Construction Project Manager (Fairfax)

Great American Restaurants is seeking an experienced, hands-on Construction 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.

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.
• 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