Manager, Development/Construction (West Coast)

GoTo Foods; California (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

GoTo Foods in California is seeking a Manager, Development to oversee the development process for new restaurant locations. This role is crucial in ensuring brand standards, timelines, and budgets are met while collaborating with various stakeholders including franchisees, architects, and operations. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field and at least 5 years of experience in the restaurant or retail development industry, managing multi-unit construction projects effectively.

Qualifications

• 5+ years relevant work experience in restaurants/retail/hospitality development.
• 2 to 3+ years experience managing National multi-unit construction projects.
• Demonstrated success influencing diverse stakeholders and managing end-to-end project management.

Responsibilities

• Leads Franchisees in planning and development process.
• Acts as Brand Liaison among various stakeholders.
• Coordinates with vendors throughout the project.
• Reviews and provides input on proposed locations and designs.
• Implements innovative construction approaches to enhance quality.

Skills

Ability to read and understand design and construction drawings

Ability to prepare & understand project budgets

Ability to track construction projects within standardized application

Ability to manage and organize projects across various stakeholder groups

Ability to develop and maintain positive business relationships

Ability to respond to the needs of stakeholders in a timely manner

Ability to gather data and make informed decisions

Ability to define issues and coordinate progress

Ability to convey information clearly

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Architecture, or related field

Job description

Job Summary

The Manager, Development is responsible for management of the development process for new GoTo Foods restaurant locations to ensure that the Brand's building and operating standards are properly implemented. This position collaborates across multiple stakeholders (Brand marketing, Operations, and Training; GoTo Brand Technical services; Brand Design, Architects, Real Estate, Franchisees, and Contractors and vendors) to provide input on new development planned, and to monitor and adjust all construction projects to ensure projects achieve timelines, cost projections and successful openings. The manager provides real time project updates and status reports to all stakeholders.

Essential Functions

• Project Management
  • Leads Franchisees in the planning and development process and provides overall direction for the brand’s Development efforts in accomplishing yearly goals which include openings, remodels and special projects to help expand brand platforms.
  • Conducts meetings with expanded team members to communicate status and develops and enhances positive business relationships with new and existing franchisees.
  • Acts as Brand Liaison between franchisees, leasing, contractors, architects, and vendors.
  • Reports on and coordinates with cross-functional project teams to ensure effective synergy between the design and development team and the training, operations and marketing teams.
  • Collaborates with various cross-functional resources to ensure all facets are handled in accordance with established processes, timelines and budgets.
  • Collaborates with various vendors throughout the project, providing them with the proper tools and materials to assist them with trademark or design issues.
  • Maintains reporting systems which accurately reflect any actions taken on particular store projects and keeps reports current for regular distribution.
  • Works with all staff members within the Development Department to ensure timely opening of all stores.
  • Consults with Franchisees in their negotiates with mall managers, tenant coordinators, mall architects, etc. as needed to deal with any concerns related to the design or build-out of locations.
• Design & Development
  • Reviews and provides input on proposed locations from Real Estate Department as assigned.
  • Reviews and implements Conceptual Designs presented by Design team as assigned.
  • Provides input and reviews both on preliminary and final submission of construction documents/ blueprints and makes and communicates corrections to adhere to construction and brand standards whenever necessary.
  • Coordinates with various vendors throughout the project, providing them with the proper tools and materials to assist them with adhering to trademark or design issues.
  • Performs Final Site Inspection of site to ensure compliance with Construction Documents and readiness to open.
  • Coordinates with Leasing/Sales team on ways to solve special challenges, and develop unique ways to apply the brand.
  • Consults and coordinates with Franchisees as they communicate with mall managers, tenant coordinators, mall architects, etc. as needed to deal with any concerns related to build-out of locations.
  • Continually searches for new and innovative construction approaches to enhance the quality of, decrease the cost of, and reduce time to complete construction projects.
• Contributes and facilitates a High Functioning Team
  • Holds themselves and others accountable for conducting business in a legal and ethical manner while complying with policies, laws, and regulations related to business and employment.
  • Participates in processes and programs across the team to ensure talent for current and future needs by providing operational, functional, and technical leadership.
  • Collaborates in work methods and directs the work of associates.
  • Participates in the establishment of performance goals and provides ongoing feedback, to enhance the team’s performance and capability, to facilitate open communication, and to encourage continuous performance improvement.
  • Self-evaluates and identifies individual and team skill gaps, developmental areas, and opportunities (e.g., training, special assignments, projects, etc.) to advance individual and team capability.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent field experience, Construction Management, Architecture, or related field, Required

Work Experience

• 5+ years relevant work experience (e.g., restaurants/retail/hospitality development and/or consulting), Required
• 2 to 3+ years of experience managing National multi-unit construction projects, Required
• Demonstrated success influencing diverse stakeholders and participating in teams that include non-direct reports in cross-functional settings, providing end-to-end project management, Required

Skills

• Ability to read and understand design and construction drawings, contracts, leases & work letters
• Ability to prepare & understand project budgets.
• Ability to track construction projects within standardized application (e.g., Lucernix or similar)
• Ability to manage and organize projects across various stakeholder groups
• Ability to develop and maintain positive business relationships (e.g., customers, 3rd party vendors, other departments, etc.) and foster an environment of mutual respect, understanding, trust, and support
• Ability to understand, anticipate and respond effectively to the needs of stakeholders (e.g., internal and external customers, etc.) in a timely manner
• Ability to gather data from multiple sources and make informed decisions that includes an understanding of the business (business acumen)
• Ability to quickly define issues, identify appropriate action, and coordinate and track progress to resolution
• Ability to convey clear, concise information in verbal, written, electronic, and other communication formats and to demonstrate active listening while engaging others
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite