Manager, Construction, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, US West

Restaurant Brands International•Dallas, TX

About The Position

The Manager, Construction for Popeyes US West works with franchisees and internal resources to facilitate remodel and new restaurant development. The role collaborates with franchisees, internal vendors, and outside consultants throughout project planning and execution, supporting planned store openings and renovations for Popeyes in the Americas. The position manages at least 50 new-store and/or remodel construction projects, each typically ranging from $350,000 to $2 million. It coordinates the franchise construction process from due diligence, scheduling, budgeting, planning, and design through equipment procurement, store moves, inspections, and project turnover. The manager serves as a liaison among Popeyes departments, franchisees, contractors, suppliers, consultants, landlords, and governing authorities, helping ensure projects meet approved schedules, budgets, construction requirements, and brand standards. The role also contributes to regional construction-process improvements, supports store design and equipment purchasing, evaluates contractors and consultants, maintains a preferred-provider list, and supplies reporting and analysis on franchise construction performance. Travel throughout the region is required, approximately 50–75%, with flexibility to work different hours, including early mornings and late nights.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture, or equivalent construction experience.
At least 5 years of relevant construction experience.
Experience preparing construction budgets and tracking actual costs.
Familiarity with store equipment packages, planning, and operations.
Proficiency with computer estimating, scheduling, and database applications.
High proficiency in Excel.
Basic understanding of restaurant food operations.
Willingness to travel throughout the region, approximately 50–75%, and flexibility to work different hours, including early mornings and late nights.
Ability to organize and handle multiple projects under pressure simultaneously.
Exceptional interpersonal skills and tact in challenging situations.
Ability to work with design consultants to facilitate development and construction drawings effectively and on time.
Strong organization and ability to meet deadlines.
Demonstrable leadership and management skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Honesty, high integrity, personal accountability, and passion for the success of the brand and team.

Nice To Haves

Quick-service restaurant (QSR) or casual-dining restaurant experience.
Proficiency with Smartsheet.

Responsibilities

Partner with Design and Regional Development teams to improve construction processes and help develop the region.
Coordinate new-store development and remodels with Franchise Business Partners, Divisional Development Leads, franchisees, consultants, and general contractors, maintaining positive relationships and ongoing communication.
Follow regional and national construction and operational standards and objectives.
Manage a minimum of 50 new-store and/or remodel construction projects, with project values ranging from $350,000 to $2 million each.
Consult on and track all phases of franchise construction, including due diligence, schedule and budget development, planning and design, FFE procurement, and store-move coordination.
Manage franchisee adherence to approved project schedules and timelines.
Act as the Popeyes liaison with internal departments and outside contractors, equipment suppliers, consultants, landlords, governing authorities, and franchisees; coordinate work toward shared goals and make decisions professionally.
Work with regional leadership on store-plan design and serve as company liaison to general contractors, vendors, and the construction community.
Help manage equipment purchasing and ensure timely purchase and delivery of store technology, fixtures, and equipment.
Conduct onsite inspections of new-store sites and buildings to assess usability and compliance with lease and construction exhibits, and verify workmanship against Popeyes plans and specifications.
Review franchisee construction documents for compliance with approved design documents and brand standards.
Coordinate and conduct pre-bid meetings; review development and construction toolbox standards, brand image, kitchen layout, equipment compliance, vendor contacts, and communication responsibilities with contractors.
Emphasize contractor adherence to project schedules and review weekly construction documentation and photographs at Friday development update meetings.
Conduct construction-in-progress meetings to assess progress against the established schedule; document site visits and distribute records to responsible parties.
Prepare and distribute meeting notes and complete punch lists or Brand Image Scorecards at project turnover.
Ensure completion of punch-list items related to brand standards and image for new construction and renovation projects.
Obtain franchisee project-cost information using the established template after contractor cost recaps are complete.
Evaluate existing and potential consultants and contractors, and maintain a regional list of preferred general contractors, architects, and consultants.
Attend one quarterly franchise marketing co-op meeting to discuss development issues, the Business Partner Network, and construction schedules.
Provide reporting and analysis to track franchise construction performance.
Work with existing franchisees on scopes of work for conversions or re-imaging of existing Popeyes restaurants; prepare and distribute documents specifying operational and image requirements.