Velvet Taco is seeking a Director of Design & Construction capable of driving brand growth while maintaining Velvet Taco quality design and execution. The ideal candidate will have a track record of leading the development teams and processes with a focus on dates and budgets with an elevated eye for design. They should be able to leverage existing relationship with external vendors and well as establish new connections to maintain a strong network to support Velvet Taco’s growth objectives. Reporting directly to the VP of Development & Construction, the ideal candidate must stay Relentless in pushing the brand and the Development team members forward.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

• Responsible for construction, architecture, and engineering leadership required for development of new restaurants meeting local codes, landlord requirements, and Velvet Taco standards

• Provides design and development solutions for potential new restaurant locations in support of the real estate approval process 

• Align design direction with appropriate budgets, and track development spending, holding team members and vendors financially accountable throughout the development process

• Lead the development process to ensure projects milestones are maintained, and effectively communicate to the broader team and changes

• Develop brand standards/processes to ensure team members and external partners have the support to successful execute new restaurant openings 

• Work with key departmental leaders to establish a change management process to that will allow the brand to evolve with the design and build of new restaurants

• Own the project closeout and budget reconciliation, as well as the tenant allowance collections

• Take on the role of a construction project manager as workload requires, while maintaining other responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a group of professionals to achieve individual and group goals 

• Display a wide degree of creativity and latitude

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering or a related field, preferred.

• Minimum of 10 years recent and related experience.

• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

• Strong discipline of financial management including financial tracking, budgeting, forecasting and analysis

• Strong analytical mindset with a sound financial business acumen

• Comfortable managing competing and changing priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Flexible, detail-oriented team-player who works well under pressure and has strong organizational and time management skills

• Must have strong communication skills with the ability to successfully communicate to team members, vendors, contractors, and executive team

LOCATION & TRAVEL:

Position located in Velvet Taco Restaurant Support Office in Plano, TX                                   

Flexibility with work hours necessary with up to 30% of travel, as needed