Project Manager, Development

About the role

The Project Manager, Development owns the full lifecycle of new location openings — from initial site selection through the day the doors open. This role is the central point of coordination between franchisees, landlords, architects, general contractors, and outside vendors, keeping every project on schedule, on budget, and on brand. You will manage multiple concurrent projects at different stages, hold partners accountable to timelines, and give franchisees a clear, confident guide through what is often the biggest investment of their careers.

Responsibilities

• Site Selection & Real Estate: Partner with franchisees and brokers to evaluate candidate sites against brand criteria, demographics, co-tenancy, visibility, and access. Review site packages, floor plans, and landlord work letters; flag risks related to buildout scope, utilities, ADA, venting, plumbing, and electrical capacity. Support lease negotiation by advising on delivery conditions, tenant improvement allowances, possession dates, and construction-related lease terms. Maintain and present site approval documentation for internal review.
• Design & Permitting: Manage architects and engineers through test fits, space planning, and permit-ready construction documents that meet brand standards. Coordinate permit applications and shepherd projects through municipal plan review, corrections, and approvals. Track jurisdictional requirements and proactively resolve code and licensing issues that could delay opening.
• Construction & Buildout: Solicit and level general contractor bids; advise franchisees on scope, pricing, and contractor selection. Run the construction schedule from permit issuance to certificate of occupancy, holding GCs and subcontractors to milestones. Conduct site visits and virtual walkthroughs; manage punch lists and quality control against brand specifications. Track budgets, change orders, draws, and invoices; escalate cost or schedule variances early with recommended solutions.
• Vendor & FF&E Management: Manage outside vendors across signage, millwork, furniture, fixtures, equipment, technology, POS, security, and branded décor. Sequence ordering, lead times, delivery, and installation so nothing becomes the critical path. Maintain vendor relationships, negotiate pricing where appropriate, and hold partners to quality and delivery commitments.