Architecture & Design Associate Manager

Based in Pasadena, California, Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), through its subsidiaries and franchisees, supports and operates restaurants under the Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar®, IHOP®, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® brands. As of December 28, 2025, these three brands consisted of over 3,500 restaurants across 20 international markets. Dine Brands is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world and in 2022 expanded into the Fast Casual segment. For more information on Dine Brands, visit the Company’s website located at www.dinebrands.com.
Job Location Type
Hybrid
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The Architecture & Design Associate Manager is responsible for providing design management of site specific projects and translating the brand strategy into scalable, executable architectural solutions that deliver an exceptional guest experience while supporting operational efficiency, cost objectives, and development growth.
The ideal candidate combines strong architectural design expertise with technical proficiency, prototype management experience, and a good understanding of restaurant development. This individual will lead design initiatives from concept through implementation, partnering with cross-functional teams, franchisees, consultants, and construction stakeholders to ensure consistent execution of brand standards across a diverse portfolio of projects.
This role plays a critical position in our development pipeline, driving the design process for each project, starting with test fit conception all the way to restaurant opening.
Key Responsibilities
Project Design & Execution Support
Provide architectural and technical support throughout project planning, design adaptation, documentation, permitting, and construction phases.
Review and approve site-specific adaptations to ensure compliance with brand standards, local codes, operational requirements, and development objectives.
Collaborate with franchisees, Architects of Record, consultants, and construction managers to successfully implement brand design intent.
Respond to Requests for Information (RFIs), consultant inquiries, and construction-related issues to facilitate successful project execution.
Support new construction, remodel, conversion, and asset repositioning programs across multiple markets.
Participate in project kickoff meetings, design reviews, lock-in sessions, and construction support activities.
Support construction audits, post-occupancy evaluations, and lessons-learned initiatives.
Partner with field construction teams to ensure successful implementation of approved design solutions.
Prototype Development & Design Standards
Contribute to the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of prototype programs for traditional and non-traditional restaurant formats
Manage the lifecycle of architectural prototypes, construction documentation, specifications, design standards, and scope requirements
Ensure prototype solutions remain scalable, adaptable, and executable across varying market conditions, building types, and global regions.
Develop architectural design solutions that effectively communicate and reinforce brand identity, guest experience objectives, and operational requirements
Create and maintain prototype documentation templates, technical standards, and design guidelines to support both company-owned and franchised restaurants.
Design Innovation & Continuous Improvement
Identify opportunities to enhance restaurant environments through innovative design solutions that improve guest experience and operational performance.
Adapt established design concepts to a variety of building conditions, formats, and market-specific requirements.
Proactively evaluate and recommend design improvements that enhance constructability, reduce costs, simplify execution, and improve long-term asset performance.
Research emerging industry trends, materials, technologies, and design methodologies to support ongoing prototype evolution
Stakeholder & Consultant Management
Partner closely with and foster strong relationships with Real Estate, Construction, Operations, Procurement, and franchisees
Manage external architectural and specialty consultants to ensure high-quality deliverables and adherence to project schedules.
Communicate prototype updates, standards revisions, and implementation strategies to internal and external stakeholders.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, Interior Design, or a related discipline.
Experience
4+ years of progressive experience in architecture, retail, restaurant, hospitality, or foodservice design.
Demonstrated experience managing prototype development, remodel programs, and multi-unit projects.
Experience supporting franchise-based development and large-scale rollout initiatives preferred.
Proven success managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Technical Skills
Strong understanding of architectural design, construction documentation, building systems, code compliance, and project delivery processes.
Experience with prototype management, design adaptation, scope development, and construction administration.
Knowledge of FF&E integration, operational planning, restaurant equipment coordination, and guest experience design.
Proficiency in AutoCAD, Bluebeam, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office.
Competencies
Exceptional project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication and presentation abilities with diverse stakeholder groups.
Demonstrated expertise in balancing design excellence, operational requirements, budget considerations, and schedule commitments.
Self-motivated, adaptable, and capable of leading multiple priorities with a high level of accountability.
Travel
Ability to travel up to 25%
Target Base Salary $90k- $100k depending on experience
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Dine Brands Global strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, veteran status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act and/or other applicable laws and regulations in other jurisdictions.
Dine Brands reviews criminal history in connection with a conditional offer of employment. The following is a list of all material job duties which Dine Brands reasonably believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment: conduct necessary due diligence on business opportunities and transactions; analyze and handle franchisees’ personal and financial information; and facilitate frequent and close interactions with franchisees and franchisee employees.
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