Construction Project Manager

Great American Restaurants is seeking an experienced, hands-on Construction & Facilities Project Manager to join our growing construction team. This on-site role is based out of our support center office in Fairfax, Virginia, with frequent visits to new locations.

Make sure to apply quickly in order to maximise your chances of being considered for an interview Read the complete job description below.

Established in 1974, Great American Restaurants operates thirteen high-volume, upper-casual restaurants, an upscale dining location, three artisan bakeries, and a fast-casual BBQ concept in Northern Virginia and Maryland, with several new locations in progress and more in the works.

We operate a lean construction team, so this role requires ownership, follow-through, and strong attention to detail. The ideal candidate has experience delivering projects with high-end finishes and custom design elements and excels at coordinating complex workstreams while keeping internal teams, consultants, and contractors aligned, accountable, and on task.

Role Overview (Key Responsibilities)

• Demonstrate hands-on leadership of the planning and execution of ground-up restaurant builds from feasibility through opening.
• Own construction procurement, contracting, and cost control throughout the project lifecycle.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, designers, contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and to GAR quality, safety, and brand standards.
• Partner with internal construction and operations teams to execute facility improvement projects.

Construction & Project Execution

• Manage buildouts from mobilization through closeout, including scheduling, contractor coordination, field execution, quality control, and turnover to Operations.
• Review and validate architectural and MEP plans with a high level of attention to detail; identify conflicts and drive timely resolution.
• Proactively coordinate architects, engineers, contractors, vendors, and internal teams to keep all parties aligned, on task, and accountable to project schedules and commitments.
• Execute projects involving high-end finishes, custom millwork, specialty materials, and brand-critical design details, ensuring design intent is fully realized in the field.
• Conduct milestone site walks, verify alignment with design intent, escalate issues promptly, and manage punch lists to ensure quality, completeness, and consistency.
• Participate in daily site operations, including contractor supervision, scheduling, quality control, adherence to plans, and compliance with safety standards.
• Administer construction contracts during execution, including change order review and negotiation, pay application review, and closeout documentation.

Quality, Cost, & Asset Protection

• Ensure all construction and repair work meets GAR's high standards for quality, durability, and long-term asset protection.
• Monitor budgets and schedules closely; proactively manage risk, cost exposure, and change.
• Communicate project status, timelines, and impacts clearly and consistently with Operations, Finance, and leadership.

Repairs & Maintenance Support

• Participate in and support the R&M program across all restaurants by identifying facility needs and coordinating solutions.
• Provide informed recommendations regarding repair vs. replacement for major systems and equipment.
• Contribute to annual R&M budget development through field-based assessments and cost insights.

Minimum Requirements

• 8+ years of progressive, hands-on construction leadership experience; restaurant, hospitality, or upscale retail construction strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience delivering projects with high-end finishes, custom architectural elements, or brand-driven design requirements.
• Deep working knowledge of commercial building systems, commercial kitchens, life safety, health codes, and MEP.
• Proven ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and workstreams while maintaining organization, follow-through, and attention to detail.
• Experience negotiating and administering owner/GC agreements, vendor contracts, and contract changes, including change orders and closeout documentation.
• Clear, confident communicator with trades, operations teams, and executive leadership. xhyhwjd
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary: $150,000 - $175,000
• 3 weeks Paid Time Off (PTO) to start plus 6 additional holidays
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance
• 401(k) with generous employer match
• Monthly dining card
• Gym and educational reimbursement