Director of Construction

Description

Position: Director of Construction

Department/Location: Orlando

Reports To: COO

COMPANY:


Headquartered in Orlando, FL, Kalera is a science and technology-driven company dedicated to growing the very best possible produce; it is smart horticulture at its best. As the technology leaders in urban vertical farming, Kalera focuses on clean, safe, healthy, tasty greens and on the efficiencies of growing locally in controlled environments.


Founded in 2010, Kalera has, over several years, perfected unique hydroponic growing methods combining optimized nutrients and light recipes, precise environmental controls, and clean room standards to produce safe, highly nutritious, pesticide-free, non-GMO vegetables with consistent high quality and longer shelf life year-round. With indoor facilities situated right where the demand is, Kalera is able to supply an abundance of produce locally, eliminating the need for long distance shipping. This means Kalera can ensure the highest quality and freshness by delivering product to customers within hours of harvest year-round. Kalera's plants grow while consuming 95% less water compared to field farming.


Kalera has recently opened a new state-of-the-art growing facility in Orlando, FL. With an annual output of over five million heads of lettuce per year, this new facility is the highest production volume vertical farm in the Southeast US. The rapidly constructed facility also demonstrates Kalera's ability to quickly build and open farms around the US and internationally. Having recently announced new facilities in Seattle and Hawaii to open in late 2021, Kalera has aggressive near-term expansion plans both domestically and internationally.


For more information please visit along with supplemental media coverage:

• Kalera film
• Global Newswire article - Kalera opens new vertical farming facility in Orlando
• Forbes article - farm of the future
• Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue Visits Kalera
• Orlando Sentinel Article

Consider applying here, if you want to:

• Work in an entrepreneurial and dynamic environment with a chance to make an impact.
• Develop lasting relationships with great people.
• Have the opportunity to build a satisfying career.

Full Job Description

Proactively drives design and construction support for all development activity inside/outside the United States. Accountable for International architectural direction and format strategies for all brands and liaises closely with the domestic design teams regarding standards, prototypes, and innovation. Works closely with licensees to ensure timely, effective, and efficient management of projects by providing support, advice, and construction expertise on the required Inspire Brand standards. This role works closely with field and support-center cross functional teams and licensees to support new market entry strategies and ensure annual growth targets are achieved.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide architectural direction and design support to licensees in the preparation of preliminary site layouts for international locations ensuring final approved design meets brand standards. Participate in the review and approval of site plans as included in the Licensee's Package.
• Drive format strategies across all brands to include but not limited to non-prototypical layouts and designs for conversions, travel centers, dark kitchens and more.
• Leads the project management of all openings and remodels via forecasting, planning, monthly reporting and collaboration with field teams and licensees.
• Assists the licensees and their construction teams with overall project management: planning, budgeting, FF&E procurement, execution, vendor selection/management, quality control, etc.
• Relationship management - develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders (International development, field teams, marketing, Ops services, and finance) and partners (licensees, franchisees, vendors)
• Team development - build and manage a design and construction team that delivers value and impacts the international business performance
• Project management - ensure medium/long term projects are implemented on time and achieve objectives

EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 4 Year / Bachelor's Degree , Bachelor's Degree in Design, Construction Management, or relevant field
• Preferred Graduate Degree, MBA or master's degree in relevant field

EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATION

• 7 to 15 years relevant experience in international development, F&B design work, construction support, or related field.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS or ABILITIES

• Possess strong business acumen and leadership skills
• Has the ability to think strategically as a visionary
• Ability to build trusting relationships across the organization and influence both internal and external partners
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Self-starter personality who can operate with minimal supervision
• Ability to balance multiple projects with competing deadlines
• Effectively interact at all levels of the organization across multiple functional areas
• Experienced in project management (construction)
• Detailed knowledge of supporting technology: forecasting, budgeting, estimating, scheduling
• Proficient in Excel and Power Point
• Working knowledge of international building codes and local requirements
• Team oriented
• Strong work ethic
• Honesty, high integrity, personal accountability, and a passion for the success of the brands, the team, and personal career growth