Test Kitchen Associate Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

*This role requires 3 days/week in our Brooklyn, NY design office.

At CAVA we make it deliciously simple to eat well and feel good every day. We are guided by a Mediterranean heritage that's been perfecting how to eat and live for four thousand years. We prioritize authenticity, curiosity and the pursuit of excellence in everything we do. We are working towards somethingbig, together.

We foster a culture built on five core values:

• Generosity First, Always:We lead with kindness. Our best work happens when we act in service of others.
• Constant Curiosity:We are eager to learn, grow, and explore beyond the obvious.
• Act with Agility:We welcome change; it's the only constant. We embrace, adjust, adapt.
• Passion for Positivity:We greet each day with warmth and possibility.
• Collective Ambition:We have high aspirations that are achieved when we work together with a shared purpose.

Job TitleAssociate Design Manager; New Restaurant Opening Design Studio(This is a hybrid role and requires a minimum of 3 days/week in our Brooklyn design office)

Position Summary

CAVA is seeking an Associate Design Manager to join the NRO (New Restaurant Opening) Design Studio within the Development team. This role will support the design and execution of new restaurant projects across CAVA's expanding national footprint.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about hospitality design. They thrive in a collaborative environment, can manage multiple projects simultaneously, and are excited to help translate the CAVA brand into physical spaces that are functional, efficient, and inspiring.

This role partners closely with internal cross-functional teams, external consultants, landlords, and vendors to ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and aligned with CAVA's brand and operational standards.

What You'll Do:

Project Design & Coordination

• Support the design and execution of new restaurant projects from pre-lease through construction administration.
• Develop preliminary test fits and lease exhibits for prospective restaurant sites.
• Coordinate and manage design activities throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring adherence to brand standards and project timelines.
• Participate in project kickoff meetings and ongoing coordination with internal stakeholders and external consultants.

Consultant & Vendor Management

• Review consultant contracts, scopes of work, schedules, and deliverables for alignment with project expectations.
• Coordinate with architects, MEP engineers, kitchen consultants, signage vendors, millwork fabricators, and other project partners during the design process.
• Facilitate design reviews and approvals across internal departments and external stakeholders, including landlords where required.

Due Diligence & Technical Review

• Review due diligence reports and site assessments to identify project risks and opportunities.
• Partner with utility and engineering consultants to evaluate infrastructure requirements and project feasibility.
• Coordinate landlord work letters and integrate landlord scope requirements into construction documentation.
• Construction & Field Support
• Collaborate with the Construction team to resolve site-related design issues during construction.
• Respond to RFIs and assist with sketches, clarifications, and field coordination as needed.
• Conduct site visits and attend construction progress meetings to ensure project quality and brand consistency.
• Travel to project sites across CAVA markets as needed.

Continuous Improvement & Brand Stewardship

• Maintain organized project documentation in accordance with company standards.
• Support ongoing refinement of design standards, systems, and rollout processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve project execution, scalability, and consistency across the restaurant portfolio.
• Contribute to the evolution of the CAVA brand experience through thoughtful, high-quality design solutions.

The Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, Interior Design, Environmental Design, or related field.
• 3+ years of professional experience in hospitality, restaurant, retail, or commercial design.
• Experience supporting multi-unit rollout programs within restaurants, retail, or hospitality environments preferred.
• Knowledge of restaurant planning, foodservice operations, health code requirements, and restaurant infrastructure systems.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office.
• Experience with rendering and 3D visualization tools preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving mindset.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively across departments and external partners.
• Understanding of current hospitality and retail design trends and best practices.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to maintain stationary position to be able to operate a computer and other office equipment
• Must be able to identify, analyze and assess details
• For certain positions, must be able to occasionally move or transport items up to 50 pounds
• Ability to communicate with others and exchange information accurately and effectively
• Constantly positions self and move about to support ordinary restaurant or food production support or office operations, as applicable
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary, plus bonus and long-term incentives*
• Early Wage Access!
• Unlimited PTO, paid parental leave, plus paid opportunities to give back to the community
• Health, Dental, Vision, Telemedicine, Pet Insurance plus more!
• 401k enrollment with CAVA contribution
• Company-paid STD, LTD, Life and AD&D coverage for salaried positions*
• Free CAVA food
• Casual work environment
• The opportunity to be on the ground floor of a rapidly growing brand
• All exempt and non exempt employees are eligible for benefits. Benefits are effective the 1st of the month following 30 days of service and you have until the day before the effective date to enroll. A new hire can enroll in our benefit program by selecting a link that is emailed directly to the new hire at their personal email address once hired.
• Please note that visa sponsorship is not available.
• The posting range is an all cash range.

*Indicates qualifying eligible positions only

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

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