Sr. Designer will be responsible for providing detailed guidance to external architects and or Franchisees on interpreting prototype designs into new and existing spaces. They review and approve 3rd party design submissions to ensure adherence to brand standards and may be called upon to provide plans, elevations, sketches, renderings, etc. of their own creation, to demonstrate design ideas. This Sr. Designer is an active participant in helping to solving business problems through design.
Responsible for providing detailed guidance to external architects and or Franchisees on interpreting prototype designs into new stores, reimages, non-traditional, etc. in addition to other asset types that may not yet exist.
Responsible for working with Franchisees to identify improvement opportunities on restaurant design, manuals, guidelines supply chain, etc.; consolidate franchisee feedback; communicate to Wendy’s leadership and assist creating solutions for these demands.
Lead cross functional (ops, supply chain and marketing) design review meetings
Support the franchisees by identifying when they need third-party design support, and properly explain the advantages of using a trained preferred architect or equivalent
Prepare and deliver design academies at regions or market specific for new franchisees
Consistently measure the franchisee knowledge and adherence to the brand standards, to evaluate the necessity of further training and/or support.
Work with franchisees on opportunities to improve local design and review process, measuring improvement through disciplined post-construction review process.
As needed, draws site plans and interior plan layouts for test fits, kitchen layouts to determine feasibility; does design studies to ensure that solutions are brand appropriate; or addresses one-off solutions for site-specific locations.
Provide design solutions and express them via scaled plans, elevations, renderings, color and material boards, written descriptions, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, etc.
Responsible for the review, comment and approval of design submissions for both company and franchise locations as well as for managing the necessary communication to all parties involved, including architects, franchisees, construction, operations, marketing, digital, etc.
Manage project milestones and upload documents to the Wendy’s project management software
Be accountable for reaching design submission and review timelines
Work closely with the Franchisee’s design team and leadership to ensure adherence to Wendy’s current design standards and specs.
Properly elevate and communicate to team leadership cases when the Franchisee is resistant or non-compliant to drive to resolution
Ensure that the minimum set of documents are provided by the franchisee for each review
Redline BOH and FOH drawings to ensure compliance
Review and approve interior and exterior signage placement and sizing per the latest Wendy’s image and guidelines
Review and approve in store Art Pack placement per the latest Wendy’s image and guidelines
Review and approve seating arrangements and FF&E specs per the latest Wendy’s design guidelines and supporting superior customer experience
Review and approve kitchen layout per the brand standards and kitchen manual
Lead and execute submittal process for approval of alternate materials, and updated master approved materials list
Lead continuous improvement efforts on the design guidelines and approvals process. Find ways to streamline the process to drive down review duration while increasing its accuracy
Lead, attend, and participate in regular meetings to ensure proper coordination and alignment
Respond to Requests for Information
International supply chain improvement – Support the growth of the international supply chain:
Leverage supplier opportunities presented by franchisees and research and validate alternate suppliers, to improve market or region supply chain options
Support research of additional suppliers for equipment, finishes and furniture for the brand
Approves prototypical and non-prototypical site plans with manager review
Approves prototypical and non-prototypical floor plan layouts for prototype projects in Corporate and Franchise restaurants with manager review
Approves prototypical and non-prototypical elevations, storefronts, design detailing for prototype projects in Corporate and Franchise restaurants with manager review
Requests for exception
Recommend best practices and process to increase functional efficiency
Modifications to brand standards
Franchisee design submission schedule
Alternate materials
Minimum 5 years interior and/or architectural design experience in a retail, hospitality or restaurant design or development organization.
Bachelor of Architecture or equivalent Interior Design degree. Proficiency in Bluebeam. AutoCAD, 3D visualization (Sketch-Up / Photoshop) capabilities a definite plus. MS Office suite a must
Experience dealing with outside consultants/sourcing/vendors, including architectural, interior, MEP, and others. Strong communication skills and ability to work cross functionally is a must. Strong organizational skills
Knowledge of best building construction practices and design detailing
Practical knowledge/experience of restaurant design/layouts
Thorough working knowledge of latest materials, lighting technology, sustainability solutions, color principles and industry trends
Proficiency in the English language
Experience with kitchen lay out designs
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