Construction Manager (Mid-West or East Coast)

Job Description

Job Description

JOIN THE PLAYA BOWLS TEAM

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

JOB DESCRIPTION

Department

Development

Reports To

VP of Construction & Design

Location

Mid-West or East Coast near a major airport

Work Arrangement

Remote / Field-Based

Employment Status

Exempt

Travel

Up to 30%

Role Purpose

The Construction Manager (CM) is a key member of the Development team, reporting directly to the Vice President of Construction & Design. This role provides oversight and assistance to new and existing franchisees in the coordination, planning, and implementation of new shop construction, ensuring that schedules and budgets are followed. The Construction Manager also serves as Project Manager (PM) for communication and coordination with cross-functional teams within Playa Bowls, and may also be responsible for the oversight and execution of company-owned new shop projects.

Key ResponsibilitiesProject Planning & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Provides leadership in the initial planning stage by collaborating with franchise owners, operators, architects, engineers, and other involved parties, proactively identifying and solving for avoidable risks across new store opening projects.
• Utilizes the company’s project management platform (FranConnect — Opener Module, along with GC project trackers) to keep franchisees, general contractors, architects, engineers, national account vendors, operations, training, supply chain, and other cross-functional teams aligned to support timely, cost-effective development.
• Collaborates with stakeholders, supervisory staff, contractors, and design professionals to discuss and resolve problems, including work procedures, complaints, and construction or design issues.

Scheduling & Budget Management

• Schedules and coordinates projects in logical steps, budgeting the time necessary to meet each deadline.
• Prepares and submits budget estimates, and regularly communicates with stakeholders concerning budget progress and costs.
• Ensures adherence to budget and schedule when unexpected complications or issues arise, mobilizing resources to make quick, necessary adjustments to remain on schedule and on budget.
• Manages and leads necessary actions due to delays, bad weather, or emergencies at construction sites.

Construction Oversight & Safety

• Plans, coordinates, organizes, oversees, and directs activities regarding the construction and maintenance of assigned structures, facilities, and systems.
• Ensures safety standards and guidelines are followed on the jobsite, and that all safety codes are met in construction.

Standards, Vendor Management & Relationships

• Develops standards for store buildouts, including criteria for approved GCs, budget formats, contracts, vanilla shell requirements, and other tools necessary to ensure timely, efficient store buildouts.
• Supports franchise owners on the development of construction budgets, identifying qualified GCs, contract negotiations, revisions and additions, and adherence to brand standards.
• Develops and maintains good working relationships with a variety of people, including owners, managers, designers, supervisors, tradespersons, and craft workers.

Key Relationships

Internal Partners
Development Team
VP of Construction & Design
Operations
Training
Supply Chain

External Partners
Franchise Owners
General Contractors
Architects & Engineers (A&E)
National Account Vendors

Measures of Success

• On-time delivery: New shop construction projects are completed on schedule, from initial planning through opening.
• Budget discipline: Projects stay within approved budgets, with proactive communication on cost changes.
• Safety & compliance: Jobsites meet all safety standards and codes throughout construction.
• Franchisee support: Franchise owners have the tools, standards, and guidance needed for efficient, brand-compliant buildouts.
• Cross-functional alignment: Franchisees, GCs, A&E, and internal teams stay coordinated through FranConnect and regular communication.

Experience & QualificationsRequired

• 5–7 years of restaurant construction management experience, preferably with a high-growth QSR or fast-casual brand
• Demonstrated experience partnering with and supporting franchise owners throughout the construction process, with strong communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficient in Google Suite, FranConnect (Franchise Management Software), and Microsoft Office for collaboration and communication.
• Thorough understanding of engineering, architectural, and other construction drawings, AIA standards, permitting processes, and building codes, particularly as they pertain to restaurant construction.
• Thorough understanding of contracts, plans, specifications, and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to be highly organized, with the ability to handle multiple projects at once.
• Ability to make intelligent, quick decisions and work well under pressure, including when faced with unexpected occurrences or delays.
• Ability to effectively multitask while analyzing and solving problems.
• Highest level of integrity, with a consistent drive for excellence.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (Construction, Architecture, or Engineering).
• 5+ years of restaurant development project management experience.

Role-Specific Expertise

• New store construction project management
• Budget development and cost oversight
• General contractor and vendor management
• Construction scheduling and timeline management
• Jobsite safety and code compliance
• Franchise owner support and buildout standards
• Cross-functional coordination via FranConnect

Position Requirements

• Must be willing to travel up to 30% of the time for site visits and meetings; otherwise, work is completed in a remote setting.
• Must be 21 years of age to comply with state age travel requirements.
• Must be able to traverse and inspect all areas of a jobsite in all types of weather, including walking, climbing, reaching, bending, crawling, or stretching.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Must be on call to address delays, emergencies, bad weather, and other issues at the jobsite.

About Playa Bowls

Playa Bowls is New Jersey’s Original Acai Shop, founded in 2014. Our mission is to bring superfruit bowls to the masses using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients while providing a fantastic in-store brand experience. What began with a pair of blenders, a patio table, and a fridge has flourished into a 400+ unit operator and franchisor of a leading fast-casual restaurant concept. Playa Bowls added 85 locations in 2025 and is on target to add 90+ new locations in 2026. Our continued rapid growth has created an opportunity for a leader who will help us continue to grow our brand.

OUR MISSION

Inspire and support our communities one bowl at a time.

OUR VALUES

Real Deal • Playa Passion • Powerhouse • Big Wave Chaser • Dawn Patrol

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation:  Competitive base compensation, an incentive bonus plan, and eligibility to participate in our annual performance review program—a direct reward for driving success and growth.
• Comprehensive benefits:  Medical, Dental, Vision, a flexible hybrid-remote work environment, Domestic Partner Benefits, Spouse & Children Benefits, HSA, FSA, a 401(k) with company match, Employer-Paid Life & AD&D Insurance and Short-Term Disability, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, paid flights and hotels, mileage reimbursement, a cell phone stipend, a company credit card, and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Playa Bowls is an equal opportunity employer, and all aspects of employment, including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.