Manager, Design, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, US&C

Ready to make your next big professional move? Join us on our journey to achieve our big dream of building the most loved restaurant brands in the world.   

Restaurant Brands International Inc. is one of the world's largest quick service restaurant companies with nearly $45 billion in annual system-wide sales and over 32,000 restaurants in more than 120 countries and territories.

RBI owns four of the world's most prominent and iconic quick service restaurant brands – TIM HORTONS, BURGER KING, POPEYES, and FIREHOUSE SUBS. These independently operated brands have been serving their respective guests, franchisees and communities for decades. Through its Restaurant Brands for Good framework, RBI is improving sustainable outcomes related to its food, the planet, and people and communities.

RBI is committed to growing the TIM HORTONS, BURGER KING, POPEYES and FIREHOUSE SUBS brands by leveraging their respective core values, employee and franchisee relationships, and long track records of community support. Each brand benefits from the global scale and shared best practices that come from ownership by Restaurant Brands International Inc.

Job Summary: The Design Manager plays a critical role in shaping the restaurant design and brand image for Popeyes in the Americas. This role ensures that all new and existing Popeyes locations align with the brand's architectural standards and strategic vision. 
 
The Design Manager will oversee a pipeline of approximately 150 new builds and 200 renovations annually, collaborating with franchise partners and internal teams—including construction, real estate, operations, technology, marketing, and finance—to drive projects from concept to completion. This individual will also contribute to prototype development while ensuring consistency and efficiency across the pipeline.

Roles & Responsibilities: 

• Ensure that all new and remodeled Popeyes locations uphold the brand's architectural and design standards while balancing customization and standardization across different markets. 

• Manage a portfolio of new restaurant openings (NROs) and renovations annually, ensuring timely execution and alignment with business goals. 

• Serve as the design liaison for franchisees, architects, engineers, and construction teams, providing guidance on brand standards, image, and equipment requirements. 

• Oversee and review prototypical construction documents, ensuring they align with brand objectives, architectural quality, and local regulations. 

• Act as a subject matter expert on construction documentation and architectural best practices, advising internal and external stakeholders. 

• Partner with cross-functional teams to refine and develop new restaurant prototypes, enhancing efficiency and brand identity.  

• Lead the review and approval process for architectural, engineering (including kitchen layout and equipment), and construction plans, ensuring quality and compliance. 

• Support internal process improvements by developing resources (people, tools, and workflows) to enhance the efficiency of the NRO and Renovations pipeline. 
 
Qualifications & Skills: 

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture (Architecture license is a plus). 

• 5+ years of relevant architecture and/or design experience, preferably in restaurant design (QSR is a plus). 

• Proven experience managing multiple projects simultaneously, from design development through construction execution. 

• Strong understanding of building codes, permitting, environmental regulations, and NSF standards. 

• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Bluebeam for reading, drawing, and reviewing full architectural plans. 

• Experience leading project teams, mentoring junior designers, and managing external design resources. 

• Ability to prioritize tasks, identify roadblocks, and escalate issues when necessary to ensure deadlines are met. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage with leadership, franchisees, and external partners. 

• Strong business acumen and problem-solving abilities, understanding how design impacts broader business objectives. 

• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and adaptable to shifting priorities. 

• Results-driven with strong analytical, negotiation, and decision-making skills. 

• High integrity, accountability, and a passion for the Popeyes brand. 
 
#popeyes

Benefits at all of our global offices are focused on physical, mental and financial wellness. We offer unique and progressive benefits, including a comprehensive global paid parental leave program that supports employees as they expand their families, free telemedicine and mental wellness support.

Restaurant Brands International and all of its affiliated companies (collectively, RBI) are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers that do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, provincial or federal laws, rules, or regulations. RBI's policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities upon request.