Cafe Openings Project Lead - Culinary Ops & Growth

Compass Group USA; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance/AD&D

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Associate Shopping Program

Health and Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Personal Leave

Job summary

Bon Appetit Management Company is seeking a dynamic Food Program Project Manager to lead high‑impact initiatives for new cafés, buildouts, and operational readiness across our global food program.

You will partner with construction teams, architects, and facilities to ensure openings occur on time and within budget while delivering exceptional guest experiences. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; advanced degrees preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience managing large, complex projects—preferably openings, construction coordination, or operational rollouts.
• Experience navigating permitting processes and working with construction or facilities teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects with strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate in a matrixed environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools; familiarity with related platforms is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end project management for new café openings, renovations, and facility buildouts.
• Coordinate with construction teams, architects, general contractors, and facilities to manage timelines and readiness.
• Oversee permitting processes and ensure approvals are obtained on schedule.
• Develop SOPs, workflows, and readiness plans for each site and ensure launch readiness.
• Drive cross-functional alignment for launch execution with Culinary, Catering, Marketing, Ops, and Supply Chain.
• Create project documentation, status reports, and post-opening optimization feedback.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Excellent verbal & written comms

Analytical & problem solving

Microsoft Office proficiency

Project management tools familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Advanced degrees preferred (MBA, MSOD, CPA)

Tools

Construction/facilities management platforms

Project management software

Job description

Bon Appetit Management Company is seeking a dynamic Food Program Project Manager to lead high‑impact initiatives for new cafés, buildouts, and operational readiness across our global food program.

You will partner with construction teams, architects, and facilities to ensure openings occur on time and within budget while delivering exceptional guest experiences. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential.