Construction Project Manager

The Role

We are seeking an experienced, organized, and results-driven Construction Project Manager to join our Development team. The Construction Project Manager is responsible for managing the planning, coordination, and delivery of new restaurant construction, relocations, renovations, and capital improvement projects across our system.

Reporting to the Director of Development, the Construction Project Manager will oversee multiple construction projects at the same time, working with franchisees, landlords, architects, consultants, contractors, vendors, and internal departments to deliver projects on schedule, within budget, and in line with our brand standards.

This role calls for strong communication, organization, and relationship-building skills, along with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders, balance competing priorities, and work well in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

Construction Project Management

• Manage multiple restaurant construction projects at the same time, from site review through grand opening.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules and critical path timelines.
• Monitor budgets, construction costs, and project milestones.
• Identify project risks and implement solutions to maintain schedules.
• Conduct regular site inspections and monitor construction quality.
• Manage project close-out, deficiencies, and turnover to Operations.

Consultant & Contractor Coordination

• Coordinate architects, engineers, contractors, and specialty consultants.
• Review drawings and construction documents for compliance with our standards.
• Coordinate tenders, quotations, and contractor selection.
• Review and manage change orders.
• Lead regular construction meetings and progress updates.

Franchisee Support

• Serve as the primary construction contact for franchisees.
• Provide construction timelines, budgeting guidance, and regular project updates.
• Help resolve project challenges while maintaining positive franchisee relationships.

Landlord & Municipal Coordination

• Coordinate landlord approvals and landlord work.
• Liaise with municipalities on permits, inspections, and occupancy.
• Coordinate utility connections and service providers.
• Monitor compliance with lease obligations related to construction.

Vendor Coordination

• Coordinate equipment and smallwares orders and deliveries.
• Schedule signage, POS, digital screens, and other vendors.
• Ensure vendors meet project schedules and installation requirements.
• Maintain relationships with preferred suppliers and set up key accounts.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure all restaurants are built to our design standards.
• Conduct deficiency inspections before opening.
• Verify completion of all construction deficiencies.
• Maintain construction documentation and project files.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Development, Operations/Training, Marketing, IT, Finance, and external consultants.
• Coordinate restaurant opening readiness.
• Support continuous improvement of construction standards and processes.

Key Qualifications

The ideal candidate has 3+ years of commercial construction project management experience, with restaurant, hospitality, or our construction experience strongly preferred. Experience managing multiple concurrent projects and a strong understanding of commercial construction practices and the Ontario Building Code are required.

Experience working with landlords, municipalities, consultants, and contractors is essential, along with strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. A valid Ontario driver's licence and willingness to travel throughout Ontario are required.