Sr. Manager Facilities

Lazy Dog Restaurants, LLC; Newport Beach (CA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Lazy Dog Restaurants, LLC is seeking a Sr. Manager, Facilities in Newport Beach to lead daily facilities operations and major projects across a multi-unit portfolio.

You will oversee contractors, coordinate with restaurant leadership, and drive preventive maintenance and energy efficiency initiatives. Ideal candidates have 7+ years in facilities management for restaurant groups, strong CMMS experience, and a deep technical background in HVAC, electrical, and building systems.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of facilities management experience in restaurant or multi-unit settings.
• Experience with Ecotrak or a comparable CMMS.
• Strong technical understanding of HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, plumbing, and building systems.
• Willing to travel up to 25% of the time.
• Able to lift up to 75 pounds and work at heights safely.

Responsibilities

• Execute the facilities portfolio strategy including preventive maintenance and asset lifecycle planning.
• Oversee daily facilities operations and special projects; manage contractors and vendors.
• Lead emergency response and coordinate issues to resolution.
• Partner with restaurant leaders and regional teams to improve maintenance practices.
• Develop and manage annual repairs and maintenance budgets and capital plans.
• Review estimates, POs, invoices, and change orders within delegated authority.
• Own special projects such as equipment replacements, remodels, and turnkey facilities work.
• Provide updates to facilities leadership on operations, budgets, and vendor performance.

Skills

Facilities management

Contractor management

Budget management

HVAC systems

Building systems

Safety compliance

Vendor negotiations

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Ecotrak CMMS

MS Office

Job description

We exist to nourish connections with, and between, our teammates, guests + communities. We provide small town hospitality for every member of our Lazy Dog family and create experiences that allow people to enjoy the moment, and each other, over handcrafted food and drink.

If you enjoy solving restaurant facilities challenges, leading planning projects and providing advanced technical support to restaurants then this is the job for you. The Sr. Manager, Facilities will oversee daily facilities and special project activities, lead contractors and vendor partners, and provide practical solutions that support safe, reliable and welcoming restaurants.

• Execute the portfolio facilities strategy, including preventive maintenance, building condition assessments, asset lifecycle planning, equipment replacement priorities, and continuous improvement.
• Independently oversee daily facilities and special project activities, resolve issues within delegated authority, and present clear recommendations for major expenditures, significant risks, and decisions requiring leadership approval.
• Lead emergency response for equipment failures, utility interruptions, building damage, and other facilities conditions affecting safety or restaurant operations. Coordinate contractors, communicate status, and follow issues through resolution.
• Partner with restaurant leaders and Regional Operations teams to strengthen routine building care, improve troubleshooting practices, and clarify when specialized support is needed.
• Collaborate closely with the Facilities Systems Lead on work-order priorities, escalation procedures, vendor performance, preventive maintenance, reporting, and follow-through.
• Use Ecotrak data and field observations to identify recurring failures, reduce reactive maintenance, improve service performance, and support repair-versus-replacement decisions.
• Develop and manage annual repairs and maintenance budgets, capital plans, forecasts, and project budgets. Monitor spending and explain variances.
• Review and approve estimates, purchase orders, invoices, payment applications, and change orders within delegated authority and company approval requirements.
• Develop scopes of work, solicit and evaluate proposals, negotiate vendor agreements, and manage contractor performance.
• Own Special Projects, including major equipment replacements, building repairs, remodels, structural work, and other projects requiring management beyond restaurant Operations’ capacity, including scope development and coordination of internal and external resources.
• Coordinate project execution with Operations to minimize disruption and maintain safe conditions for teammates and guests.Monitor contractor work for quality, schedule, budget, safety, and conformance with approved scopes and contract documents.
• Own the Budderfly and ENTOUCH relationships across the portfolio, including account coordination, service performance, escalations, planned work, contractual follow-through, and reporting.
• Evaluate energy and building controls performance with vendor partners and recommend improvements that support restaurant comfort, equipment reliability, and operating efficiency.
• Coordinate with Design and Construction on new restaurant turnover, warranties, asset documentation, preventive maintenance setup, and the transition into ongoing facilities support.
• Provide regular status updates to facilities leadership on facilities operations, budgets, special projects, and vendor performance.
• Perform field inspections, hands‑on troubleshooting, and repairs as appropriate to qualifications, safe work practices, and company requirements.
• Support Lazy Dog’s safety vision and ensure work follows applicable safety requirements, permitting obligations, and company procedures.
• Identify opportunities to improve department efficiency through technology, automation, and responsible use of AI.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred. Relevant trade training, professional certifications, or equivalent practical experience will be considered in lieu of degree.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in restaurant or multi‑unit facilities management. Prior experience supporting a large, multi‑state restaurant portfolio strongly preferred.
• Experience with Ecotrak or a comparable computerized maintenance management system.
• Prior experience developing and managing repairs, maintenance budgets and capital plans, and strong technical understanding of restaurant facilities, including HVAC, refrigeration, kitchen equipment, electrical systems, plumbing, drainage, roofs, and building systems is required.
• Ability to interpret proposals, technical reports, drawings, specifications, and contract requirements; identify root causes; and develop practical solutions.
• Must be willing to travel up to 25% of the time, including on short notice
• Must be available to serve as the primary escalated facilities emergency contact outside normal business hours — nights, weekends, and holidays, when needed.
• Must be able to lift and move items weighing up to 75 pounds using safe lifting practices
• Ability to safely handle and climb tall ladders and access roofs and elevated equipment areas using required safety procedures and equipment.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Clear written and verbal communication, including the ability to explain technical issues to restaurant teams
• Ability to lead collaboratively without direct supervisory authority.
• Initiative, accountability, discretion, and sound independent decision‑making.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office, facilities management systems, and project management tools. Experience with energy management and building‑controls programs is preferred.
• Practical experience using AI and automation to improve analysis, reporting, and workflows is a plus.
• Trusting, passionate, humble and gracious.
• Build lasting relationships with trust and respect.
• Create fun.

INDMG