Director, Design

• Design Strategy & Environmental Branding

• Develop and evolve brand design standards and scalable prototypes across all formats
• Maintain and enforce brand integrity across all restaurant environments through clear guidelines and visual consistency
• Lead conceptual and schematic design processes for innovation and strategic brand initiatives
• Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Build, mentor, and lead a team of in-house designers, reimage program managers, and external design consultants
• Set clear goals, provide performance feedback, and support career development for team members
• Foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, and accountability within the design and development function
• Allocate resources effectively across new builds, remodels, reimages, and international projects
• Guide internal team through evolving design trends, operational changes, and technology integration
• Franchisee Engagement & Reimage Programs

• Lead nationwide reimage and remodel programs, ensuring alignment with brand positioning and financial targets
• Collaborate with franchisees to balance design integrity, cost-efficiency, and market-specific adaptation
• Review and approve franchise design submittals and provide structured feedback and coaching
• Support development of franchisee-facing toolkits, webinars, and communications for rollout of new design initiatives
• International Store Design Support

• Partner with global franchisees and regional leaders to localize store designs while maintaining global brand standards
• Develop country- or region-specific design packages, accounting for local codes, materials, and cultural preferences as needed
• Provide design oversight for international partners, including reviews, and vendor support
• Align with international development schedules and business objectives to ensure efficient market entry
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Strategic Execution

• Work closely with Real Estate, Construction, Marketing, and Operations teams to align design solutions with business goals
• Lead design presentations for senior leadership, franchise councils, and board-level stakeholders
• Translate strategic priorities—such as digital transformation or sustainability—into design decisions
• Vendor & Consultant Management

• Identify, onboard, and manage external design, architectural, and engineering consultants
• Oversee documentation, renderings, and permitting packages to ensure quality and timeliness
• Implement scalable vendor management processes to support rapid growth and value engineering
• Prototype Innovation & Format Evolution

• Continuously update prototype designs based on customer research, operational feedback, and competitive benchmarking
• Lead testing and rollout of new store formats and features (e.g., drive-thru-only, ghost kitchens, pickup lanes)
• Integrate sustainability, modularity, and digital elements into design frameworks

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Environmental Design, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in QSR, retail, or hospitality design, including 3–5 years in a senior leadership or team management role
• Proven experience leading internal design teams and external consultants across multiple concurrent projects
• Fundamental understanding of how interior elements are built including but not limited to; millwork and ceiling elements.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the design process in the context of the entire business proposition – marketing and consumer insights; operational efficiency; construction cost reduction or containment; code compliance; equipment design; furniture design; menu offerings; facilities management.
• High level of organization and strong project management skills.
• Able to handle multiple projects, with changing criteria simultaneously.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to motivate, coach, and develop high-performing teams
• Expertise in reimage/remodel programs and franchisee design support
• Understanding of international design adaptation and global development
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to travel

• Critical Thinking – Defines and resolves a situation or problem by analyzing issues involved, weighing options, and evaluating alternatives; maintains objective attitude; approaches situations and problems systematically; uses observation, experience, reflection, and/or reasoning to drive business forward.

• Influencing Others – Convinces and persuades others in either positive or negative circumstances to accomplish goals and objectives; responds to objections successfully; uses tact when expressing ideas or opinions.

• Initiative – Takes action proactively; addresses issues or opportunities without supervision; focuses on desired results and accomplishments; demonstrates clear purpose, enthusiasm, and a “can-do” attitude.

• Innovative and Creative – Looks for ways to improve oneself, the job, the project, the system, and the organization; challenges conventional practices, generates new ideas to create novel solutions to problems.

• Managing Execution – Manages multiple projects and effectively prioritizes tasks and goals; uses goals to guide actions and create detailed action plans; organizes and schedules people and tasks; utilizes resources effectively to meet goals.

• Negotiating – Presents issues or ideas in a clear and influential manner; maintains an open-minded and non-judgmental attitude; listens to others’ views and empathizes.

• Relationship Management – Initiates and develops relationships with others; demonstrates credibility; confronts conflict quickly and professionally; inspires confidence in others.

• People Leadership – Provides guidance and direction to team members and sets expectations accountability for standards of performance. Serves as a role model to staff and other team members for creating a respectful, productive work environment. Serves as one of the main drivers of the company’s mission, values and culture, as well as be an advocate for the employees and business alike.

Church's Chicken