Construction & Development Project Manager

The Construction & Development Project Manager is responsible for managing all phases of restaurant construction and development projects for multiple companies within our organization. This role oversees ground-up builds, conversions, remodels, and reimages while ensuring compliance with franchisor standards, budget expectations, and opening timelines. The Project Manager serves as the primary owner-side representative, driving projects from site handoff through successful store opening.

Your responsibilities will include developing and managing project budgets, creating detailed schedules and overseeing resource allocation to ensure optimal execution. You will conduct regular site inspections, review construction plans and specifications, identify potential risks, implement proactive measures to mitigate them and verify that all the work is performed to the highest quality standards.

As a project manager, you oversee projects throughout the project lifecycle, which includes the initiation, planning, execution, and closure phases. To ensure projects are completed on time and within budget, you may take on a variety of tasks and responsibilities, including:

• Franchise Development & Pre Construction
• Budget, Cost & Capital Control
• Coordination & Compliance
• Project Closeout & Store Opening

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Excellent communication and vendor negotiation skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent understanding of industry practices, processes, and standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient with software/internet-based programs.
• Strong project and capital management skills with ownership mindset
• Ability to manage multiple fast-paced projects simultaneously
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and solutions-focused
• Proficiency with construction and project management tools

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field (preferred)
• 5+ years of experience managing QSR or restaurant construction projects
• Relevant professional certification in project management or construction management, like Project Management Professional (PMP) or LEED certification or equivalent combination of technical training and/or extensive experience in construction, design, finance, and management required.
• Demonstrated ability to thoroughly understand drawings and specifications, general contractor & subcontractor documents, materials, means and methods.
• Experience working directly for a franchisee or as an owner’s representative
• Strong knowledge of franchisor prototype standards, kitchen design, and equipment coordination
• Experience with ground-up builds, conversions, drive-thru sites, and remodels

Work Environment & Requirements:

• Frequent travel to construction sites across the franchise territory
• Flexible schedule to support opening timelines
• On-site presence required during key construction milestones
• Frequent walking on uneven surfaces, including ground in varying weather conditions.
• Regularly sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift/workday.
• May stoop, kneel, or bend on an occasional basis.
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on frequent basis.
• Occasionally climb stairs or ladders, etc.
• Regularly works near heavy equipment and moving machinery.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment as required
• Must be able to lift to 50 pounds at times.