Senior Design Manager

Company: CAVA - Support Center
Location: New York City
Posted on: February 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Company Profile: At we make it deliciously simple to eat well and feel good every day. We are guided by a Mediterranean heritage that’s been perfecting how to eat and live for four thousand years. We prioritize authenticity, curiosity and the pursuit of excellence in everything we do. We are working towards something big , together. We foster a culture built on five core values: · Generosity First, : We lead with kindness. Our best work happens when we act in of others. · Constant Curiosity: We are eager to learn, grow, and explore beyond the obvious. · Act with Agility: We welcome change; it’s the only constant. We embrace, adjust, adapt. · Passion for Positivity: We greet each day with warmth and possibility. · Collective Ambition: We have high aspirations that are achieved when we work together with a shared purpose. Senior Design Manager: Can you set up projects for success, and ensure they are executed to high brand standards? Are you enthusiastic about collaborating effectively with partners across an organization? Do you have a passion for design, and strive to make each project better than the last? If this is you, we want you to join our team. CAVA is a rapidly expanding fast-casual restaurant and CPG brand focusing on fresh, Mediterranean-inspired, better-for-you cuisine. Born from our full-service restaurants, our chef-driven fast-casual format is currently in four states with further expansion ahead. We are looking for a Design Manager to join the Development Group at CAVA, helping us reach new communities with each new location. What You’ll Do: ? Partner with team in the continuous improvement of Cava’s Design Prototype Documents. ? Ensure Architectural consultant deliverables are in accordance with Industry Standards and Best Practices. ? Evaluate the Design Process on a bi-annual basis, identify opportunities to streamline the team’s efforts as the organization grows. Work with SVP Design & Construction to implement process improvements. ? Lead the onboarding and training of new design team members. ? Responsible for performing, coordinating, and/or managing design activities during pre-lease and design phases for the national expansion of CAVA restaurants and CAVA Products production facilities. ? Assist Real Estate team in the evaluation of prospective locations and provide feedback on draft Letter of Intent and/or Landlord Work Letter. Provide initial test fits and lease exhibits for sites. ? Coordinate internal meetings with cross-functional partners for final design approval. ? Prepare initial project schedules in conjunction with internal stakeholders for review/approval by corporate leadership. ? Manage Design Consultants’ project contracts, scope of work, and schedules. Review and ensure consultant deliverables are in accordance with design and brand standards. ? Work with internal development partners and Design Consultants to prepare full project due diligence reports. ? Coordinate with Utility Consultants during due diligence. Review site reports with Design/Engineering Consultants to provide scope of work assessments to project team. ? Moderate Project Kick-Off meetings with internal stakeholders and Consultants. ? Review and coordinate Landlord’s scope of work with Design Consultants’ Construction Documents. ? Coordinate design activities by various vendors during design phase, including architect, MEP engineer, kitchen equipment vendor, internal/external signage vendor(s), millwork fabricator, etc. ? Review design documents and specifications and facilitate various reviews by CAVA team members. ? Assist Construction Managers to validate project budgets are in accordance with scope of work. ? Facilitate Landlord approvals of CAVA’s design, as required. ? Work with licensed Consultants to oversee jurisdictional approvals and building permits are obtained for projects. Attend jurisdictional approval meetings to present designs, as required. ? Travel to restaurant sites in any CAVA/Zoe’s Kitchen markets and attend construction progress meetings as needed, to ensure brand standards and project requirements are met. ? Partner with Construction team to resolve on-site issues, provide sketches and responses as necessary to Contractor RFI’s. ? Maintain detailed files for all projects in accordance with CAVA filing standards. ? Collaborate with internal partners to evaluate and enhance brand recognition and design standards. ? Assist Department leadership in various brand initiatives that may include concept/schematic design, interior and industrial design. ? Assist Department leadership with design presentations and R&D. ? Identify opportunities for the use of new technology and materials. The Qualifications: ? Minimum 10 years’ post-collegiate experience designing hospitality/retail/restaurant projects. ? Minimum 4 years’ experience working for a company with a roll-out program (retail/restaurants/hospitality). ? Minimum 4 years’ experience overseeing the design of restaurant or similar foodservice projects, with knowledge of health code requirements and restaurant infrastructure (HVAC and exhaust systems, kitchen equipment, etc). ? Minimum 2 years in a management role, overseeing a team of design or architecture professionals. ? Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and Adobe Creative Suite proficient. ? Rendering, 3D modeling, and hand sketching skills a plus. ? Able to manage several projects and consultants simultaneously, and work with multiple project stakeholders across the organization. ? Strong communication and time management skills. ? Knowledge of retail/restaurant/hospitality design industry trends and best practices. ? Positive attitude with team-driven mentality and detail oriented approach. ? Ability to travel up to 30% throughout CAVA and Zoe’s markets. Physical Requirements: (for all standard support center roles) ? Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods ? Must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment ? Must be able to identify, assess and observe detail ? Must be able to push and pull up to 35 pounds ? Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds ? Must be able to sit, squat and kneel occasionally ? Must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner ? May be required to occasionally work in outdoor weather conditions What we offer: (for all SC exempt positions) · Competitive salary, plus bonus and long-term incentives* · Early Wage Access! · Unlimited PTO, paid parental leave, plus paid opportunities to give back to the community · Health, Dental, Vision, Telemedicine, Pet Insurance plus more! · 401k enrollment with CAVA contribution · Company-paid STD, LTD, Life and AD&D coverage for salaried positions* · Free CAVA food · Casual work environment · The opportunity to be on the ground floor of a rapidly growing brand · Please note that visa sponsorship is not available. · Compensation posted is a total cash range. *Indicates qualifying eligible positions only CAVA – Joining “A culture, not a concept” As an equal opportunity employer, CAVA considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, genetic information or any other characteristic or protected classes as defined by federal, state, or local law. This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

Keywords: CAVA - Support Center, Milford , Senior Design Manager, Design, Graphic Design & CAD , New York City, Connecticut