Construction Manager

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria is seeking an experienced Construction Manager to lead new restaurant construction, remodels, and reinvestment projects. The role ensures on-time delivery within budget while upholding brand standards, coordinating with Real Estate, Design, Facilities, Operations, marketing and IT.

Responsibilities include overseeing contractors, reviewing documents, visiting sites, managing permits, and reporting progress to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3–5+ years of commercial construction project management experience; restaurant/retail buildout preferred.
• 3+ years in Architectural & Engineering and Design preferred.
• Knowledge of construction processes, building codes, and permitting requirements.
• Strong vendor management, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; comfortable presenting to senior leadership.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management software (MS Project, Procore, Smartsheet).

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of new restaurant construction, remodel, and refresh projects.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and procurement to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Oversee general contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and design consultants.
• Partner 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 with local jurisdictions.
• Support opening walk-throughs with Operations and General Contractors.
• Identify and resolve construction issues, delays, and budget variances proactively.
• Provide regular project status updates to senior leadership.
• Ensure compliance with building codes, ADA, and health/safety regulations.

Skills

Construction management

Vendor management

Communication

Project management

Building codes & permitting

Presentation to leadership

MS Project

Procore

Smartsheet

Travel to job sites

Education

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

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