Construction Manager

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria is seeking a Construction Manager to lead new restaurant construction and reinvestment projects, ensuring on-time delivery, budget adherence, and brand-standard compliance.

You will coordinate with Real Estate, Design, Facilities, Operations, Marketing, and IT, manage contractors and vendors, and oversee permits and site safety from pre-construction to opening.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in CM/Engineering/Architecture.
• 3-5+ years in commercial construction PM; restaurant/retail buildout preferred.
• 3+ years in Architectural & Engineering and Design preferred.
• Strong vendor management, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite and project management software (MS Project, Procore, Smartsheet).
• Ability to travel 50% to job sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of new restaurant construction, remodel, and refresh projects across an assigned territory
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and procurement to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery
• Oversee general contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and design consultants throughout construction
• Partner cross-functionally with Real Estate, Design, Facilities, and Operations to align on scope, timing, and brand standards
• Review and approve construction documents, plans, and scopes of work
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, quality, and safety compliance
• Manage permitting, inspections, and municipal approvals in coordination with local jurisdictions
• Support new restaurant opening walk-throughs with Operations and General Contractors
• Identify and resolve construction issues, delays, and budget variances proactively
• Provide regular project status updates and reporting to senior leadership
• Ensure all work complies with applicable building codes, ADA requirements, and health/safety regulations

Skills

Vendor management

Negotiation

Relationship-building

Communication

Project management

Travel willingness

Multi-project management

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field

3-5+ years of experience in commercial construction project management; restaurant or retail buildout experience strongly preferred

3+ years of experience in Architectural & Engineering and Design strongly preferred

Tools

MS Project

Procore

Smartsheet

Job description

The Construction Manager is responsible for leading the execution of new restaurant construction and reinvestment projects across assigned locations, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and in alignment with brand standards. This role oversees contractors, vendors, and project timelines while partnering cross-functionally with Real Estate, Design, Facilities, Operations, marketing and IT to drive seamless project execution from pre-construction through opening.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead execution of new restaurant construction, remodel, and refresh projects across an assigned territory
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and procurement to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery
• Oversee general contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and design consultants throughout construction
• Partner cross-functionally with Real Estate, Design, Facilities, and Operations to align on scope, timing, and brand standards
• Review and approve construction documents, plans, and scopes of work
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, quality, and safety compliance
• Manage permitting, inspections, and municipal approvals in coordination with local jurisdictions
• Support new restaurant opening walk-throughs with Operations and General Contractors
• Identify and resolve construction issues, delays, and budget variances proactively
• Provide regular project status updates and reporting to senior leadership
• Ensure all work complies with applicable building codes, ADA requirements, and health/safety regulations

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field, or equivalent experience
• 3-5+ years of experience in commercial construction project management; restaurant or retail buildout experience strongly preferred
• 3+ years of experience in Architectural & Engineering and Design strongly preferred
• Working knowledge of construction processes, building codes, and permitting requirements
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Strong vendor management, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; comfortable presenting to senior leadership
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management software (e.g., MS Project, Procore, Smartsheet)
• Proficiency in ProCore and related Construction project software applications
• Ability to travel 50% to job sites as needed
• Ability to work independently in an evolving, ambiguous environment