Manager, International Design and Construction

The Manager, International of Design and Construction will manage and oversee the international design and construction process for new market entry and new licensee onboarding. Ability to guide external architects, contractors, equipment suppliers, and vendors to deliver stores on schedule and within established brand standards. Work closely and collaboratively with regional teams to achieve strategic regional and global initiatives. Has good communication skills and ability. Drives strategic initiatives for the International Design and Construction team while guiding and influencing licensees. This role interacts directly with International and regional business units, Equipment, Food Safety, Concept Design, Marketing, and Operations teams within a matrix organization.

Responsibilities

Project Management:

• Relationship management with licensees and Inspires’ internal teams.

• Work with licensees’ construction, design and operations teams during the construction and post construction phases, scheduling and facilitating the necessary meetings.

• Develop preliminary layouts for new market entries or new licensees.

• Maintain reporting on overall project workflows including: tracking new store openings, remodels in progress, cost collection, and other project-specific data

• Assist on the submittal and approval process of localized elements – including building materials, equipment, and/or furnishings.

• Ensure adherence to Brand standards and food safety.

Cost management and VE support:

• Work with the licensee, regional teams, and equipment teams on budget reviews and value engineering support.

• Ability to analyze licensee CAPEX cost and benchmark with competitors in the region.

• Ability to provide high-level conceptual estimates.

• Overall budgeting and value engineering support services for current and upcoming Brand designs

On-site QA/QC:

• Perform onsite construction and post- construction reviews to ensure completion per the approved drawings, on schedule and per the brand’s quality requirements.

• Ability to capture corrections and inform opportunities to licensees and internal design team.

• Assist in new market entry opening activities.

Supply chain support:

• Assist on the management of the international supply chain and procurement of additional suppliers for equipment, finishes and furniture to increase supplier pool.

Support activities:

• Support preparation of construction and project management manuals, processes, workflows and perform licensee training sessions.

• Assist on the preparation and update of brand standard guidelines and strategic regional and global projects to support the broader business.

• Develop remodel work scopes – based on brand and regional needs.

Education and Experience Qualifications

• 4 Year Degree and/or Bachelor’s degree within construction management, architecture, civil engineering, or another related field.
• 5+ years of applied working experience in a related field
• 3+ years producing preliminary floor plan drawings in a relevant CAD software systems.
• Experience in restaurant or retail architecture, construction, or F&B construction.
• 2+ years of international experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Energetic and enthusiastic construction manager with the ability to manage multiple projects and project sizes across a multi-brand matrix organization.

• Strong technical ACAD proficiency to develop preliminary layout.

• International business experience.

• Familiarity with commercial kitchen design, including MEP requirements and operations/workflow considerations.

• Ability to analyze construction costs and licensees CAPEX.

• Understanding of market planning and site selection methods.

• Knowledge of global construction means/methods as applicable in a commercial restaurant environment.

• Understanding of restaurant operational layouts.

• Ability to apply knowledge of architectural principles to achieve successful outcomes in store designs that ensure compliance with established brand design and standards.

• Capable of setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and managing multiple projects in a changing environment.

• Highly motivated and the ability to work as team player and excellent communicator.

• Ability to absorb and reflect on architectural drawings in ever-evolving operating systems and store design standards.

• Ability to interface and maintain excellent professional relationships with a variety of audiences to include licensee partners, international business units, operations, outsourced consultants,