Construction Manager
About the Role
This role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering new store construction, remodel, relocation, and capital improvement projects across the Central Region Bagel Brands' portfolio. The Construction Manager partners closely with Real Estate, Design, Facilities, Operations, Finance, landlords, consultants, contractors, and vendors to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with company standards. Through strong project management, cross-functional collaboration, and operational excellence, the Construction Manager supports Bagel Brands' growth strategy by delivering high-quality bakery environments that enable exceptional team member and guest experiences.
Responsibilities
- Project Planning & Pre-Construction
- Lead construction planning activities for assigned projects from project handoff through turnover to Operations.
- Provide day-to-day direction, coaching, and project oversight for one or more Construction Coordinators, ensuring projects progress efficiently and deliverables are completed accurately.
- Partner with Real Estate, Design, Facilities, Operations, and external consultants to establish project scope, schedules, budgets, and execution strategies.
- Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and milestone schedules to support successful project delivery.
- Review lease obligations, landlord work requirements, and project-specific development obligations.
- Coordinate utility, waste management, and other site service requirements to support project readiness.
- Collaborate with Design and Facilities teams to identify and plan for long-lead materials, equipment, and critical project dependencies.
- Support project budgeting, forecasting, and capital expenditure planning.
- Construction Management & Execution
- Manage multiple construction projects simultaneously, ensuring adherence to approved scope, budget, schedule, quality standards, and company expectations.
- Direct and coordinate contractors, vendors, consultants, landlords, and other project stakeholders throughout construction.
- Monitor project schedules and proactively address delays, unforeseen conditions, weather impacts, and other project risks.
- Review and manage project contracts, change orders, RFIs, submittals, and related construction documentation.
- Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, validate schedules, ensure quality execution, and mitigate project risks.
- Ensure all work is completed in accordance with applicable building codes, safety requirements, company standards, and contractual obligations.
- Track project deliveries, equipment installations, and construction milestones to support timely execution.
- Lead project closeout activities including punch list completion, turnover to Operations, and collection of closeout documentation.
- Financial & Administrative Management
- Develop, monitor, and manage project budgets throughout the construction lifecycle.
- Review invoices, pay applications, and vendor billings against approved contracts, quotes, and project scope prior to approval.
- Identify budget variances and recommend corrective actions to maintain financial performance.
- Prepare weekly project status reports, forecasts, and budget updates for leadership.
- Obtain and coordinate landlord tenant improvement reimbursement documentation and submissions.
- Maintain complete and accurate electronic project files, construction documentation, reporting templates, and project records.
- Cross-Functional Partnership & Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with Operations, Facilities, Design, Real Estate, Finance, landlords, contractors, architects, engineers, and municipal agencies.
- Collaborate across departments to ensure project decisions support operational needs, brand standards, and business objectives.
- Facilitate project meetings and communicate project status, risks, and mitigation plans to stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
- Coordinate project turnover planning and operational readiness activities to support successful bakery openings and remodels.
- Serve as a trusted construction partner to internal teams, landlords, consultants, contractors, and vendors.
- Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve construction processes, project delivery methods, vendor performance, and operational efficiencies.
- Recommend process improvements that increase project consistency, execution quality, and project efficiency.
- Support Development team initiatives that strengthen project execution and organizational effectiveness.
Leadership Competencies
- Effective Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally across internal teams, contractors, consultants, landlords, and vendors to ensure alignment, manage expectations, and support successful project execution.
- Accountability & Ownership: Takes ownership of assigned construction projects from planning through turnover, ensuring commitments are met while proactively managing budgets, schedules, risks, and project outcomes.
- Adaptability & Perseverance: Successfully navigates changing priorities, construction challenges, scheduling adjustments, and unforeseen issues while maintaining focus on delivering quality results.
- Empowerment: Builds collaborative partnerships across cross-functional teams and external stakeholders, sharing knowledge, supporting teammates, and fostering an environment of trust and accountability.
- Curiosity: Continuously seeks opportunities to improve construction processes, project delivery methods, vendor performance, and operational efficiencies through industry best practices and lessons learned.
- Self-Awareness: Demonstrates professionalism, sound judgment, and emotional intelligence while understanding the impact of decisions, communication, and collaboration on project success and stakeholder relationships.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Construction Science, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
- Minimum of three to five years of construction management experience leading commercial, retail, restaurant, or multi-unit development projects.
- Demonstrated experience managing multiple construction projects simultaneously through all phases of construction.
- Strong understanding of construction contracts, permitting, entitlements, project scheduling, budgeting, and cost management.
- Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans and specifications.
- Experience managing contractors, consultants, landlords, vendors, and cross-functional project teams.
- Strong project management, analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and construction management software platforms.
- Ability to travel up to 50% as business needs require.
Preferred Qualifications
- Construction Manager certification through CMAA, AIC, or similar organization.
- Experience within restaurant, retail, hospitality, or multi-unit development environments.
- Experience with Procore, Bluebeam, Smartsheet, or similar construction management software.
Physical Demands
This role requires frequent travel to active construction sites and development locations. The position regularly involves standing, walking job sites, climbing stairs, bending, lifting, and moving throughout active construction environments for extended periods of time. The role also requires the ability to sit, use a computer, and participate in meetings and project reviews. Occasional lifting or carrying of materials up to 25 pounds may be required. These requirements may be met with or without reasonable accommodation.
Pay
Annual Salary Range: $115,000 to $125,000
Targeted Bonus: 15%