Design & Architect Manger

We are seeking a Design & Entitlements Manager to serve as a trusted advisor throughout the development process, partnering with operators, developers, consultants, and project stakeholders to bring new locations from concept to reality.

This role combines design oversight, entitlement expertise, permitting guidance, and project coordination. The ideal candidate brings strong design sensibilities, understands how to navigate complex municipal approval processes, and excels at collaborating with multiple stakeholders to keep projects moving forward.

This is a field-based position requiring regular travel to the active development market.

• ght Serve as the design lead on assigned development projects, ensuring alignment with brand standards, operational requirements, and overall project objecti
• Partner with architects, engineers, consultants, and project teams to develop practical design solutions that address site-specific challen
• Review schematic design, design development, and construction documents to ensure quality, consistency, and complia
• Identify opportunities for value engineering while maintaining design integrity and project go
• Provide guidance on design decisions, site constraints, and operational considerations throughout the development lifecy

• Provide expertise on zoning, land use, permitting, conditional use approvals, site plan approvals, and municipal review proces
• Evaluate potential development sites and identify entitlement risks early in the proc
• Support interactions with planning departments, design review boards, planning commissions, and municipal agenc
• Review due diligence materials including ALTA surveys, geotechnical reports, environmental studies, title reports, property condition assessments, and related document at

• Act as a trusted advisor and primary point of contact throughout the development proc
• Coordinate with architects, civil engineers, consultants, contractors, and project stakehold
• Build strong relationships with external partners and municipal conta
• Provide guidance and support while balancing project objectives, schedules, and stakeholder expectati
• Escalate issues when necessary and proactively identify solutions to keep projects on tr

• Monitor development schedules and key project milesto
• Identify project risks and implement mitigation strateg
• Coordinate project activities from site evaluation through permit appro
• Support site visits, project reviews, and stakeholder meetings as requi
• Maintain visibility across multiple projects at various stages of developm

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management, Engineering, Real Estate Development, or a related f
• 5+ years of experience in development, design, architecture, construction, retail development, restaurant development, franchise development, or related indust
• Experience working with architects, consultants, developers, owner-representatives, or multi-site development organizat
• Working knowledge of entitlement, zoning, permitting, and municipal approval proce

• Strong design and planning ac
• umen Ability to review and interpret architectural plans, construction documents, and technical draw
• ings Knowledge of site development, due diligence, and feasibility anal
• ysis Excellent written and verbal communication sk
• ills Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management capabili
• ties Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneo
• usly Experience with project scheduling and project management t
• ools Ability to identify issues proactively and drive solut

• from:
  
  Architecture
• firms
  
  Development comp
• anies
  
  Owner's Representative organiza
• pment
  
  Construction and project management

• Ability to travel up
• to 50%
  Field-based role with regular site visits and stakeholder me
• etings
  
  Opportunity to support high-growth development initiatives and work across multiple m