Project Management Assistant Director

Michele Rahili *************@*****.*** 614-***-****

Career Highlights

20+ years of experience in design leadership, project management, and brand evolution across retail, hospitality, gaming, and dining sectors.

Spearheaded design initiatives for global brands such as Wendy’s, Express, and Delaware North, enhancing customer experience and brand identity.

Successfully managed multi-million-dollar capital projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives, budgets, and design integrity.

Developed and implemented company-wide Design Guidelines to streamline FF&E selection, materials, and branding standards.

Extensive experience collaborating with executive teams, architects, vendors, and franchisees to deliver high-impact designs on time and within budget.

Professional Experience

Delaware North Companies – Buffalo, NY I Senior Design Development Manager: October 2022 – February 2025

Lead design development and implementation across Parks, Gaming, Travel, Sports, and Fine Dining sectors.

Oversee capital projects from design to construction, ensuring adherence to brand and operational goals.

Manage design and architectural teams, review RFP responses, and coordinate project execution.

Develop and maintain Design Guidelines to standardize FF&E selection and material specifications.

Create layout designs, proposals, and FF&E specifications for various properties. Wendy’s International – Dublin, Ohio Global Creative Senior Designer: Sept 2014 – October 2022

Led brand evolution through new concept development and prototype enhancements.

Designed and developed sub-brands, presenting concepts to senior leadership for approval.

Managed furniture, fixture, and material selection, collaborating with vendors to ensure quality execution.

Provided design guidance to franchisees, architects, project managers, and internal stakeholders.

Developed and maintained interior and exterior design guidelines to ensure brand consistency. Express Inc. – Columbus, Ohio Design Manager: May 2011 - Sept 2014

Led store planning and design for flagship locations, rollouts, and high-profile projects.

Managed design development from concept to execution, working with real estate and operations teams.

Oversaw construction documentation, vendor coordination, and design implementation.

Mentored junior designers and interns, fostering talent development. Asset Strategies Group – Westerville, Ohio Senior Project Designer: Dec 2007 - May 2011

Designed and managed rollout and retrofit projects for Express retail stores.

Directed fixture ideation, store planning, and brand communication with key stakeholders.

Reviewed construction documentation, ensuring adherence to design intent and brand standards.

Led junior designers and interns, providing training and career guidance. Limited Brands – Columbus, Ohio Senior Project Designer: Sep 2000 - Oct 2007

Managed store planning and weekly design presentations for Victoria’s Secret, Limited, and Express.

Led the adaptation of brand designs for non-traditional retail spaces.

Fixture design, development and refinement for Limited and Express brands.

Managed communications with architects, engineers, landlords, project managers, contractors, and vendor. Education

The Ohio State University - Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design – Major: Interior Space Design Skills

· Design & Project Leadership – Interior & exterior architecture, brand development, space planning

· Strategic Planning & Execution – Multi-million-dollar capital projects, cross-functional collaboration, contract negotiation and execution.

· FF&E & Materials Selection – Development of brand guidelines, vendor negotiations, procurement

· Construction Documentation & Coordination – Plan review, contractor communication and management

· Software Proficiency – AutoCAD, Photoshop, InDesign, PMWeb

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