Project Specialist, Facilities

Earls Kitchen + Bar; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care benefits

Lifestyle spending account

Employee Assistance Program

Discount card

3 weeks vacation

Hybrid work model

Dog-friendly office

Rooftop/modern offices

Job summary

Earls Kitchen + Bar is seeking a Project Specialist to join our Facilities team, guiding store operators on repairs, improvements, and preventative maintenance.

You will manage maintenance programs, lead cross-functional projects, and ensure compliance with building codes across North America, with up to 40% travel.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Building or Architectural Technology or equivalent experience.
• Experience in facilities management and vendor relations is preferred.
• Willingness to travel across North America up to 40% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain planned maintenance agreements with vendors.
• Manage ResQ Facilities Management Software and train operations teams.
• Lead repair, maintenance and improvement projects with operators and designers.
• Log, prioritize and coordinate support requests with leadership.
• Provide expert troubleshooting on MEP systems and equipment.
• Provide on-site facilities support for openings across North America (~40%).
• Source, manage and evaluate vendor performance and service agreements.
• Assist in defining project scope, timelines, and cost estimates for CapEx.
• Support project budgets with materials and labor tracking.
• Process owner-supplied FF&E PO's and coordinate installations.
• Support invoice processing and cost reconciliation.
• Maintain records, reports and documentation for projects.
• Develop training materials and best practices for facilities management.

Skills

Vendor relations

Negotiation

Problem solving

Communication

Organization

Willing to travel

Education

Diploma in Building or Architectural Technology

Tools

AutoCAD

Smartsheet

Excel

Google Suite

CMMS/FMS

Job description

Are you a detail-oriented problem solver with a knack for resourcefulness? Do you thrive in troubleshooting challenges and enjoy being part of a cross-functional, collaborative team?

Earls Kitchen + Bar is looking for a Project Specialist to join our Facilities team, where you'll play a critical role in supporting our restaurants with store repairs and maintenance. As the go-to expert for our restaurant operators, you'll guide them in best practices for reactive repairs, improvement projects, and preventative maintenance. The ideal candidate is a highly organized communicator with a deep understanding of building systems and a passion for solving complex problems.

Role Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain planned maintenance agreements, negotiating service rates and ensuring vendor compliance.
• Manage and optimize ResQ Facilities Management Software, ensuring data accuracy and providing training to operations teams.
• Lead and manage repair, maintenance, and improvement projects, collaborating with store operators and interior/kitchen designers.
• Log, prioritize, and coordinate support requests, aligning with operations leadership to ensure timely resolutions.
• Provide expert troubleshooting and guidance on commercial MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems and equipment issues.
• Provide on-site Facilities support for new store and post-renovation openings to store operations, including equipment tagging, vendor management, and other duties as required to ensure a successful store opening, across North America (~40% of the time).
• Source, manage, and evaluate vendor performance, mediating disputes and optimizing service agreements.
• Assist in defining project scope, timelines, and cost estimates for larger CapEx projects, helping operators secure funding.
• Support project budget management by tracking materials, labor, and overall costs.
• Assist with processing purchase orders for owner-supplied FF&E, coordinating installations with vendors, landlords, and operations.
• Support invoice processing by ensuring accurate tracking, reconciliation, and cost management.
• Maintain organized records, reports, and documentation for all projects, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.
• Develop training materials and best practices for facilities management processes, supporting operational teams in system adoption.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of experience with facilities management, vendor relations, or contract administration. Expertise in the restaurant, hospitality, or retail sectors is considered a strong asset.
• Ability and willingness to travel across North America up to 40% of the time.
• Diploma in Building or Architectural Technology, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience, demonstrating a solid foundation in construction and design principles.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, offering expert advice, information, and recommendations.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to manage vendor relationships effectively.
• In-depth knowledge of preventive maintenance methods for building structures, fixtures, and equipment, coupled with a strong understanding of building codes, bylaws, and construction regulations.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting construction drawings, including architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and kitchen equipment plans and details.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Google Suite, particularly Excel or similar spreadsheet software, with additional experience in Smartsheet or AutoCAD, considered advantageous.
• Familiarity with facilities maintenance software (FMS or CMMS), enhancing your ability to efficiently manage repair and maintenance projects.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to dispute resolution.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with a resourceful mindset and a high level of initiative.

Bonus Points

• A sense of humour.
• A serious passion for food - we like to eat around here (sometimes wine is involved).
• Open to personal development and growth.
• The drive to succeed and the passion to be a part of Earls growth.
• Big team player - able to be both a leader and also support those around them.

What We Offer

• Competitive annual salary ranging from $60,00 to $75,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications, complemented by all the perks and benefits below. Individual pay is based on job‑related skills, relevant experience, education and/or training, and internal equity.
• Comprehensive health care benefits effective from your first day
• A healthy lifestyle spending account to support you in living your best life
• Employee Assistance Program
• Earls 50% discount card for food and drinks at all Earls Kitchen + Bar, the Beachhouse, Birdies Eats & Drinks, LOCAL Public Eatery, and JOEY Restaurants locations
• 3 weeks vacation
• Make Life Awesome Week
• Opportunity to be a part of our partner‑led Employee Resource Groups (ERG), designed to bring our greater communities together through mutual causes and shared experiences
• Flexibility with our Hybrid work from home/office model
• Bring your furry friend to work in our dog‑friendly office
• Office amenities include a rooftop patio, lockers, showers, a full kitchen, and collaborative workspaces
• Travel opportunities for company events, new restaurant openings, and more!
• Leadership programs with career development and opportunities for advancement
• Awards, recognitions, team‑building events, and more!

Earls is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, free from discrimination. We believe bringing together people of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities is essential to our success, and brings us closer to living our purpose to Make Life Awesome.

All employment decisions inclusive of recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotions, and terminations are based on qualifications, competencies, and merit, without the consideration of any legally protected ground. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.