Vice President of Design & Construction

Role overview

Mike's Red Tacos is a rapidly expanding fast-casual brand known for authentic birria, and the company is looking for a senior leader to direct its restaurant development function as it scales nationwide. This executive position will shape how each new location is planned, designed, built, and delivered so that every restaurant reflects the brand and opens on schedule and within budget.

The role covers the full development lifecycle, including prototype creation, design criteria, construction oversight, vendor coordination, and support for franchise partners. You will work closely with executive leadership, franchisees, architects, engineers, contractors, and preferred suppliers to build repeatable systems that can support continued growth.

This is a chance to influence the physical expansion of one of the most exciting emerging brands in fast casual while helping establish the standards, processes, and guest environments that will define the Mike's Red Tacos experience for years ahead.

Responsibilities

• Direct the strategy for design and construction across all new company-owned and franchised restaurant openings.
• Refine and maintain the brand prototype, design guidelines, and construction requirements.
• Manage projects from early planning through opening day.
• Develop productive relationships with architects, engineers, contractors, and approved vendors.
• Support franchisees throughout the development process with practical guidance and subject-matter expertise.
• Create scalable tools, workflows, and systems that can support ongoing franchise expansion.
• Lead, coach, and develop a strong Design & Construction team.
• Collaborate with Operations, Real Estate, Finance, Marketing, and Executive Leadership on growth initiatives.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of increasingly responsible experience in design and construction leadership.
• Background leading restaurant, franchise, or hospitality development programs across multiple sites.
• Solid knowledge of construction management, permitting, building regulations, and ADA compliance.
• Demonstrated success managing major capital projects and cross-functional teams.
• Strong verbal and written communication, leadership, and relationship-building abilities.
• Commitment to creating systems that enable rapid growth without sacrificing brand quality.

Additional details

The company is in a strong national growth phase, and this role plays an important part in shaping the future of the franchise system and the guest experience at every new restaurant.

Expected travel is approximately 30% to 40% for development support, site visits, franchisee meetings, and industry events.

Compensation and benefits

• Base pay range of $150,000 to $200,000 per year, depending on experience.
• Eligibility for an annual performance bonus.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) plan with company contributions.
• Paid time off plus company holidays.
• Support for professional development and continuing education.