Project Designer

Panda Restaurant Group, the world leader in Asian dining experiences and parent company of Panda Inn, Panda Express and Hibachi-San, is dedicated to becoming a world leader in people development. Whether through sharing good food with guests or providing opportunities for professional and personal growth with associates, all are embraced in a genuine family environment that is uniquely Panda.

The Project Designer is responsible for creating store designs for a regional market consistent with the company’s brand standards while adhering to cost, schedule, and operational requirements. This position works on 30 - 40 projects annually. The Associate Designer manages construction documents and coordinates with in-house Real Estate, Construction, and Operations for new stores.

The essential functions in this job description are not all-inclusive of this job’s duties and responsibilities. Reliable and dependable attendance is required.

• Creates store designs that meet company standards within a regional market; works on 30 - 40 projects annually. Coordinates with in-house Real Estate, Construction, and Operations in the design of new stores.
• Reviews due diligence information from Real Estate Managers as the basis for developing preliminary designs, such as floor plans and site plan evaluations.
• Oversees construction documents produced by outside consultants, and monitors their timing, cost, and quality.
• Oversees outside consultants in terms of cost and quality of work; approves submitted invoices and manages and communicates project status and schedules until permit ready for construction.
• Obtains approvals of preliminary designs from Project Managers, Real Estate Managers, Operations, regulatory agencies, and landlords.
• Develops conceptual design packages for city review and approval in coordination with consultants and Real Estate Managers.
• Monitors projects throughout design process and coordinates the planning process on behalf of Project Managers until final plan approval from the landlord and city.
• Coordinates with consultants, landlords, and Project managers to ensure permits are obtained on a timely basis.

• Bachelor’s degree in Design, Architecture, or Civil Engineering or related field required
• Minimum three years of architectural and construction experience and one to two years of design management experience
• Successful completion of annual store training