Pre-Construction Engineer (VA Based)

Job Purpose and Function

As the Store Development Project Manager, you’ll play a critical role in bringing our store expansion and remodels to life across the Mid and South Atlantic regions. From site due diligence through permitting and pre-construction, you will manage the early lifecycle of new and redeveloped Dash In and Splash In locations—ensuring projects are scoped thoughtfully, permitted efficiently, and positioned for successful delivery to construction.

This role is ideal for a proactive and organized project manager who thrives in cross-functional environments and is passionate about quality design, operational excellence, and delivering elevated guest experiences through retail environments.

How You’ll Make an Impact

• Lead the design, engineering, permitting, and pre-construction process for new builds, major remodels, and fuel system upgrades across Dash In’s portfolio.
• Develop and manage pre-construction budgets including site investigation, due diligence, design fees, and permitting costs.
• Own the project schedule from initial concept through handoff to construction.
• Partner with Real Estate, Construction, and Legal teams to conduct site investigations and review due diligence reports (environmental, geotechnical, survey, etc.).
• Identify risks, constraints, and opportunities to inform business cases.
• Coordinate external consultants and internal stakeholders to develop site plans and building designs that meet Dash In standards, zoning requirements, and operational goals.
• Oversee entitlement processes including community meetings and government approvals.
• Lead cross-functional meetings and communicate project status, challenges, and opportunities to internal teams and leadership.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with municipalities, consultants, and permitting agencies during the development phase.
• Ensure all development plans align with lease, purchase, and easement agreements.
• Support Legal and Real Estate in contract negotiation by identifying site-specific risks and conditions.
• Maintain accurate documentation, schedules, and progress reports in designated project management platforms (e.g., Smartsheet, Procore, etc.).

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field required.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in commercial or retail development project management.
• Familiarity with permitting and development processes in Virginia, North & South Carolina strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of site design, civil engineering, and entitlement workflows.
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills with a knack for problem solving and relationship management.
• Experience with project management software and tools (Smartsheet, MS Project, Procore, etc.).
• Authorization to work in the U.S. (visa sponsorship or C2C opportunities not available at this time).

Why You Should Join Wills Group

• A thriving, family-owned, $1.5 billion company headquartered in scenic La Plata, Maryland (a 45-minute commute from Washington, DC).
• Nearly 300 retail locations of our family of brands including Dash In, Splash In ECO Car Wash, and SMO Motor Fuels.
• Work-hard, play-hard mentality propelling us to serve the communities that have supported us throughout the years.
• Embracing new possibilities and charting your own paths to success.
• Empowering individuals to embrace new possibilities and chart their own paths to success.
• Family-friendly benefits and perks including financial well-being, physical well-being, paid time off, work/life balance, exclusive discounts, education and development opportunities, competitive salary, and more.