Food Program Project Manager, Culinary Operations & Program Growth

Compass Group•San Francisco, CA

About The Position

We are seeking a dynamic and results‑driven Project Manager to lead high‑impact initiatives focused on opening new cafés, managing buildouts, and driving operational readiness across our global food program. This role blends strategic project leadership with hands‑on coordination of construction teams, permitting processes, and cross‑functional partners to ensure each new location launches smoothly, on time, and within budget. As part of the Strategic Projects team, the Project Manager will support initiatives that span operational support, continuous improvement, and innovation—always with a strong emphasis on bringing new foodservice spaces to life and elevating the guest experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; advanced degrees (MBA, MSOD, CPA) preferred.
3–5 years of experience managing large, complex projects—preferably involving new site openings, construction coordination, or operational rollouts.
Experience navigating permitting processes and working with construction or facilities teams strongly preferred.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with strong organizational skills.
Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate in a highly matrixed environment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools; familiarity with construction or facilities management platforms a plus.
Positive, can‑do attitude with the ability to navigate competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Responsibilities

Lead end‑to-end project management for new café openings, renovations, and facility buildouts.
Partner closely with construction teams, architects, general contractors, and facilities to manage timelines, site readiness, and buildout progress.
Oversee permitting processes, ensuring all required approvals are obtained on schedule.
Conduct site walks, track punch‑list items, and ensure all construction milestones are met prior to launch.
Coordinate equipment procurement, delivery, and installation to align with construction timelines.
Drive cross‑functional alignment with Culinary, Catering, Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless opening day execution.
Develop and implement SOPs, operational workflows, and readiness plans tailored to each new site.
Ensure KPI and SLA targets are embedded into launch planning and post‑opening stabilization.
Facilitate training, communication, and change management activities to prepare on‑site teams.
Define project scope, goals, and deliverables that support business and operational objectives.
Build detailed work plans, staffing strategies, and resource allocation models for each project phase.
Manage timelines, budgets, risks, and dependencies to ensure projects are delivered on schedule and within funding parameters.
Adjust schedules, plans, or resources proactively as conditions evolve.
Serve as the central point of coordination across internal teams, external partners, and senior leadership.
Drive proactive communication across platforms (Slack, OmniXM, client updates) and all organizational levels.
Build strong relationships with sponsors, business owners, field operations, and construction partners.
Create and maintain project documentation including status reports, work plans, presentations, and site readiness checklists.
Aggregate and summarize project feedback for leadership review and future project optimization.
Identify opportunities for process improvement across buildouts, openings, and operational workflows.