Director of Construction at Cotti Foods Corporation

Rancho Santa Margarita, California, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

01 Jun, 26

Salary

175000.0

Posted On

03 Mar, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Construction Management, Franchise Development, Project Management, Strategic Planning, Budget Management, Contractor Management, Team Leadership, Feasibility Assessment, Design Coordination, Permitting, Cost Control, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Negotiation, QSR Experience, Staff Development

Industry

Restaurants

Description

Job Summary Lead and oversee all construction and development activities for franchise-owned locations, ensuring alignment with brand standards and operational excellence. This role focuses on managing third-party contractors, developing internal staff, and driving strategic growth across multiple markets. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Planning & Expansion * Develop and execute construction strategies aligned with the brand’s growth objectives. * Forecast and manage timelines for new store openings, remodels, and relocations. * Collaborate with real estate and development teams to assess site feasibility. Project Management * Oversee all phases of construction projects from design to completion. * Manage budgets, schedules, and quality standards for multiple projects simultaneously. * Ensure compliance with local building codes, health regulations, and brand guidelines. Pre-Planning & Feasibility * Review proposed sites for constructability and compliance with brand standards. * Assess site constraints (utilities, topography, traffic flow, zoning). * Collaborate with real estate team to validate site selection from a construction perspective. Design Coordination * Work with architects and engineers to develop site plans that meet: * Brand design guidelines. * Local building codes and ADA requirements. * Operational needs (drive-thru flow, parking ratios, signage visibility). * Ensure kitchen and back-of-house layouts integrate seamlessly with site design. Permitting & Compliance * Oversee permitting process and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. * Maintain documentation for inspections and approvals. * Oversee submission of site plans for municipal approvals. * Coordinate with civil engineers for grading, drainage, and utility plans. * Ensure environmental and health regulations are met. Vendor & Contractor Management * Select, negotiate, and manage relationships with general contractors, architects, and suppliers. * Implement performance metrics and accountability for external partners. Cost Control & Budgeting * Prepare and monitor construction budgets. * Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or speed. Team Leadership * Build team and lead project managers. * Work closely with the Executive Assistant and the broader administrative support team to manage scheduling, travel, documentation, and communication, ensuring efficient support for the construction function * Provide training and mentorship to ensure operational excellence. Cross-Functional Collaboration * Work closely with operations, design, procurement, and finance teams. * Align construction timelines with marketing and operational launch plans. Risk Management * Anticipate and mitigate risks related to delays, cost overruns, and compliance issues. * Implement safety protocols across all projects. EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS * 7+ years in construction management or franchise development leadership. * Proven experience managing multi-state projects and third-party contractors. * Strong people leadership skills with a track record of staff development. * Technical Knowledge: Building codes, permitting processes, and restaurant-specific requirements (HVAC, kitchen layouts, etc.). * Leadership: Ability to manage multiple projects and teams across regions. * Initiative: Strong initiative and self-starter mentality. * Adaptability: Willingness to be flexible, adaptive, and able to operate effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. * Financial Acumen: Strong budgeting and cost-control skills. * Communication: Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills. * QSR experience. Direct Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) or multi-unit commercial construction experience is highly preferred. * Proficiency in project management software and financial systems. * Work Location: Corporate Office - Rancho Santa Margarita, Southern California Travel: Position location is in Southern California, Rancho Santa Margarita, and requires 15%+ travel to markets (CA, HI, TX, MO, KS, OK).

Responsibilities

The Director of Construction will lead and oversee all construction and development activities for franchise-owned locations, ensuring brand standard alignment and operational excellence. This involves managing third-party contractors, developing internal staff, and driving strategic growth across multiple markets.