Director of Construction Development

Great American Restaurants, Fairfax, VA, US 3 days ago Requisition ID: 3215 Great American Restaurants is seeking an experienced, hands‑on Director of Construction to join our growing construction team. This on‑site role is based out of our support center office in Fairfax, Virginia, with frequent on‑site work expected at all new and existing locations. 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 joint 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 hands‑on involvement, personal accountability, and a willingness to solve problems directly. This position is ideal for an experienced hands‑on construction leader (Senior Construction Manager/Director, Director of Construction & Facilities) who understands restaurant construction from the ground up and is comfortable being close to the work – reviewing plans, walking job sites, solving problems in real time, and ensuring projects are delivered to a high standard. Key Responsibilities Demonstrate hands‑on leadership of ground‑up restaurant builds and major remodels from planning through opening. Collaborate with architects, engineers, kitchen designers, general contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders to deliver projects on time and within budget. Apply strong technical expertise in construction processes and building design, working with architects, engineers, and trades to build complex, high‑quality restaurant environments. Review and validate architectural and MEP plans. Identify and address issues prior to mobilization. Implement permitting strategy with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs). Partner with internal construction and operations teams to execute facility improvement projects efficiently and effectively. 8-12 years of progressive, hands‑on construction leadership experience, with significant restaurant or hospitality project exposure. Strong background in restaurant, retail, or hospitality construction. Deep working knowledge of MEP systems, commercial kitchens, life safety, and health codes. Proven success operating in a lean organization with limited internal support. Comfortable making decisions and holding others accountable. Clear, confident communicator with trades, operators, and executive leadership. 3 weeks Paid Time Off (PTO) to start plus 6 additional holidays Medical, Dental, Vision, Long‑Term Disability and Life Insurance #J-18808-Ljbffr