Construction Project Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:

Since 1994, Wetzel's Pretzels has grown to more than 500 fresh bakeries across the United States and around the world. As we continue to expand, we are seeking a Construction Project Manager to support new store development and renovation initiatives throughout our franchise network.

Reporting to the Director of Construction, this mid-level role is responsible for managing construction projects from planning through completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with company standards and specifications. This position is based in Scottsdale, Arizona, although remote work may be considered for highly qualified candidates located outside the area.

KEY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

GENERAL:

• Manage all phases of development projects for new builds, refresh, remodel, and relocation projects on behalf of franchisees, Wetzel’s Pretzels, and/or other Kahala Brands
• Coordinate Architectural and Project Coordinator consultant services to facilitate franchisees timely project execution.
• Effectively work with the construction and operations team, maintain open communication, advise on status of projects and elevate job site issues

PRE-CONSTRUCTION:

• Review and/or create store layouts and color renderings for franchisee and internal use to ensure store brand design specifications.
• Coordinate with the architect, landlord, and government agencies (through the permit expeditor) to obtain design approvals and permits.
• Review construction document package to prepare detailed FF&E (kitchen equipment, millwork, furniture, etc.) counts, obtain and evaluate vendor proposals, and present them to the Franchisee
• Solicit and coordinate general contractor bids, issue drawings for pricing, and present bids to the Franchisee for GC selection.
• Work with other departments to facilitate project implementations
• Provide support as needed to the franchisee during the entire development process

CONSTRUCTION:

• Organize and participate in regularly scheduled project progress conference calls, MS Teams and other group meetings
• Track project progress utilizing Smartsheets, turnover and maintain opening deadlines
• Provide timely responses to all construction related RFI’s and field issues
• Understand as-built drawings, Tenant Criteria, Lease plans, and mall plans.
• Review shop drawings and submittals. Provide feedback when necessary
• Review City Permit comments and provide franchisees’ development team with corporate support to achieve final city approvals. Work with the Contractor to complete certificate of occupancy requirements and turn the store over to WP operations and the Franchisee, ready to operate.
• Track project key milestones, costs, timelines, and report to management including but not limited to tracking Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF & E), owner/franchisee supplied item orders, delivery and install status
• Monitor the quality of work and ensure it meets the project/brand standards. Follow up on completion of landlord, building, and health department provided corrections/punch list of construction finish items for the contractor
• Obtain, organize and electronically file all project documentation, preparing and delivering final closeout packages to Company management and operations, franchisees, and landlords
• Facilitate and manage Refresh (RF), Remodel (RM) and Relocation (RL) projects of existing restaurants
• Assist Director of Construction with any additional duties and tasks

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage and facilitate special projects on behalf of franchisees, Wetzel’s Pretzels, and/or Kahala Brands Operations
• Act in a facilities management capacity as needed
• Review and maintain Company proprietary materials inventory levels
• New product and material search
• Own and track weekly department report
• Manage and administer equipment warranty claims as needed

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

• 3 years construction management and retail restaurant experience. Will consider candidates with college degree in related studies in lieu of experience
• Knowledge of Restaurant equipment procurement is a must
• Background in restaurant remodels and facilities management is a plus
• Thorough understanding of plans, construction documents and engineering disciplines
• Detailed knowledge and experience with restaurant equipment and FF & E procurement
• Ability to communicate with and manage multiple disciplines (architects, engineers, suppliers etc.) simultaneously
• Willingness to work with multiple, individual and diverse franchisee clientele
• Ability to learn and retain brand standards/trade dress for multiple brands
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Teams, Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint)
• Must be able to work within a team structure and be prepared to take a leadership role as needed
• Be able to communicate verbally with customers, and the public using a telephone in a face- to -face, one- to- one setting, and in group setting
• Ability to occasionally travel is required

PHYSICAL AND REQUIREMENTS:

This position is primarily performed in a professional office or remote work environment and requires prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and participation in meetings. The employee must be able to communicate effectively, review detailed documents, and occasionally lift or carry items weighing up to 25 pounds. Periodic travel to construction sites may be required to conduct inspections, attend meetings, and monitor project progress. During site visits, the employee must be able to walk on uneven terrain, climb stairs, and wear appropriate personal protective equipment as required.

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of job duties and responsibilities, and the position’s required duties and responsibilities are subject to change with or without notice.

Benefits (Subject to Change):

• 401(k) matching, including Roth options
• 3 Medical insurance plans
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Paid time off (10 holidays, 3 weeks PTO)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Referral program
• Wellness programs
• Hybrid work schedule