency, brand consistency, and systematic growth. The Store Design Manager role is central to executing this strategy by ensuring that physical store designs are technically sound, compliant, and operationally viable.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the design and construction operations function. It requires significant technical expertise and project management capability, with a focus on executing established standards rather than defining overarching strategy.

Reporting Structure: The Store Design Manager typically reports to a Director or Senior Manager of Design, Development, or Construction. They will be responsible for managing external consultants (architects, engineers) and potentially junior design staff or coordinators.

Operations Impact: The Store Design Manager directly impacts the company's Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy by ensuring that new store openings are executed efficiently, on time, and within budget. Their work influences the customer experience through the physical space, operational efficiency for store staff, and brand perception. Successful execution of store designs contributes to revenue growth and market expansion.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design/Project Management: Advancement to Senior Store Design Manager or Lead Project Manager, overseeing larger, more complex projects or multiple project streams.

• Design Strategy Leadership: Transitioning into roles focused on developing and refining the overall store design prototypes and brand standards.

• Development Management: Moving into broader real estate development or construction management roles, taking on responsibility for site selection, lease negotiations, and overall project delivery.

• Operations Strategy Integration: Leveraging design and build knowledge to contribute to broader operational efficiency improvements in store operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical operational component within the GTM and Real Estate development function. Growth opportunities are clearly defined within the design, construction, and broader development lifecycle, emphasizing the operational impact and strategic importance of well-executed store designs.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a primary work location within an office environment. Given the Dallas location and the nature of the business, it's likely a professional office setting supporting administrative, development, and design functions.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at 1020 E Levee St, Dallas, TX 75207. This location is in Dallas, Texas, and accessibility would depend on local transportation networks.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates significant collaboration, so the workspace likely supports team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional discussions.

• Technical Resources: Access to necessary design software (AutoCAD, Bluebeam), hardware, and potentially shared drive systems for project documentation will be provided.

• Project Focus: The environment will be geared towards project execution, with a focus on meeting deadlines for design packages and permit submissions.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is likely Monday to Friday, with approximately 40 hours per week. However, the demands of project deadlines, permitting processes, and coordination with external partners may occasionally require extended hours or flexibility to ensure timely project completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical for this role, emphasizing the need for direct collaboration, access to resources, and hands-on project management. The workspace context is geared towards efficient project delivery and operational continuity.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, technical skills, and alignment with the role's core responsibilities.

• Technical Interview: An interview focused on your architectural design process, proficiency in AutoCAD and Bluebeam, understanding of codes and permitting, and experience with multi-unit retail/café build-outs. Expect questions about how you manage projects and resolve technical issues.

• Case Study/Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present specific projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved. This is where you'll demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and process management.

• Cross-Functional / Behavioral Interview: An interview with key stakeholders from Operations, Development, or potentially senior leadership to assess your communication skills, ability to collaborate, and cultural fit within the organization. Questions will focus on your experience working with diverse teams and managing expectations.

• Final Interview: A concluding interview, possibly with a Director or VP, to discuss your overall fit and alignment with the company's vision and operational goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your ability to manage construction document sets from SD to CD, handle site adaptations, and ensure code compliance for retail or QSR environments.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects. This could include adherence to budget, on-time delivery, reduction in RFIs, or successful permitting timelines.

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate your specific role, the design/construction process you followed, how you collaborated with other teams, and how you overcame challenges.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Ensure your drawings are clean, well-organized, and demonstrate a strong understanding of architectural detailing and drafting standards.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Be prepared to walk through your documents, explain design decisions, and answer detailed questions about your technical expertise and project management approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem-Solving: You might be presented with a hypothetical site constraint or operational requirement and asked to describe how you would approach designing a solution and developing the necessary documentation.

• Code Compliance Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would address a specific code violation or navigate a complex permitting issue in a given jurisdiction.

• Cross-Functional Alignment Exercise: Prepare to explain how you would communicate a design change that impacts store operations or how you would gather operational input for a new design element.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both technical proficiency and operational acumen. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only their design skills but also their project management capabilities and ability to collaborate effectively within a structured operational framework.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for drafting and creating architectural plans, elevations, and details. Proficiency in the latest versions and understanding of template management are key.

• Bluebeam Revu: Critical for document review, markup, collaboration, and managing large sets of drawings and specifications. Experience with its advanced features like measurement tools and batch processing is beneficial.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard tools for documentation, reporting, and communication, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Procore) may be beneficial for tracking project timelines, tasks, and deadlines, though not explicitly listed as required.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with cloud-based document repositories or internal systems for organizing and accessing project files.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly customer-facing, understanding how design decisions impact operational workflows and potentially interfacing with systems that track store build-out progress might be relevant. No specific CRM or automation tools are listed as primary requirements for this design-focused role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified tools are foundational for architectural design and project management in the construction industry. Proficiency in AutoCAD and Bluebeam is non-negotiable, reflecting the technical demands of producing accurate, compliant construction documents.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Consistency: A strong emphasis on adhering to established brand standards and internal quality benchmarks to ensure a consistent customer experience across all locations.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: A drive to complete projects within established timelines and budgets, recognizing the operational and financial impact of delays.

