Restaurant Construction Lead: On-Time Builds & Brand Alignment

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

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.