Construction Project Manager

Kahala Management LLC•Scottsdale, AZ

2d•$85,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Wetzel’s Pretzels is seeking a Construction Project Manager to support new store development and renovation initiatives throughout its franchise network. Reporting to the Director of Construction, this mid-level role manages construction projects from planning through completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with company standards and specifications. The position is based in Scottsdale, Arizona, though remote work may be considered for highly qualified candidates located outside the area. The role oversees new builds, refreshes, remodels, and relocations for franchisees, Wetzel’s Pretzels, and other Kahala Brands. It coordinates architects, project coordinators, contractors, suppliers, franchisees, landlords, and government agencies throughout pre-construction, construction, and project closeout. The Project Manager tracks progress, costs, milestones, equipment and furnishing orders, and opening deadlines; supports permitting and approvals; monitors construction quality; and prepares closeout documentation. Additional duties include special projects, facilities management support, proprietary materials inventory, product and material research, weekly reporting, and equipment warranty claims. The position is primarily performed in a professional office or remote work environment, with periodic travel to construction sites for inspections, meetings, and project monitoring. Hybrid work is listed among the benefits.

Requirements

Three years of construction management and retail restaurant experience; a college degree in related studies may be considered in lieu of experience.
Knowledge of restaurant equipment procurement is required.
Thorough understanding of plans, construction documents, and engineering disciplines.
Detailed knowledge of and experience with restaurant equipment and FF&E procurement.
Ability to communicate with and manage multiple disciplines, including architects, engineers, and suppliers, simultaneously.
Willingness to work with multiple, individual, and diverse franchisee clients.
Ability to learn and retain brand standards and trade dress for multiple brands.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Teams, Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Ability to work within a team structure and take a leadership role as needed.
Ability to communicate verbally with customers and the public by telephone, face-to-face one-to-one, and in group settings.
Ability to travel occasionally.
Ability to sit for prolonged periods, use a computer, and participate in meetings.
Ability to occasionally lift or carry items weighing up to 25 pounds.
Ability to walk on uneven terrain and climb stairs during site visits, and wear appropriate personal protective equipment as required.

Nice To Haves

Background in restaurant remodels and facilities management is a plus.
A college degree in related studies may be considered in lieu of the stated experience.

Responsibilities

Manage all phases of new-build, refresh, remodel, and relocation development projects for franchisees, Wetzel’s Pretzels, and/or other Kahala Brands.
Coordinate architectural and project coordinator consultant services to support timely project execution.
Work with construction and operations teams, communicate project status, and escalate job-site issues.
Review or create store layouts and color renderings to ensure compliance with brand design specifications.
Coordinate with architects, landlords, and government agencies through permit expeditors to obtain design approvals and permits.
Review construction document packages; prepare detailed FF&E counts; obtain and evaluate vendor proposals; and present proposals to franchisees.
Solicit and coordinate general contractor bids, issue drawings for pricing, and present bids for franchisee selection.
Work with other departments to facilitate project implementation and support franchisees throughout development.
Organize and participate in project progress calls and meetings, including MS Teams meetings.
Track progress using Smartsheets and manage turnover and store opening deadlines.
Respond to construction-related RFIs and field issues in a timely manner.
Review as-built drawings, tenant criteria, lease plans, mall plans, shop drawings, and submittals; provide feedback as needed.
Review city permit comments and support franchisees’ development teams in achieving final approvals.
Work with contractors to complete certificate-of-occupancy requirements and turn stores over to operations and franchisees ready to operate.
Track project milestones, costs, timelines, FF&E, and owner- or franchisee-supplied items, including order, delivery, and installation status; report to management.
Monitor construction quality against project and brand standards and follow up on landlord, building, and health department corrections and punch-list items.
Collect, organize, and electronically file project documentation; prepare and deliver final closeout packages to company management, operations, franchisees, and landlords.
Manage refresh, remodel, and relocation projects for existing restaurants.
Assist the Director of Construction with additional duties and tasks.
Manage and facilitate special projects for franchisees, Wetzel’s Pretzels, and/or Kahala Brands Operations.
Provide facilities management support as needed.
Review and maintain company proprietary materials inventory levels.
Search for new products and materials.
Own and track the weekly department report.
Manage and administer equipment warranty claims as needed.