Purpose of the RoleAs the Design & Standards Manager, you will lead the development and continuous improvement of Osmow's restaurant design standards, construction specifications, and brand environments. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will ensure every new restaurant, remodel, and reinvestment project delivers a consistent, cost-effective, code-compliant, and operationally efficient guest experience. This role plays a key part in supporting our continued growth by translating our brand vision into high-quality restaurant designs across our corporate and franchised locations.
Key Responsibilities- Prototype & Standards Management
- Own the Blueprint: Maintain, update, and distribute master prototypical design packages (floor plans, interior elevations, exterior facades, finish schedules, FFE specs, etc).
- Asset Libraries: Manage digital design (AutoCAD), establishing and updating a standard library of architectural blocks, finishes, graphics, signage and FFE (furniture, fixtures, equipment) specifications.
- Value Engineering: Continuously evaluate design standards to identify opportunities for cost reduction, faster construction timelines, and improved sustainability without sacrificing brand integrity.
- Design & Quality Assurance
- Design: Together with Project Manager develop floor plans for feasibility studies, full design packages for renovation projects and signage packages for all projects within set standards and guidelines
- Consultant Liaison: Review construction and layout drawings submitted by external consultants, and real estate developers as well as signage shop drawings to ensure absolute alignment with prototype criteria
- Deviation Management: Evaluate and approve/deny site-specific design deviations requested due to local zoning, historical preservation codes, or unique physical footprints.
- Code & Accessibility Compliance: Work with consultants to ensure all prototype standards and site adaptation reviews comply with building codes, ADA standards, and regional health department regulations.
- Operational & Equipment Integration
- Kitchen & Service Optimization: Collaborate closely with Operations and R&D to integrate kitchen layouts, beverage systems, and POS terminals to maximize throughput and minimize employee steps.
- MEP Systems Coordination: Partner with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers to standardize building systems capable of supporting cooking and HVAC requirements.
- Equipment Spec Oversight: Manage standard specification sheets for food service equipment, refrigeration, IT equipment and signage and support on Vendor and stock management as necessary.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Brand & Marketing Alignment: Work with Marketing, IT, and Brand teams to seamlessly integrate required standards and new initiatives and support on R&D.
- Vendor Management: Vet and approve vendor-supplied finishes, fixtures, furniture, and equipment, ensuring high durability, easy cleaning, and reliable supplier lead times.
Qualifications and Skills Required:Education: Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management, or a closely related built-environment field experience.
Experience:
- 2 to 5+ years of progressive experience in retail, hospitality, or restaurant design, with direct experience in QSR / fast-casual environments as an asset.
- Demonstrated experience managing architectural prototypes, store rollouts, and construction documentation.
Technical Skills:- Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and/or BIM 360 as well as Bluebeam.
- Solid understanding of kitchen design, food service equipment, and building systems (MEP).
- Expert knowledge of ADA regulations, local zoning laws, and building codes across Canada.
- Demonstrated experience in scheduling, cost control and quality assurance processes.
Key Competencies:- Influencing & Negotiation: Ability to diplomatically but firmly enforce brand standards with franchisees, general contractors, and developers, providing creative workarounds when necessary.
- Project Management: Elite organizational skills to manage technical documentation, milestones and design reviews across a diversity of active development projects simultaneously. Ability to multi-task and to resolve and/or communicate any technical issues that may arise
- Mobility: A valid driver's license with own vehicle is required
Working Conditions and Physical Capabilities- No or very limited physical effort required.
- No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
- Work is normally performed in a typical office work environment
- Availability to travel to projects/restaurants and vendors/suppliers' offices
- Almost always work indoors.
- May on rare occasions work outdoors.
What We Offer- Competitive annual salary ranging from $80,000 to $110,000 CAD, based on experience and qualifications.
- Eligibility for a performance-based bonus aligned with strategic KPIs.
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a newly created role supporting the growth and expansion of a rapidly growing QSR organization.
- Collaborative, high-performance, and entrepreneurial culture.
- Strong focus on leadership development and career growth.
- No AI-based screening tools will be used in the hiring process.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted due to the high volume of applications. No phone calls or agencies please.
