Construction Project Manager

Great American Restaurants; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Great American Restaurants, based in Fairfax, VA, is seeking an experienced Construction & Facilities Project Manager to lead our on-site construction team from planning through opening. This role requires hands-on leadership, strong coordination across architects, engineers, contractors, and internal stakeholders, and adherence to GAR quality, safety, and brand standards.

You will manage ground-up builds, procurement, contracting, cost control, site operations, and closeout, with a proven

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive, hands-on construction leadership experience in hospitality, restaurant, or upscale retail environments.
• Experience delivering projects with high-end finishes and brand-driven design requirements.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, life safety, MEP coordination, and contractor management.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of ground-up restaurant builds from feasibility through opening.
• Own construction procurement, contracting, and cost control throughout the project lifecycle.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, designers, contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure on-schedule delivery and adherence to GAR standards.
• Coordinate with internal teams to execute facility improvement projects and maintain brand integrity.
• Manage site operations, including scheduling, contractor supervision, quality control, and turnover to Operations.
• Administer construction contracts during execution, including change orders, pay applications, and closeout documentation.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder coordination

Project scheduling

Budget control

Quality assurance

Communication

Tools

Microsoft Office

Contract management

Job description

Great American Restaurants is seeking an experienced, hands‑on Construction & Facilities Project Manager to join our growing construction team. This on‑site role is based out of our support center office in Fairfax, Virginia, with frequent visits to new locations.

Established in 1974, Great American Restaurants operates thirteen high-volume, upper-casual restaurants, an upscale dining location, three artisan bakeries, and a fast‑casual BBQ concept in Northern Virginia and Maryland, with several new locations in progress and more in the works.

We operate a lean construction team, so this role requires ownership, follow‑through, and strong attention to detail. The ideal candidate has experience delivering projects with high‑end finishes and custom design elements and excels at coordinating complex workstreams while keeping internal teams, consultants, and contractors aligned, accountable, and on task.

• Demonstrate hands‑on leadership of the planning and execution of ground‑up restaurant builds from feasibility through opening.
• Own construction procurement, contracting, and cost control throughout the project lifecycle.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, designers, contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and to GAR quality, safety, and brand standards.
• Partner with internal construction and operations teams to execute facility improvement projects.

Construction & Project Execution

• Manage buildouts from mobilization through closeout, including scheduling, contractor coordination, field execution, quality control, and turnover to Operations.
• Review and validate architectural and MEP plans with a high level of attention to detail; identify conflicts and drive timely resolution.
• Proactively coordinate architects, engineers, contractors, vendors, and internal teams to keep all parties aligned, on task, and accountable to project schedules and commitments.
• Execute projects involving high‑end finishes, custom millwork, specialty materials, and brand‑critical design details, ensuring design intent is fully realized in the field.
• Conduct milestone site walks, verify alignment with design intent, elevate issues promptly, and manage punch lists to ensure quality, completeness, and consistency.
• Participate in daily site operations, including contractor supervision, scheduling, quality control, adherence to plans, and compliance with safety standards.
• Administer construction contracts during execution, including change order review and negotiation, pay application review, and closeout documentation.

Quality, Cost, & Asset Protection

• Ensure all construction and repair work meets GAR’s high standards for quality, durability, and long‑term asset protection.
• Monitor budgets and schedules closely; proactively manage risk, cost exposure, and change.
• Communicate project status, timelines, and impacts clearly and consistently with Operations, Finance, and leadership.

Repairs & Maintenance Support

• Participate in and support the R&M program across all restaurants by identifying facility needs and coordinating solutions.
• Provide informed recommendations regarding repair vs. replacement for major systems and equipment.
• Contribute to annual R&M budget development through field‑based assessments and cost insights.
• 8+ years of progressive, hands‑on construction leadership experience; restaurant, hospitality, or upscale retail construction strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience delivering projects with high‑end finishes, custom architectural elements, or brand‑driven design requirements.
• Deep working knowledge of commercial building systems, commercial kitchens, life safety, health codes, and MEP.
• Proven ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and workstreams while maintaining organization, follow‑through, and attention to detail.
• Experience negotiating and administering owner/GC agreements, vendor contracts, and contract changes, including change orders and closeout documentation.
• Clear, confident communicator with trades, operations teams, and executive leadership.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• 3 weeks Paid Time Off (PTO) to start plus 6 additional holidays
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Long‑Term Disability and Life Insurance