Senior Design Manager

As a company, we continue to innovate, challenge the norm in the restaurant space and create a place where our team and guests feel energized. With 86 restaurants across eight states, we have grown into a restaurant empire. Starting with all things fresh, we make everything from scratch and take pride in creating delicious meals for our guests. Since we have fresh ingredients and serve fresh food quickly, we attract a culinary crowd that craves an exceptional dining experience.

We are not fast food; we are slow food served fast
.

The Senior Designer is a lead design professional responsible for the hands‑on development and execution of new restaurant buildings and remodels (tenant improvements) from concept through construction documentation. This role combines advanced architectural and interior design skills with technical knowledge, coordination, and leadership.

• Produce and refine test‑fits including site plans, floor plans, elevations, and spatial layouts for new construction and renovation projects; coordinate closely with the architect of record, engineers, consultants, and Cafe Zupas Construction Managers to ensure approved test‑fits are accurately incorporated into construction documents.
• Lead the design process from preliminary layouts through construction ready documentation; participate in entitlement and permitting processes, reviewing zoning ordinance requirements, documenting compliance, and supporting site plan reviews, design reviews, conditional use permits, and building permits; review construction drawings, RFIs, and submittals—including pre‑architect review—to ensure alignment with brand standards, operational requirements, and constructibility; refine interior layouts, finishes, cabinetry, lighting, and signage packages to balance guest experience, brand identity, and operational efficiency;
• Apply a working understanding of building codes, constructibility, and building assembly in design decisions; manage and track design deliverables and schedules from architects, engineers, and consultants.
• Identify, document, and communicate action items and assigned tasks resulting from internal and external meetings, including preparation and distribution of meeting minutes.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Operations to create functional, safe, and efficient spaces, and with Marketing to integrate brand campaigns and identity into the built environment.
• Stay informed on trends in restaurant, hospitality, and retail design to introduce innovative solutions.

Proficiency in Revit for modeling, documentation, and coordination;
AutoCAD for drawing production and detailing;
Sketch Up for test‑fits and design‑development modeling;
Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) for presentations and graphics; rendering tools;
Bluebeam Revu for markups and coordination; familiarity with Rhino / Grasshopper, Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, and project management tools such as Procore or Asana is beneficial.

Professional degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, or a related field (B.Arch, M.Arch, or equivalent experience); typically 8+ years of professional experience in an architectural or design environment; demonstrated experience with restaurant, hospitality, or retail projects, including new construction and tenant improvements; hands‑on experience producing test‑fits, site plans, floor plans, and elevations; experience coordinating with architects of record, engineers, and consultants to implement approved designs;

general understanding of building codes, zoning ordinances, entitlement processes, and constructibility; strong design, coordination, and communication skills; ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.

As a Part of the Zupas Team, you (and your family) will have access to medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits.

Cafe Zupas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Any job offer may also be contingent upon successful completion of a background check, including a check of your employment references.