Design Manager

At CAVA 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.

We foster a culture built on five core values:

• Generosity First, Always:
  We lead with kindness. Our best work happens when we act in service 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.

Concept Design Manager (Must submit work samples with application)

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 states with further expansion ahead. We are looking for a Concept Design Manager to join the Development and Design Team at CAVA, helping us reach new communities with each new location.

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all the duties and responsibilities of the position, and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

What You’ll Do:

• Assist Director of Concepts and Standards Studio in performing, coordinating, and/or managing design activities during pre-lease and design phases for the national expansion of CAVA restaurants.
• Create initial test fits and lease exhibits for prospective new restaurant sites.
• Develop design concepts and refinements related to FFE with particular focus on millwork, lighting and architectural integration.
• Develop concept renderings and visuals for both full restaurant experiences, as well as smaller-scale details.
• Create compelling design presentations showcasing material palettes and finish
• Collaborate with internal partners to evaluate and enhance brand recognition and design standards.
• Coordinate internal meetings with cross-functional stakeholders for final design approval.
• Assist Director of Concepts and Standards Studio in reviewing Design Consultants’ project contracts, scope of work, and schedules. Review and ensure consultant deliverables are in accordance with design and brand standards.
• Assist Department leadership with design presentations and R&D.
• Identify opportunities for the use of new technology and materials.
• Assist Department leadership in various brand initiatives that may include concept/schematic design, interior and industrial design.
• Review project due diligence reports in preparation for Project Kick-Off calls.
• Coordinate with Utility Consultants during due diligence. Review site reports with Design/Engineering Consultants to provide scope of work assessments to project team.
• Attend Project Kick-Off meetings with internal stakeholders and Consultants.
• Review and coordinate Landlord’s scope of work with Design Consultants’ Construction Documents.
• Assist Design Managers with 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.
• Facilitate Landlord approvals of CAVA’s design, as required.
• Travel to restaurant sites in any CAVA 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 detailed files for all…