VP of Construction & Design – Upscale Restaurant Group
$200,000 - $275,000 + Bonus
Join this renowned hospitality group as the VP of Construction & Design, leading restaurant development from executed lease through grand opening while ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to company standards.
COMPANY:
- Known for delivering exceptional guest experiences through creativity, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence
BENEFITS & FEATURES:
- Medical insurance paid 100%
- Dental and Vision insurance
- FSA and HSA
- 401k with 5% match
- Bonus eligible
- 2 weeks of vacation, 3 weeks after 2+ years
YOUR ROLE WITH THE COMPANY:
The VP of Construction & Design provides strategic leadership across development, construction, and design, driving cost control, brand consistency, operational alignment, and the successful growth of the restaurant portfolio. Primary responsibilities include:
- Lead all restaurant development projects from executed lease through grand opening, establishing schedules, milestones, and risk-mitigation plans.
- Oversee technical lease requirements, including construction exhibits, landlord obligations, delivery conditions, engineering provisions, and permitting responsibilities
- Direct construction for new openings, renovations, and capital improvement projects, ensuring work is completed on time, within budget, and to company standards
- Select, manage, and evaluate architects, designers, engineers, consultants, contractors, vendors, and internal development team members
- Guide restaurant design, décor, furnishings, equipment selection, and layout while balancing brand standards, guest experience, operational efficiency, and financial goals
- Develop and manage project budgets, capital expenditures, change orders, and cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality
- Ensure timely completion of permits, inspections, certificates of occupancy, and all required regulatory approvals and building-code compliance
- Partner with Operations, Culinary, Marketing, Technology, and Finance to coordinate project turnover, opening readiness, project closeout, and executive reporting
BACKGROUND PROFILE:
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in restaurant development, hospitality, retail development, commercial real estate, or related industries
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Finance, Hospitality Management, Construction Management, or a related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred
- Demonstrated success leading multi-unit restaurant development and expansion initiatives
- Comprehensive knowledge of commercial construction, restaurant design, permitting, and project delivery
- Extensive experience negotiating complex lease provisions, work letters, landlord obligations, and construction requirements
- Financial acumen in developing project budgets, investment analyses, pro formas, and capital plans
- Exceptional project management and organizational abilities, with the capacity to oversee multiple projects simultaneously
- Skilled in vendor negotiation and relationship management across architects, contractors, consultants, and ownership teams.
- Effective leadership experience building and developing internal teams while supporting organizational growth
- Ability to work in person at the company’s New York City office five days per week
EOE – EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER