What You’ll Be Serving Up:

You will lead the design and construction strategy for KFC US, ensuring the successful execution of new builds, remodels, and reimages that expand brand access and elevate the guest experience. Your mission will be to shape KFC’s future restaurant footprint by driving innovation in design, delivering excellence in construction, and optimizing processes to achieve on-time, on-budget, and brand-enhancing results

Here’s How You’ll Spice Things Up:

Design Leadership (40%)

Lead KFC’s asset innovation and design strategy by developing consumer-relevant, cost-effective prototypes, remodels, and site designs. Own and evolve brand standards, including Vision 3.0 Modern Legacy, the Design Reference Manual (DRM), and the library of brand-approved assets. Oversee architectural plan governance for both corporate and franchise projects, including timely submittal, review, and approval of design packages. Ensure consistent delivery of brand identity by embedding sustainable design practices, value engineering, and operational efficiency into prototypes and remodels. Collaborate cross-functionally to adapt global standards to local market needs while maintaining consistency with KFC’s brand image. Support franchisees with tools, training, and resources that enable execution of design standards at scale.

Construction Leadership (40%)

Lead construction execution and team performance through the full lifecycle of projects—including new builds, scrapes, offsets, and remodels. Deliver annual new build and remodel plans on time and within budget, upholding uncompromising quality standards. Manage ~$10M in direct construction spend and influence $200M+ across the franchisee system, ensuring fiscal accountability and capital efficiency. Drive innovation in construction by piloting new building types, exploring alternative materials, and optimizing cost and build times. Build strong partnerships with municipalities, vendors, contractors, and franchisees to streamline approvals and accelerate delivery. Develop and enforce standardized construction processes, policies, and playbooks to ensure consistency and performance across all projects.

Leadership & Strategic Impact (20%)

Inspire, mentor, and develop a high-performing team by setting clear expectations, providing growth opportunities, and fostering a culture of excellence. Drive cross-functional alignment with Development, Finance, Operations, Marketing, and Franchise teams to enable growth. Shape the future of the KFC footprint by contributing strategic insights into capital planning, pipeline management, and development policy. Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and franchise partners, influencing long-term design and construction strategies.

What You Bring to the Table:

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or Real Estate required. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

12+ years in construction, architecture, engineering, or real estate with a Bachelor’s degree (10+ years with a Master’s). Prior experience in multi-unit restaurant or retail remodeling and ground-up development strongly preferred.

Skills

Proven ability to build, lead, and inspire high-performing teams. Strong project management expertise, able to deliver outcomes in a fast-paced environment. Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills with executive presence. Strong analytical and financial acumen to manage budgets, forecasts, and capital efficiency. Ability to innovate in both design and construction, balancing stakeholder needs with brand priorities.

Mindset

Relentless pursuit of excellence and high standards. Resourceful, resilient, and adaptive in ambiguous environments. Collaborative, team-oriented, and focused on enabling franchisee success.

What’s In It for You:

Lead the transformation of KFC’s restaurant footprint through innovative design and construction strategies. Gain cross-functional leadership experience by working closely with Development, Design, Finance, and Franchise teams. Expand your expertise in both design leadership and construction management while overseeing multi-million-dollar budgets and large-scale franchise investments. Join a world-class brand committed to innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement