New Store Project Design Manager

New Store Project Design Manager

Since 1940, Dairy Queen® has been one of the world's best known and loved brands. Based in Minneapolis, MN, International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. As a leading franchisor, there are more than 7,000 independently owned and operated restaurants in the U.S., Canada and more than 20 countries around the world. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.

Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges.

Job Description

Job Overview

Create project feasibility drawings, provide equipment and building systems support, and direct architects, builders, franchisees and external service providers on the approved image design criteria and operational layout standards for both prototype and non-prototype new store projects. Establish relationships with franchisees and architects that allow projects to move through to plan approval in a timely fashion to meet unit development goals and project cost objectives.

Primary Duties

• Manage project design documentation from initial feasibility request by DQ® Franchise Development Reps through to completion and subsequent distribution to outside parties. Complete design drawings in accordance with DQ® design standards, SRI data, prevailing building codes, and ADA accessibility standards. The feasibilities are expected to be precise in their representation of a proposed location to provide the franchisee a reasonable assessment of project viability and cost.
• Provide building systems and food service equipment direction to franchisees, architects, engineers, and general contractors for both prototype and non-prototype locations. Requires in-depth knowledge of past and current food and treat equipment specifications as well as working understanding of building construction systems including experience with electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems. Provide technical and design feedback to the Director of Architecture based on issues encountered by architects and builders utilizing our prototype drawings.
• Manage project design approvals from outside architects and designers promptly and accurately for alignment with either DAC completed project feasibility drawings or current established design criteria guidelines and operational layout standards. Complete reviews electronically utilizing Adobe software and subsequently entered in Synuma tracking software. Distribute reviews electronically to the appropriate parties in a timely and efficient manner.
• Maintain new store project tracking daily from feasibility request through drawing approval to achieve timeline goals established for each project type, utilizing Synuma tracking software. Manage critical milestone tasks during the design phase and report status to franchisees, corporate staff, and others to facilitate the restaurant development process.

The US national base salary range for this position is $102,987-$126,159. This position is also eligible for a bonus. The base salary range displayed reflects the targeted hiring range for positions across all US locations. Individual pay is determined by job-related skills, work location and relevant education or experience.

Qualifications

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering Technology, or related specialized field, or equivalent combination of education (Associate degree) and work experience.
• Minimum of 5-7 years project management and design experience and a multiple restaurant project background (QSR preferred).
• Directly related food service design and documentation experience including experience with prototype plan development, custom design and plan preparation, and collaboration experience with architects, general contractors and franchisees on construction plan interpretation.

Skills

• Working knowledge of the following software applications:
• AutoCad and/or Revit for feasibility creation.
• Adobe PhotoShop and PhotoShop (PS) software for design document rendering.
• BlueBeam software for project review notation.
• Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within an intense, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong presentation skills, with the ability to articulate effectively and convincingly to a variety of audiences, including franchisee leadership and senior management.
• In-depth knowledge of QSR industry equipment specifications, use, and application in a prototype or non-prototype environment.
• Track record of independently creating design and/or construction documents in accordance with recognized industry drawing standards and formatting.
• Practical understanding of various construction industry best practices and techniques.
• Relationship building skills with the ability to create mutually beneficial relationships with internal personnel as well as external service providers, architects, builders and franchisees.
• Informed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate information in a department and/or team environment.
• Well organized and focused on detail and accuracy, as well as ability to provide daily project status updates for department tracking software.
• Provide excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Our benefit package supports the well-being of our employees and their families. Our comprehensive benefit package includes, medical, dental, 401K match, paid time off (including volunteer time as well as parental leave) and so much more! To learn more about our great benefit offerings, Click Here.

Most positions located out of our global headquarters in Bloomington, MN will work a hybrid work schedule where you will work 2 collaboration days a week. Additional in office time may be required to support team/project needs. Positions will be identified as "remote eligible" when consideration will be given to candidates outside of drivable distance to our Bloomington office.

We are committed to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging for all who touch DQ. We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work, and where we recruit, engage, and retain employees, franchise owners, and suppliers based on qualifications and merit. We strive to maintain an environment where everyone feels welcome.

IDQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new team members. You must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.