• Collaboration & Communication: A belief in the power of open communication and teamwork, particularly between design, development, and operations, to achieve project success.

• Problem-Solving & Innovation: A proactive approach to identifying and resolving challenges, encouraging creative solutions that meet technical, operational, and brand requirements.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of one's work, from design accuracy to project management, and being responsible for delivering high-quality results.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where Design must actively integrate with Development and Operations to translate needs and constraints into buildable solutions.

• Process-Oriented: Collaboration will likely follow established workflows and project management methodologies to ensure clear communication channels and efficient decision-making.

• Feedback Loops: An openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve designs, processes, and project outcomes.

• Stakeholder Alignment: A focus on ensuring all relevant stakeholders are informed and aligned throughout the design and construction process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture and values described are typical of organizations focused on efficient expansion and consistent brand delivery. The role of the Store Design Manager is pivotal in embodying these values through meticulous execution and effective collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Vision with Site Constraints: Effectively translating the desired brand experience into physical spaces that must adhere to unique site limitations, building codes, and landlord restrictions.

• Managing Multiple Projects & Deadlines: Juggling numerous build-out projects simultaneously, each with its own timeline, stakeholders, and potential challenges, often under tight deadlines.

• Resolving Complex Technical Issues: Independently addressing and solving intricate design problems, RFIs, and site-specific challenges that arise during the documentation and permitting phases.

• Ensuring Cross-Functional Alignment: Maintaining seamless communication and agreement between diverse teams (design, development, operations, external consultants) with potentially conflicting priorities.

• Navigating Jurisdictional Variances: Adapting designs and documentation to meet the specific and often varying requirements of different city planning departments and building authorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening Code Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of building, ADA, and health codes across a wider range of jurisdictions.

• Advanced Design Software Skills: Mastering advanced features of AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and potentially exploring BIM (Building Information Modeling) software.

• Project Management Methodologies: Enhancing project management skills, potentially through formal training or exposure to advanced PM tools and techniques.

• Construction Administration: Developing a stronger understanding of the construction administration phase and contractor relations.

• Retail Design Strategy: Contributing to the strategic evolution of store prototypes and design standards based on market trends and operational feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic and demanding nature of retail design execution, requiring adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening technical expertise and expanding project management capabilities within the operations and development sphere.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a schematic design concept and developing it into a complete set of construction documents for a multi-unit retail project." (Focus on workflow, quality control, stakeholder input, and key deliverables.)

• "How do you ensure that operational needs and feedback from store teams are effectively incorporated into the design process?" (Highlight your communication strategies and how you translate operational requirements into technical specifications.)

• "Walk me through a challenging site adaptation you managed. What were the constraints, what solutions did you propose, and what was the outcome?" (Use the STAR method to detail the situation, task, action, and result, emphasizing problem-solving and technical expertise.)

• "How do you approach managing relationships with external architects of record and engineers to ensure they meet La La Land's brand standards and project timelines?" (Discuss your communication, coordination, and quality assurance methods.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about La La Land's brand and our approach to store design?" (Research the company's mission, values, and current store designs to demonstrate genuine interest.)

• "How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects with competing deadlines?" (Discuss your time management, prioritization techniques, and ability to assess urgency.)

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a difficult stakeholder or team member. How did you manage the relationship and achieve project goals?" (Focus on communication, empathy, and finding common ground.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Clarity: For each selected project, begin with an overview of the project scope, your role, and the key objectives.

• Highlight Problem/Solution: Clearly articulate the main challenges faced (e.g., site constraints, code issues, operational needs) and detail the specific design solutions you implemented.

• Demonstrate Technical Rigor: Be prepared to zoom in on specific drawings (e.g., floor plans, elevations, details) to explain technical decisions and how they meet requirements.

• Quantify Results: If possible, present metrics related to project success (e.g., budget adherence, timeline management, reduction in RFIs, successful permit approval).

• Connect to Operations: Explicitly link your design decisions and project execution to operational efficiency, brand consistency, and the overall customer experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing not only design skills but also the operational aspects of project management, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration, which are critical for this role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Store Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Lalaland Support Center LLC careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your experience in retail/café design execution, construction documentation, site adaptation, and code compliance. Ensure these examples align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords related to architectural design, project management, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, permitting, ADA compliance, and cross-functional collaboration. Quantify your achievements with specific examples of projects managed and outcomes.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving methodologies, and collaboration approach. Prepare a concise presentation of your selected portfolio projects, focusing on the operational impact of your design solutions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Lalaland Support Center LLC, its brand, its existing store designs, and its mission. Understand their growth strategy and how store design contributes to their overall business objectives.

⚠️ 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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