Manager, Development/Construction (West Coast)

About the Role

The Manager, Development is responsible for managing the development process for new GoTo Foods restaurant locations to ensure the Brand's building and operating standards are properly implemented. This position collaborates with multiple stakeholders, including Brand marketing, Operations, Training, GoTo Brand Technical services, Brand Design, Architects, Real Estate, Franchisees, and Contractors and vendors, to provide input on new development plans and monitor construction projects.

Responsibilities

• Leads Franchisees in the planning and development process, providing overall direction for the brand’s Development efforts to accomplish yearly goals, including openings, remodels, and special projects.
• Conducts meetings with team members to communicate project status and develop positive business relationships with new and existing franchisees.
• Acts as Brand Liaison between franchisees, leasing, contractors, architects, and vendors.
• Reports on and coordinates with cross-functional project teams to ensure effective synergy between design, development, training, operations, and marketing teams.
• Collaborates with cross-functional resources to ensure all project facets adhere to established processes, timelines, and budgets.
• Works with vendors throughout the project, providing tools and materials to assist with trademark or design issues.
• Maintains reporting systems to reflect actions taken on store projects and keeps reports current for regular distribution.
• Ensures timely opening of all stores by collaborating with the Development Department.
• Consults with Franchisees during negotiations with mall managers, tenant coordinators, and mall architects to address design or build-out concerns.
• Reviews and provides input on proposed locations from the Real Estate Department.
• Reviews and implements Conceptual Designs presented by the Design team.
• Provides input and reviews construction documents/blueprints, communicating corrections to adhere to construction and brand standards.
• Performs final site inspections to ensure compliance with Construction Documents and readiness to open.
• Coordinates with the Leasing/Sales team to solve special challenges and develop unique solutions for brand application.
• Consults with Franchisees on build-out concerns during communication with mall managers and architects.
• Searches for innovative construction approaches to enhance quality, decrease costs, and reduce project timelines.
• Holds themselves and others accountable for legal and ethical business conduct while complying with policies, laws, and regulations.
• Participates in talent development processes to ensure current and future team needs are met.
• Collaborates in work methods and directs the work of associates.
• Establishes performance goals and provides ongoing feedback to enhance team performance and capability.
• Self-evaluates and identifies individual and team skill gaps, developmental areas, and opportunities for growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent field experience in Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field.
• 5+ years of relevant work experience in restaurants, retail, hospitality development, and/or consulting.
• 2 to 3+ years of experience managing national multi-unit construction projects.
• Demonstrated success influencing diverse stakeholders and participating in cross-functional teams.

Skills

• Ability to read and understand design and construction drawings, contracts, leases, and work letters.
• Ability to prepare and understand project budgets.
• Ability to track construction projects using standardized applications (e.g., Lucernix or similar).
• Ability to manage and organize projects across various stakeholder groups.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive business relationships with customers, vendors, and other departments.
• Ability to understand, anticipate, and respond effectively to stakeholder needs in a timely manner.
• Ability to gather data from multiple sources and make informed decisions with business acumen.
• Ability to quickly define issues, identify appropriate actions, and coordinate progress to resolution.
• Strong verbal, written, and electronic communication skills, including active listening.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Travel is required for this role.