Director, Global Restaurant Experience Design
KFC Corporation, Plano, TX, United States
Job Description
What You Will Be Serving Up
Lead the design and evolution of KFC’s global restaurant experience by translating brand vision into iconic, contemporary and operationally efficient environments. The role bridges brand, concept innovation, development and operations to deliver the next generation of KFC restaurants and ensure design excellence across the global system.
Responsibilities Here’s How You Will Spice Things Up
Translate KFC’s brand and concept vision into physical restaurant environments.
Lead the design translation of KFC’s next generation restaurant vision into scalable restaurant formats.
Ensure restaurants deliver strong emotional connection, brand storytelling and contemporary cultural relevance.
Partner with Marketing, Brand and Operations teams to integrate product rituals, storytelling and guest experience into the restaurant environment.
Global Design System & Brand Standards
Own and evolve KFC’s global restaurant design standards and asset platforms.
Maintain and update the Design Reference Manual and brand standards library.
Ensure consistency and quality of design expression across markets while enabling local flexibility.
Lead design review and approval processes for new units and remodel programs.
Develop next generation restaurant prototypes and new asset platforms.
Explore innovative formats including small footprint, inline, urban and non‑traditional venues.
Lead flagship and breakthrough restaurant projects that demonstrate the future of the KFC experience.
Identify opportunities to improve guest flow, operational efficiency and asset productivity through design innovation.
Support franchisees and markets in executing development and remodel programs.
Identify and remove design or development barriers impacting new unit growth.
Provide guidance on value engineering, cost management and asset productivity.
Ensure alignment between brand ambition, operational realities and investment returns.
Develop sustainability strategies for KFC restaurant assets.
Partner with Yum and KFC Global teams on design best practices and benchmarking.
Monitor retail, hospitality and restaurant design trends to inform future asset evolution.
Build and develop internal design capability.
Manage third‑party architecture and design partners.
Create a strong ecosystem of agencies and partners supporting restaurant innovation.
Qualifications What You Bring to the Table
Education / Certifications
Required: Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Design, Engineering or related field.
Preferred: Master’s degree in Architecture, Design or MBA.
Experience
8+ years of experience in architecture, design, retail or restaurant development environments.
Strong understanding of restaurant operations and franchise systems.
Proven ability to translate brand vision into physical environments.
Strong project management and stakeholder influence skills.
Experience leading cross‑functional initiatives and managing external partners.
What’s In It for You
Competitive salary and benefits package.
Opportunity to innovate within a global brand and make a significant impact.
Collaborative, fast‑paced work environment with a focus on professional growth and development.
Salary Range: $184,500 – $200,000 annually + bonus eligibility. This is the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining pay, we’ll consider the successful candidate’s location, experience, and other job‑related factors.
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Lead the design and evolution of KFC’s global restaurant experience by translating brand vision into iconic, contemporary and operationally efficient environments. The role bridges brand, concept innovation, development and operations to deliver the next generation of KFC restaurants and ensure design excellence across the global system.
Responsibilities Here’s How You Will Spice Things Up
Translate KFC’s brand and concept vision into physical restaurant environments.
Lead the design translation of KFC’s next generation restaurant vision into scalable restaurant formats.
Ensure restaurants deliver strong emotional connection, brand storytelling and contemporary cultural relevance.
Partner with Marketing, Brand and Operations teams to integrate product rituals, storytelling and guest experience into the restaurant environment.
Global Design System & Brand Standards
Own and evolve KFC’s global restaurant design standards and asset platforms.
Maintain and update the Design Reference Manual and brand standards library.
Ensure consistency and quality of design expression across markets while enabling local flexibility.
Lead design review and approval processes for new units and remodel programs.
Develop next generation restaurant prototypes and new asset platforms.
Explore innovative formats including small footprint, inline, urban and non‑traditional venues.
Lead flagship and breakthrough restaurant projects that demonstrate the future of the KFC experience.
Identify opportunities to improve guest flow, operational efficiency and asset productivity through design innovation.
Support franchisees and markets in executing development and remodel programs.
Identify and remove design or development barriers impacting new unit growth.
Provide guidance on value engineering, cost management and asset productivity.
Ensure alignment between brand ambition, operational realities and investment returns.
Develop sustainability strategies for KFC restaurant assets.
Partner with Yum and KFC Global teams on design best practices and benchmarking.
Monitor retail, hospitality and restaurant design trends to inform future asset evolution.
Build and develop internal design capability.
Manage third‑party architecture and design partners.
Create a strong ecosystem of agencies and partners supporting restaurant innovation.
Qualifications What You Bring to the Table
Education / Certifications
Required: Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Design, Engineering or related field.
Preferred: Master’s degree in Architecture, Design or MBA.
Experience
8+ years of experience in architecture, design, retail or restaurant development environments.
Strong understanding of restaurant operations and franchise systems.
Proven ability to translate brand vision into physical environments.
Strong project management and stakeholder influence skills.
Experience leading cross‑functional initiatives and managing external partners.
What’s In It for You
Competitive salary and benefits package.
Opportunity to innovate within a global brand and make a significant impact.
Collaborative, fast‑paced work environment with a focus on professional growth and development.
Salary Range: $184,500 – $200,000 annually + bonus eligibility. This is the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining pay, we’ll consider the successful candidate’s location, experience, and other job‑related factors.
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