Project Architect / Value Engineering Manager

Strategic Design Optimization Leader

7-Eleven is an iconic family of brands with over 86,000 locations, surpassing every retailer in the world. We revolutionize convenience, restaurants and fuel through cutting edge innovation — working hard to be the customer's first choice. 7-Eleven empowers our employees to "activate awesome" and make a meaningful impact in their stores and communities every day. If you're ready to grow, lead and make a difference, come join our team and help shape the future of convenience.

Job Summary

We're seeking a seasoned design professional to lead strategic design optimization across our store prototype program. In this role, you will shape high impact design decisions, elevate build quality, and drive cost efficient, through scalable solutions across a national portfolio.

This includes conducting rigorous assessments of company construction documentation, looking for ways to reduce cost and improve efficiency. General analysis and decision support responding to RFI's generated by our developers, site adapt architects of record and contractors/vendor partners. Support the development of process improvements, design recommendations and direct support in execution of identified leadership priorities. Leads the cross-functional Value Engineering Committee that reviews cost saving design ideas, brainstorms innovative solutions that are beneficial to rethinking Store Development workflows, streamlining processes, and integrating the latest technologies to deliver faster and more cost-effective new stores. Develop and manage a pipeline of value engineering ideas to be implemented yearly to meet build cost reduction targets. Build and foster solid working relationships across the entire design, engineering, entitlements and construction teams and provide mentorship and guidance to more junior design staff.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

• Prototype optimization: Evaluate architectural + engineering designs to enhance constructability, performance, and cost efficiency.
• Strategic value engineering: Lead cross functional initiatives to simplify systems, streamline workflows, and accelerate delivery timelines.
• Design governance: Oversee reviews of construction documents to ensure alignment with prototype design intent, standards, and evolving program requirements.
• Advanced material + system evaluation: Partner with Sourcing, suppliers, and contractors to identify and implement high value alternatives.
• Exception management: Guide resolution of site adapt exceptions and uphold design integrity across diverse conditions.
• Continuous improvement: Maintain and prioritize a pipeline of design enhancements that support annual cost reduction and performance goals.

Education And Experience

EDUCATION: Bachelors/4 Yr Degree

YEARS OF RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE: 8+ years

YEARS OF MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE: 2+ years

CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES: Licensed Architect (preferred, but not required)

Specific Knowledge And Skills

• Knowledge of retail convenience stores and petroleum facility design is preferred.
• Proven experience in value engineering or cost management within the design and construction industry.
• Ability to analyze complex data, identify cost-saving opportunities, and evaluate potential solutions.
• Experience in cost estimating, budget development, and experience w/ contract negotiations is helpful.
• Strong project management capabilities in through all phases of design, scheduling, estimation and implementation coordination with both internal and external stakeholders and vendors.
• Sound understanding of construction methods, materials, and industry standards.
• Competent Experience with the use of industry standard design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, Blue Beam Revu as well as office related software such as MS Projects, Excel and Word, etc...
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to present findings clearly various stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and collaborative skills while coordinating and working cross functionally with multiple disciplines and stakeholders, presenting positions even in challenging circumstances whilst maintaining professional decorum, and company leadership principles as a role model for others.
• Leadership capabilities, demonstrating the ability to provide direction and guidance to more junior internal design staff, including the assumption of some supervisory responsibilities in the absence of the immediate manager.