Senior Manager of Store Design & Innovation

SENIOR MANAGER OF DESIGN & INNOVATION

WINGSTOP RESTAURANTS, INC.

ROLE PROFILE DESCRIPTION

WHO WE ARE

We're not in the wing business. We're in the flavor business. It's been our mission to Serve the World Flavor since we first opened in 1994, and we're just getting started. 1997 saw the opening of our first brand partner operated Wingstop location, and by 2002 we had served the world one billion wings. It's flavor that defines us and has made Wingstop one of the fastest growing brands in the restaurant industry.

Above all else - our success is largely due to our people and our core values, or what we call The Wingstop Way of being entrepreneurial, service-minded, fun, and authentic. We believe having a strong people foundation centered on these collective values creates a crave-worthy culture and talented team, as well as ensures our brand is poised for accelerated growth. We all win together.

WHAT WE'LL NEED

The Senior Manager of Design and Innovation at Wingstop is a pivotal leadership position within the store design team. This role guides the overall creative direction, manages design prototypes, maintains the global design playbook, oversees sign programs, and handles the management of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FFE). The position ensures that all design initiatives are consistent, efficient, and align with Wingstop's brand identity and strategic goals. Additionally, the Senior Manager sources innovative ideas through market trends and regional brand partners, integrating them into the store design standards for continuous improvement and innovation.

Responsibilities:

Creative Direction:

• Guide the overall vision, style, and aesthetic direction of design projects to ensure alignment with brand identity.
• Set parameters for colors, layouts, typography, imagery, and branding to maintain consistency and resonate with the target audience.
• Provide guidance, feedback, and input to designers to ensure their work aligns with project goals and the overall creative vision.

Global Design Playbook Maintenance:

• Manage and update the global design playbook, ensuring it remains relevant and aligned with industry trends, organizational goals, and brand guidelines.
• Update design strategies, methodologies, best practices, and tools to foster consistency, efficiency, and quality across worldwide global design projects.
• Provide clear direction, streamline workflows, and encourage collaboration across global teams.

Sign Program Management:

• Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of all store signage, including exterior and interior signage, menu boards, promotional displays, and branding elements.
• Ensure that signage aligns with the Wingstop image to enhance brand visibility, customer experience, and overall brand perception.
• Coordinate sign placement in conjunction with store planning and the signage team to create and maintain an intuitive guest experience.

Managing FFE:

• Manage the selection, procurement, placement, and maintenance of furniture, fixtures, and equipment within Wingstop stores.
• Ensure that seating arrangements, kitchen equipment, lighting, and decor elements create a cohesive and functional design that aligns with the brand image and operational requirements.
• Enhance both customer experience and operational efficiency through effective FFE management.

Leverage Global Design Standards Up and Down:

• Elevate and apply global design standards across all regions to influence design practices and ensure a consistent brand experience.
• Assist in the establishment and updating of store design standards, focusing on continuous improvement and innovation.

Design Firm Relationship Manager:

• Develop and maintain relationships with external vendors in support of store design and brand initiatives.
• Create Wingstop branded packages for internal stakeholders, including renderings, sample boards, and concept drawings.
• Work with the internal Brand team to develop, implement, and manage style guides and brand books, ensuring coordination with Global Store Design guidelines and constraints.
• Communicate all necessary information to the Brand and Marketing teams to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Participate in and lead internal and external meetings to coordinate branded design options and ideas related to merchandising, marketing, and other internal departments.
• Coordinate sign placement in conjunction with store planning and the signage team to create and maintain an intuitive guest experience.
• Participate in and lead internal and external meetings to coordinate branded design options and ideas related to merchandising, marketing, and other internal departments.
• Provide recommendations and assistance in the design and rollout of new construction and store remodels to the Director of Global Store Design and other internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate with consultants for design packages and product information.
• Review and analyze construction plans and documents to ensure all designs conform to prototype standards and guidelines.
• Work with Marketing and Brand teams to develop, coordinate, and manage digital elements and placements.
• Source ideas through market trends and meet with regional brand partners to gather innovative ideas, incorporating them into processes that test those ideas and translate them into store design standards.
• Manage the establishment and updating of store design standards and ensure ongoing continuous improvement.

