Director of Development - Construction
Position Summary
The Director of Construction will lead and manage all aspects of the company’s restaurant construction and remodeling projects, from pre-construction planning through project completion. This role is responsible for developing and executing construction strategies that align with the company’s growth and brand standards, ensuring that all new builds and remodels are completed on time, within budget, and to quality specifications.
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership: Oversee and manage all phases of construction for new restaurant openings and remodel projects nationwide, including site development, permitting, bidding, budgeting, scheduling, and execution.
Team Management: Lead a construction team including project managers, coordinators, and field personnel. Provide mentorship, performance management, and support team development.
Contractor Oversight: Source, negotiate, and manage relationships with general contractors, architects, engineers, and other external vendors. Ensure accountability for timelines, costs, and quality.
Budget & Cost Control: Develop project budgets, monitor expenditures, and implement cost-control measures. Provide accurate financial reporting and forecasting to executive leadership.
Process Improvement: Establish and maintain construction standards, protocols, and best practices. Identify and implement process improvements for efficiency, quality, and scalability.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with real estate, design, operations, procurement, and facilities teams to ensure seamless project execution and operational readiness.
Compliance & Quality Assurance: Ensure all projects meet building codes, ADA requirements, health/safety regulations, and internal brand guidelines.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field (Master’s degree a plus)
Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in construction project management, with at least 3–5 years in a senior leadership role
Proven track record of delivering multi-site restaurant, retail, or hospitality projects on time and within budget
Deep understanding of construction methods, scheduling, building codes, and permitting processes
Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills
Ability to travel up to 50% as required for site visits and vendor management
Proficient in project management tools and construction software (e.g., Procore, MS Project, AutoCAD, etc.)
Preferred Experience
Experience with both ground-up restaurant builds and remodel/retrofit projects
Knowledge of QSR, fast-casual, or full-service restaurant construction requirements
LEED certification or sustainable building experience is a plus