Design Specialist - Military Veterans

Summary Description: This position is responsible for maintaining and updating architectural and building-related construction phase portfolios, standard bridge set drawings and renderings needed for new unit projects, as needed by project managers and/or third party consultants. Coordinates space planning for all real estate facilities to include new unit custom buildings, New Unit prototypes, enhancements, building retrofit projects, as well as space planning for corporate offices and auxiliary facilities. Responsible for maintaining color boards and material specifications for the New Unit prototypes and schematic level design of custom kitchen planning.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to contribute to Real Estate project support, and general property management for the delivery of rebuilds, new units, enhancements to existing real estate, etc. 
• Participates in site selection to include new sites, offsets, acquisitions and other related real estate transactions.
• Partners with Management to evaluate potential sites for construction; creates conceptual site plans for further evaluation by the Real Estate Segment and Leadership. 
• Recommends options and solutions regarding site development issues, property characteristics, city/state requirements and design factors including size, shape, and arrangement of structures, specifications, materials, aesthetics, and equipment to meet Whataburger Brand standards and project budgets.
• Analyzes design options, makes and identifies cost saving constructability options for assigned projects; provides recommendations to project stakeholders in partnership with Real Estate Segment and third party SME’s consultants.
• Responsible for ensuring that all assigned tasks are completed meeting industry, company standards, segment, and company goals, resulting in little or no RFI’s or change directives.
• Coordinates the maintenance of various bridge sets and Whataburger design standards through third party consultants. 
• Leverages experience to provide specialized knowledge, consultation and recommendations related to the practice of architecture and design to the New Units delivery team and segment.
• Assumes leadership role in identifying and communicating applicable code requirements for successful project development and delivery.
• Assumes additional responsibilities as assigned.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or any equivalent combination of education and experience required

Experience:

• 1+ years’ experience in architecture design
• 1+ years’ related experience, preferably in restaurant industry
• Experience in contributing to the management of projects is preferred
• 1+ years’ experience preferably in restaurant industry

Knowledge, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• Demonstrated ability to establish preliminary construction project budgets based on design criteria to validate construction methodologies and materials meet financial models
• Demonstrates an overall basic understanding of business finance
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and present information to team members and senior management
• Demonstrated ability to present oneself as a SME (subject matter expert)
• Advanced knowledge of computer assisted design/drafting equipment and software (CAD) to develop plans, renderings and design drawings in support of project requirements.
• Knowledge in Photoshop, SketchUp, Revit
• Ability to interface with project managers, design team, quality assurance, real estate professionals, construction managers, property managers, and various support staff to accomplish tasks/projects/goals
• Proficiency in MS Office Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point and Visio (as applicable)
• Proficiency in Workday (as applicable)
• Ability to communicate well with the general public and experience in establishing and maintaining an effective working relationship with management, vendors, and co-workers
• Ability to work in a team environment

Working Conditions/Travel Requirements:

• Expected to work the necessary time to satisfactorily fulfill job responsibilities
• Must be able to report to work timely and as required by operational/business needs
• Must be able to work a full-time schedule and work outside of normal business hours when necessary
• Must be able to travel occasionally both locally and long distances (including air travel), to worksites, meeting sites, and other locations
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, submit to releasing a Motor Vehicle Record that adheres to the Whataburger standards and maintain current automobile liability at minimum levels in their state of residence   

300 Concord Plaza Dr San Antonio TX 78216-6903