This role is essential for ensuring Wingstop's design initiatives are innovative, consistent, and aligned with the brand's strategic goals, ultimately enhancing the customer experience and maintaining high standards across all locations

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Required Experience for the Sr. Manager of Design and Innovation

Professional Experience:

1. Creative Direction:

• At least 8-10 years of experience in a design leadership role, preferably in the retail or restaurant industry.
• Proven experience in guiding the overall vision, style, and aesthetic direction of design projects.
• Strong portfolio experience demonstrating the ability to set creative parameters and achieve consistent, high-quality design outcomes.

2. Global Design Playbook Maintenance:

• Experience in developing, managing, and updating design guidelines or playbooks for multi-location enterprises.
• Demonstrated ability to ensure design standards remain relevant, updated with industry trends, and aligned with organizational goals.

3. Sign Program Management:

• Background in managing comprehensive sign programs, including exterior and interior signage, menu boards, and branding elements.
• Knowledgeable in ensuring signage consistency and alignment with brand identity to enhance customer experience.

4. Managing FFE (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment):

• Experience in the selection, procurement, placement, and maintenance of FFE within retail or restaurant environments.
• Ability to create cohesive and functional design elements that align with brand image and operational requirements.

5. Market Trends and Innovation:

• Experience in sourcing ideas through market trends and incorporating them into design processes.
• Ability to gather and integrate innovative ideas from various stakeholders, including regional brand partners, into store design standards.

Technical Skills:

1. Design Software Proficiency:

• Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), AutoCAD, SketchUp, or similar tools.

2. Project Management Tools:

Familiarity with project management tools and software to track progress, manage timelines, and coordinate with teams (e.g., MS Project, Trello, Asana).

Analytical Skills:

• Strong analytical skills to interpret data related to design effectiveness, market trends, and customer feedback.

Soft Skills:

1. Leadership and Team Management:

• Excellent leadership skills with experience leading and mentoring design teams.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback, foster collaboration, and inspire creativity among team members.

2. Communication and Collaboration:**

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with internal teams, external vendors, and stakeholders.
• Strong collaborative skills to work seamlessly with cross-functional teams and external partners.

3. Problem-Solving:

• Proactive problem-solving skills with the ability to identify potential issues and develop innovative solutions.

4. Organizational Skills:

• Strong organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.

Education:

• A bachelor's degree in design, architecture, interior design, or a related field is required. Certifications:
• Relevant certifications in project management (e.g., PMP) or design are a plus.

By possessing the above qualifications, the Senior Manager of Design and Innovation will be well-equipped to lead Wingstop's design efforts, ensuring consistency, innovation, and alignment with the brand's strategic goals.

WHO YOU ARE

HUMBLE: Embracing humbleness fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment, where individuals prioritize the success of the team over personal recognition, ultimately contributing to a more cohesive and effective workplace.

HUNGRY: There's a fire in you to keep pursuing excellence. You actively seek out challenges, set ambitious goals, and consistently demonstrate a proactive approach to tasks. You have a desire to support Wingstop in our goal to become a Top 10 Global Restaurant Brand.

SMART: Not solely based on intellectual prowess, but rather on emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. A keen understanding of others, communicating effectively and collaborating seamlessly.

SERVICE-MINDED: A selfless and dedicated focus on helping others succeed. Consistently prioritizes the needs of colleagues and the organization, willingly offering support and contributing to the overall well-being of the team.

ENTREPRENEURIAL: Takes initiative, a willingness to take calculated risks, and constantly searching for opportunities to improve processes or contribute to new ideas.

BENEFITS

FLAVOR PERKS:

• Unlimited paid time off for exempt employees
• One paid volunteer day of your choice
• Competitive bonus structure for eligible roles
• Team member stock purchase plan
• Health savings or flexible spending account options
• 401k - (dollar for dollar on the first 3% and then 50 cents on the dollar for the next 2% for team member contributions up to 5% of eligible compensation)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Basic life and AD&D insurance provided
• Pet insurance
• Education Assistance
• Wellness reimbursement program
• Paid maternity and paternity leave

FUN IS THE BEST FLAVOR:

• Lunch provided every Tuesday and Thursday in office
• Work from home Fridays
• Discount on Wingstop gift cards
• Discounted onsite dry cleaning
• Discounted onsite car detailing
• Onsite game room and patio

Wingstop provides equal opportunities for everyone that works for us and everyone that applies to join our team, without regard to sex or gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, any service, past, present, or future, in the uniformed services of the United States (military or veteran status), or any other consideration protected by federal, state, or local law.