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Project Manager, Global Design Strategic Initiatives

Irvine, CA

Who is Taco Bell?

Taco Bell was born and raised in California and has been around since 1962. We went from selling everyone’s favorite Crunchy Tacos on the West Coast to a global brand with 8,200+ restaurants, 350 franchise organizations, that serve 42+ million fans each week around the globe. We’re not only the largest Mexican-inspired quick service brand (QSR) in the world, we’re also part of the biggest restaurant group in the world: Yum! Brands. 

Much of our fan love and authentic connection with our communities are rooted in being rebels with a cause. From ensuring we use high quality, sustainable ingredients to elevating restaurant technology in ways that hasn’t been done before… we will continue to be inclusive, bold, challenge the status quo and push industry boundaries.   

We’re a company that celebrates and advocates for different, has bold self-expression, strives for a better future, and brings the fun while we’re at it. We fuel our culture with real people who bring unique experiences. We inspire and enable our teams and the world to Live Más.

At Taco Bell, we’re Cultural Rebels. Want to join in on the passion-fueled fun? Learn more about the career below. 

About the Job:

Are you passionate about turning innovative concepts into practical solutions? Taco Bell, who has been recognized as an innovation leader in the restaurant industry, is seeking a detailed and effective professional to join our team as the Strategic Initiatives Project Manager. In this role, you will manage vendor pools, oversee consultants, and guide projects from design to completion. You will develop and execute strategic plans for special project rollouts, ensuring alignment across teams and suppliers. Additionally, you will modify and execute vendor contracts, maintain project timelines, and create compelling presentations. This position requires extensive retail restaurant design experience and the ability to develop construction documentation with a deep understanding of building codes and materials.

In this role, we’re looking for a talented individual to manage high-impact projects which shape the future of Taco Bell’s restaurants. You’ll collaborate across diverse departments, drive innovation by turning concepts into real-world solutions, and sharpen your skills in project management, strategic planning, and cross-team communication. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact and grow in a dynamic environment, this is the role for you! We are looking for a multi-disciplined architect or equivalent with a proven track record of meeting aggressive timelines, achieving functional goals, and maintaining high standards of quality. If you excel in both creativity and execution and are ready to drive excellence and innovation, we want to hear from you!

The Day-to-Day:

  • Onboard and manage new/existing vendors (architects, engineers, contractors) and oversee consultants for project drawings (construction documents, building details). Guide from design conception through construction completion for special projects.
  • Develop and manage strategic plans for special project rollouts (short-term initiatives to 1–2-year prototype integrations). Stay nimble as project requirements evolve in response to business needs.
  • Serve as a communication bridge between in-house/field teams, and external consultants/suppliers. Align project teams and key stakeholders on milestones/critical decisions. Work closely with cross-functional teams to refine messaging for executive leadership, internal teams, and external partners.
  • Modify, draft, and execute vendor contracts/master service agreements/NDAs in partnership with the Legal team. Ensure compliance with permitting requirements, competitive bidding processes, and fast-tracked facilities projects.
  • Lead projects from initial concept through construction. Incorporate Value Engineering for cost-effective solutions while maintaining scalability. Maintain project timelines/schedules related to prototypes/special projects. Set personal goals/milestones for effective execution.
  • Develop visually compelling presentation decks (PowerPoint) to communicate key strategies. Create high-quality renderings (SketchUp). Gather and analyze feedback for actionable insights. Confidently present recommendations to stakeholders (Senior Leadership/Franchisees/Field teams).

Is This You?

  • Bachelor’s degree in Architecture preferred; Architectural license highly recommended or a degree in Construction Management with design background.
  • 8+ years of experience in restaurant design; Experience and understanding of building industry costs and construction, with procurement experience in corporate restaurants preferred.
  • Knowledge or high-level experience with Microsoft suite software, Smartsheet, AUTOCAD, Adobe Suite, Revit, Sketchup, and Blue Beam.
  • Demonstrated effective people management skills and the ability to lead and influence project teams and stakeholders.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, from design conception through construction completion, while maintaining timelines and ensuring quality standards.
  • Strong skills in serving as a communication bridge between in-house teams, external consultants, and suppliers, effectively aligning project teams and key stakeholders on milestones and critical decisions.

Work-Hard, Play-Hard:

  • Hybrid work schedule and year-round flex day Friday
  • Onsite childcare through Bright Horizons 
  • Onsite dining center and game room (yes, there is a Taco Bell inside the building) 
  • Onsite dry cleaning, laundry services, carwash, 
  • Onsite gym with fitness classes and personal trainer sessions 
  • Up to 4 weeks of vacation per year plus holidays and time off for volunteering 
  • Generous parental leave for all new parents and adoption assistance program 
  • 401(k) with a 6% matching contribution from Yum! Brands with immediate vesting 
  • Comprehensive medical & dental including prescription drug benefits and 100% preventive care
  • Discounts, free food, swag and… honestly, too many good benefits to name 

Salary Range: ­­$96,700 to $125,400 annually + bonus eligibility + benefits

The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors.

At Taco Bell, we Live Más and invite you to do the same. Take a seat at our table. Bring your voice. Bring you, just as you are, a Cultural Rebel. We want you to be your best self! 

Taco Bell is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging for all dimensions of diversity.  We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other protected characteristic.

Taco Bell is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities or special needs.  

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Employment eligibility to work with Taco Bell in the U.S. is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for this position.

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