Construction Manager, New Store Development

CSC Generation•Atlanta, GA

6d•Remote

About The Position

Sur La Table is expanding its East Coast store portfolio with multiple new builds slated over the next two years, and this role exists to serve as the sole on-the-ground construction leader for the region. As Construction Manager, New Store Development, you will independently manage the full lifecycle of new store builds, remodels, and tenant improvements — from pre-construction through closeout — with full budget accountability on projects ranging from $50K to $2.5M+. Success in the first year means delivering your first new store build on time and on budget, establishing reliable GC and subcontractor relationships across East Coast markets, and building the forecasting and reporting cadence that keeps leadership informed without surprises. Given that our stores include commercial-grade teaching kitchens, experience with restaurant or grocery construction is critical. This is a lean team. You will own a lot, move fast, and make decisions with full end-to-end responsibility.

Requirements

5–7+ years of construction project management or project engineering experience in commercial retail, restaurant, or grocery environments
Must be based in the Midwest or East Coast
Demonstrated independent ownership of new store builds from $50K to $2.5M+ — not just remodels or TI work — with full budget accountability
Track record of increased project responsibility and effective management of project teams
Strong background in construction budgeting and financial forecasting — building project budgets from scope/GC bids, tracking actuals vs. forecast, and managing cost-to-complete projections
Direct experience with commercial kitchen construction: hood systems, grease interceptors, gas lines, and health department coordination
Proficiency reading and interpreting construction drawings, specifications, and MEP documents
Proven track record managing GC/subcontractor relationships, contract negotiations, and change order review with limited supervision
Working knowledge of building codes, ADA compliance, and permitting processes across multiple jurisdictions
Proficiency using AI tools to accelerate budget/forecast reporting, variance analysis, and project documentation (RFIs, submittals, etc.)
Strong organizational skills managing multiple, geographically dispersed projects simultaneously
Willingness to travel to project sites (20–50%, depending on active project load)
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management software (e.g., Procore, BuildingConnected, or similar); advanced Excel skills for budget modeling and forecasting

Responsibilities

Independently manage the full lifecycle of construction projects ($50K–$2.5M+), including new store builds, tenant improvements, and remodels — from pre-construction through punch list and closeout
Own project budgets, forecasts, and cost tracking end-to-end — building initial budgets, maintaining cost-to-complete forecasts, and proactively flagging variances to leadership before they become overruns
Solicit, review, and award bids; negotiate contracts with general contractors, subcontractors, and vendors
Serve as the primary owner's representative on-site and in all project-related communications
Coordinate with internal stakeholders including Real Estate, Store Operations, Visual Merchandising, IT, and Finance
Oversee commercial kitchen buildouts including hood systems, ventilation, gas, plumbing, and equipment connections in compliance with health code requirements
Manage project permitting, inspections, and certificate of occupancy processes in coordination with architects and local authorities
Deliver detailed, recurring budget and forecast reporting to leadership, including variance analysis and corrective action plans
Maintain detailed project documentation: RFIs, submittmits, change orders, lien waivers, and closeout packages
Prepare landlord closeout packages and submit for TIA reimbursement
Proactively identify and resolve risks before they impact timeline or cost