The Role
Creates and maintains restaurant CAD prototypes, floor plans, elevations, details, equipment specifications, design guides, and test fits across multiple brands. Reviews and redlines architectural plans, supports remodel and relocation projects, maintains CAD libraries and project files, and collaborates with design, construction, architects, and franchisees. The role also develops project checklists, researches materials, and assists with internal design projects.
Summary Generated by Built In
POSITION SUMMARY:
Kahala Brands, a globally recognized leader in quick-service restaurant franchising located in beautiful Scottsdale Arizona, currently has an opportunity for a Design Assistant/CAD Drafter to join the headquarters team. Kahala franchisees and partners operate a portfolio of many quick-service restaurant brands including Cold Stone Creamery, Planet Smoothie, Pinkberry, Blimpie, and Baja Fresh, among others, in over 20 countries around the world. This is an entry to mid-level position and would report to the Director of Design.
Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- 3 or more years of restaurant design experience. Will consider candidates with college degree in related studies in lieu of experience.
- Educational or technical background in drafting, design or architecture experience working in a production firm environment a plus
- Architectural building code knowledge is a plus
- Design and construction background is a plus
- Must be able to review and interpret site information or as-built plans
- Generate plans, elevations, and details in AutoCad and PDF formats. These are required software skills.
- Detailed understanding of plans, construction documents and engineering disciplines
- Detailed knowledge and experience of restaurant equipment and design.
- Willingness to work with multiple individuals and diverse franchisee clientele.
- Ability to learn and retain brand standards/trade dress for multiple brands.
- Must have excellent written, verbal, and organizational skills. Highly organized and detail oriented
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Teams)
- Highly proficient in AutoCAD design software is a must including but not limited to block creation, updating and manipulation, layer management, and knowledge of creating drawing templates a plus
- Smartsheet PM software experience is a plus
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and/or maintain prototype CAD files for each brand including floor plans, finish details, elevations, ceiling and lighting and millwork details
- Maintain equipment spec books for each brand
- Maintain design guides for each brand
- Create & maintain CAD block libraries for each brand
- Draft feasibility test fits on request for unique spaces and/or multi-brands
- Assist with drafting plans for remodels, office updates, and other internal projects
- Collaborate closely with the design and construction team to ensure alignment
- Standardize brand prototype filing system
- Assist restaurant design managers with unique project requests as needed
PRE-CONSTRUCTION
- Create proposed space “Test Fit” and other plans in AutoCad and PDF formats.
- Provide support as needed to individual architects during the entire development process.
PLAN & DESIGN
- Create and manage process checklists and forms as needed for each project.
REFRESH, REMODEL AND RELOCATION PROJECTS
- Generate and update RF/RM guides, specifications, and requirements.
- Review and redline remodel/reconfigured plans produced by architects while maintaining a variety of existing conditions, equipment, and requests.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
- New product and material search
- Transition newly acquired brands into the Kahala development system.
- Maintain and organize project files for all brands.
Benefits (Subject to Change):
- 401(k) matching, including Roth options
- 3 Medical insurance plans
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Short-term disability insurance
- Long-term disability insurance
- Paid time off (10 holidays, 3 weeks PTO)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Referral program
- Wellness programs
- Hybrid work schedule
Skills Required
- At least 3 years of restaurant design experience, or a related college degree in lieu of experience
- Drafting, design, or architecture background; production firm experience is preferred
- Ability to review and interpret site information and as-built plans
- Ability to generate plans, elevations, and details in AutoCAD and PDF formats
- Highly proficient in AutoCAD, including block creation, updating, manipulation, layer management, and drawing templates
- Understanding of plans, construction documents, and engineering disciplines
- Knowledge and experience with restaurant equipment and design
- Strong written, verbal, organizational, and detail-oriented skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams
- Architectural building code knowledge
- Design and construction background
- Smartsheet project management software experience
- Ability to work with multiple individuals and diverse franchisee clientele
- Ability to learn and retain brand standards and trade dress for multiple brands
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The Company
What We Do
Kahala is a franchisor of quick-service restaurants with a portfolio of 18 diversified brands. With nearly 3,000 locations worldwide,
