Vice President of Construction and Design

At Naya, we share Middle Eastern flavors that nourish, inspire, and connect us. Serving Middle Eastern goodness since 2008. Our mission has always been to provide authentic, fresh, and nutritious Middle Eastern meals that look great and taste amazing. Consistency is key to our success; we commit to delivering excellent service and quality to our customers in all of our locations, all day.

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

Salary: 180k - 200k

Job Description

The Vice President of Design and Construction is responsible for overseeing all restaurant design and construction related activities. They will ensure that all restaurants are constructed in accordance with the approved construction drawings. This role is responsible for applying effective management techniques to the planning, design, and construction phases of a new and remodel restaurant projects from inception to completion for the purpose of controlling cost, time and quality.

What You'll Do

• Lead the design, facilities and construction teams for all new and existing restaurants across all geographies
• Manage all phases of projects from site feasibility through store turnover, ensuring quality and brand consistency
• Build, lead, and scale a high-performing Design and Construction team, including internal staff and external partners
• Hire and oversee architects, engineers, contractors, suppliers and vendors to ensure alignment with company standards and maintain competitive pricing.
• Implement and manage project management systems to track progress, budget, timelines, and reporting
• Own and optimize construction budgets, driving cost efficiency across all projects
• Review and red-line Construction Drawings page by page to assure compliance with brand standards
• Create and maintain standard design packages and prototypical plans. Standardizing and prototyping is a key initiative.
• Develop and enforce processes, systems, and KPIs to support scalable growth (20+ new stores annually)
• Drive on-time, on-budget delivery of all new units, remodels, and special projects
• Collaborate closely with Real Estate, Operations, Finance, and Marketing teams with clear communication throughout the development cycle.
• Direct and facilitate weekly development meetings with internal teams and external partners
• Oversee all permit and inspection processes, ensuring code compliance and timely approvals, including utilities (gas) and final fire inspection.
• Monitor and resolve field level construction issues, delays, contractor disputes and minimizing any associated change orders.
• Set and maintain vendor relationships and pricing agreements
• Lead the development of a maintenance handoff process post-opening with Facilities

Qualifications

• 10 -15 years of related experience, QSR experience preferred
• Bachelor's degree or above
• Proven success in maintaining the pace and timeline with a rapid growth brand
• Strong finance acumen
• NYC based or within close proximity
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills
• Ability to self-manage timelines and deadlines and run a project from beginning to end
• Familiarity with reviewing and marking up plans
• Superior interpersonal skills and ability to earn trust and respect from colleagues
• Thrives in a constantly evolving, fast-paced environment
• Known industry contacts/relationships
• Ability to travel as needed

Additional Information

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Free meals every day
• Phone reimbursement
• Commuter benefits
• More new and exciting benefits on the way!

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.