Design Manager - KFC

Key Responsibilities:

Plan Approvals (30%):

• Manage, monitor, interrogate, and approve all plan approvals for all SA franchise and equity submissions (new, relocates and remodels)
• Influence architects and professionals in order to elevate and create RED customer experiences
• Identify process improvements to help better manage the design, commercial, and financial risk within projects and programs
• Maintain full knowledge of current planning, building and health codes, regulations and ordinances, and other associated standards and ensure these are reflected in current KFC design standards

Design Management and evolution (20%):

• Manage and invigorate the KFC Africa design to ensure it builds ‘big brand’ which is Relevant, Easy and Distinctive (RED)
• Manage the evolution of the design considering: a) Customer journeys, b) Customer experience c) remodel implications, d) cost-effectiveness, e) time to trade, f) practical materials, g) consumer needs, h) global design trends, i) YRI global design tenets, and j) longevity (life cycle analysis) k) Green Star/ Leed Certification. Take into account the diversity in facilities, operational complexities, business investment cycles, and ROI
• Lead post-implementation assessments, including preparation of detailed reviews, recommendations, and presentations to consultants, franchisees and other internal stakeholders
• Cost Optimization– Optimization of build costs by evolving asset design for diverse markets and skill sets

Asset Design and Brand Standards System Library (20%):

• Manage the execution of the Asset Design and Brand Standards (System Library) which will require strong cross-function engagement with Restaurant Excellence, Customer Experience, Field Operations, IT, Technology, SCM, Marketing, Finance and Franchisees. This would include brand standards of restaurant type, design, decor, signage etc.
• Update Development Managers, Architects, contractors, shop fitters, and other Professionals on design changes. Define the processes and mechanisms to ensure alignment in the system.
• Supplier Management – Partnering with the SCM team, managing relationships with suppliers of the design elements with regard to quality of goods, manufacture, alternatives, and localization. 

Special Projects (30%):

• Serve on cross-functional project teams which affect Customer experience, Flagship Designs, Net Zero Carbon targets, & equipment specification.

Stakeholders:

• Cross-functional engagement to ensure alignment on scope, cost, and time (Equity Development/ Design & Construction/ REX/ CX Factory, Ops/ Marketing, and SCM Teams).
• Franchisees, Development Managers, and Architects – Engage and influence to ensure KFC Africa Standards are maintained and to support the new build pipeline.
• Suppliers – Manage and negotiate relationships with suppliers. 

Travel Requirements:

• Hybrid working model in the office plus regular field trips for site scoping and sign-offs
• Occasional travel throughout the country of South Africa and into Africa

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture
• Registrations with relevant professional councils/ institutes would be beneficial.
• Minimum 7 years experience in design management/development of design standards and management of multiple retail or commercial projects. Experience must include strong working knowledge of Autocad, Revit, Bluebeam, Corel Draw and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop and Indesign)
• Proven experience in taking concept designs through to delivery on site
• Strong experience in design and space planning
• Previous direct supervisory experience

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong understanding of construction methodology, processes, and systems
• Strong spatial planning and visualization skills.
• Commercially minded to understand the cost impact of design decisions for New builds and Remodel scoping
• Solid know-how around Contractor/Supplier Management and driving a cost optimization mindset\
• Sound management level planning, directing, leading, and controlling skills, progressing multiple jobs simultaneously
• Able to critically review technical design and planning decisions of various consultants
• Able to work with people and build strong relationships with various disciplines at all levels within an organization
• A strong and proven drive for results
• Proven verbal and written communication and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex issues in a simple and straightforward manner.