Senior Design Manager

Company Profile

At we make it deliciously simple to eat well and feel good every day. We are guided by a Mediterranean heritage that’s been perfecting how to eat and live for four thousand years. We prioritize authenticity, curiosity and the pursuit of excellence in everything we do. We are working towards something big, together.

• Generosity First, :
  We lead with kindness. Our best work happens when we act in of others.
• Constant Curiosity:
  We are eager to learn, grow, and explore beyond the obvious.
• Act with Agility:
  We welcome change; it’s the only constant. We embrace, adjust, adapt.
• Passion for Positivity:
  We greet each day with warmth and possibility.
• Collective Ambition:
  We have high aspirations that are achieved when we work together with a shared purpose.

Can you set up projects for success, and ensure they are executed to high brand standards? Are you enthusiastic about collaborating effectively with partners across an organization? Do you have a passion for design, and strive to make each project better than the last? If this is you, we want you to join our team. CAVA is a rapidly expanding fast‑casual restaurant and CPG brand focusing on fresh, Mediterranean‑inspired, better‑for‑you cuisine.

Born from our full‑service restaurants, our chef‑driven fast‑casual format is currently in four states with further expansion ahead. We are looking for a Design Manager to join the Development Group at CAVA, helping us reach new communities with each new location.

• Partner with team in the continuous improvement of Cava’s Design Prototype Documents.
• Ensure Architectural consultant deliverables are in accordance with Industry Standards and Best Practices.
• Evaluate the Design Process on a bi‑annual basis, identify opportunities to streamline the team’s efforts as the organization grows. Work with SVP Design & Construction to implement process improvements.
• Lead the onboarding and training of new design team members.
• Responsible for performing, coordinating, and/or managing design activities during pre‑lease and design phases for the national expansion of CAVA restaurants and CAVA Products production facilities.
• Assist Real Estate team in the evaluation of prospective locations and provide feedback on draft Letter of Intent and/or Landlord Work Letter. Provide initial test fits and lease exhibits for sites.
• Coordinate internal meetings with cross‑functional partners for final design approval.
• Prepare initial project schedules in conjunction with internal stakeholders for review/approval by corporate leadership.
• Manage Design Consultants’ project contracts, scope of work, and schedules. Review and ensure consultant deliverables are in accordance with design and brand standards.
• Work with internal development partners and Design Consultants to prepare full project due diligence reports.
• Coordinate with Utility Consultants during due diligence. Review site reports with Design/Engineering Consultants to provide scope of work assessments to project team.
• Moderate Project Kick‑Off meetings with internal stakeholders and Consultants.
• Review and coordinate Landlord’s scope of work with Design Consultants’ Construction Documents.
• Coordinate design activities by various vendors during design phase, including architect, MEP engineer, kitchen equipment vendor, internal/external signage vendor(s), millwork fabricator, etc.
• Review design documents and specifications and facilitate various reviews by CAVA team members.
• Assist Construction Managers to validate project budgets are in accordance with scope of work.
• Facilitate Landlord approvals of CAVA’s design, as required.
• Work with licensed Consultants to oversee jurisdictional approvals and building permits are obtained for projects. Attend jurisdictional approval meetings to present designs, as required.
• Travel to restaurant sites in any CAVA/Zoe’s Kitchen markets and attend construction progress meetings as needed, to ensure brand standards and project requirements are met.
• Partner with Construction team to resolve on‑site issues, provide sketches and responses as necessary to Contractor RFI’s.
• Maintain…