Since 1940, Dairy Queen® has been one of the world’s best known and loved brands. Based in Minneapolis, MN, International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. As a leading franchisor, there are more than 7,000 independently owned and operated restaurants in the U.S., Canada and more than 20 countries around the world. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.

Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges.

Develop, implement and manage programs, processes and systems to support both the design and construction of all international new store and renovation projects. Create and/or supervise the completion of in-house design feasibility drawings clearly depicting project viability. Manage architects, builders, franchisees, and external service providers on the approved image design criteria and operational layout standards to maintain a consistent DQ® global brand image. Provide architecture, food service, equipment, and building systems expertise to expedite plan completion and project commencement within the established time frames for each project.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Support new store development and existing store renovations globally through creation of design reference drawings communicating corporate design intent, establishing and implementing design training programs to better educate architects, builders, and franchisees on approved concept image and corporate processes, and identifying compatible material specifications for each region/country, the goal of which is to reduce project timelines in order to better deliver on company goals and objectives for global development.

• Generate project design documentation from initial feasibility request to completion and subsequent distribution to outside parties. The CAD or Photoshop drawn design feasibilities are to be created in accordance with approved DQ® design standards, prevailing building codes, understood material applications and unique design criteria/specification requirements for each country, and are expected to be precise in their representation of a proposed location in order to provide the franchisee a reasonable assessment of project viability and cost. Requires in-depth knowledge of current food and treat concept design and approved equipment specifications.

• Manage new store and renovation project documentation approvals promptly and accurately in alignment with either in-house project feasibility drawings or current established design criteria guidelines and operational layout standards. Reviews are to be completed electronically utilizing Adobe software and approval dates are to be entered into the current tracking software. In addition to plan reviews, and upon request from field staff at project completion, conduct photo reviews and compliance follow-ups for new store and renovation projects clearly communicating issues and resolutions.

• Perform liaison tasks with corporate staff in Operations, (USCI) Supply Chain, Marketing, and R&D as well as with outside vendors (signage, equipment, and graphics) to assure consistent facility design standards are implemented at each new store location. Overseas conference calls typically occur after normal business hours.

Education and Qualifications:

• B.A. or B.S. Degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Engineering Technology or related field.  
• Designer or architect with a minimum 5-7 years project management and design experience and a multiple restaurant project background (QSR preferred).
• Directly related food service design and documentation experience including experience with prototype plan development, custom design and plan preparation, code review and compliance, and collaboration experience with architects, general contractors and franchisees on construction plan interpretation.
• Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within an intense, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong presentation skills, with the ability to articulate effectively and convincingly to a variety of audiences, including franchisee leadership and senior management.
• Working knowledge of the following software applications:
  • Current in-office supported AutoCad software (min version 2013) to produce high quality and timely design intent feasibility drawings.
  • Adobe Acrobat 10 and Photoshop (PS) software for design document rendering and project review notation.
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel) application software for administrative purposes.
• In-depth knowledge of QSR industry equipment specifications, use, and application in a prototype or non-prototype environment.
• Experience with construction documentation, and specifically detailing, of various building construction types (metal, wood, masonry, and steel).
• Practical understanding of various construction industry best practices and techniques.
• Relationship building skills with the ability to create mutually beneficial relationships with internal personnel as well as external service providers, architects, builders and franchisees.
• Informed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate information in a department and/or team environment,
• Well organized and focused on detail and accuracy, as well as ability to provide daily project status updates for department tracking software.
• Provide excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Ability to work independently for periods of time up to 8 hours.

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

Benefits

Our benefit package supports the well-being of our employees and their families.  Our comprehensive benefit package includes, medical, dental, 401K match, paid time off (including volunteer time as well as parental leave) and so much more!  To learn more about our great benefit offerings,Click Here.

Work Environment

Most positions located out of our global headquarters in Bloomington, MN will work a hybrid work schedule where you will work 2 collaboration days a week.  Additional in office time may be required to support team/project needs.  Positions will be identified as “remote eligible” when consideration will be given to candidates outside of drivable distance to our Bloomington office.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion for all who touch DQ.  We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work; where we recruit, engage and retain employees, franchise owners and suppliers with diverse background and identities; and where everyone feels welcome engaging with our DQ brand.

IDQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. IDQ participates in the US E-Verify program.  You must be work authorized in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.