Construction Director

Position Summary: Under the general direction of the Chief Development Officer, the Construction Director serves as the primary owner of construction execution across Latitude Food Group, supporting both &pizza and Tijuana Flats. This role is responsible for leading new shop openings, initial buildouts, remodels, reimages, capital projects, and construction-related system initiatives across both corporate and franchise locations. The Construction Director plays a critical role in ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to brand standard while supporting the company’s growth objectives. This position is responsible for driving construction consistency, managing project timelines and budgets, maintaining contractor and vendor relationships, and ensuring opening readiness across multiple projects in a fast-paced, multi-brand environment. This role requires a highly organized and results-driven professional who can balance strategic oversight with hands-on execution while partnering cross-functionally with Operations, Design, Facilities, Franchise Development, and Executive Leadership. Time Goals and Worker Activities: A. Construction Project Management & Execution (35%)· Own the end-to-end construction process for new shop openings, initial buildouts, remodels, reimages, and capital improvement projects across both &pizza and Tijuana Flats· Manage project execution from site turnover through construction completion and handoff to Operations· Ensure all projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to brand standard, with accountability for schedule, quality, and opening readiness· Oversee quality control throughout the construction lifecycle to ensure projects meet operational, safety, and brand standards· Support and manage equipment rollouts and other major construction-related initiatives across the systemB. Budgeting, Reporting & Risk Management (25%)· Provide weekly status update reporting by project, including milestones, current progress, budget tracking, projected risks, and forecasted opening dates· Deliver regular cost reporting and project updates to Executive Leadership· Manage capital investment projects from initiation through qualification, approval, execution, and closeout· Review budgets, scopes, change orders, and construction packages to identify cost risks and maintain financial control· Identify project risks early and escalate appropriately to minimize delays and keep projects moving efficientlyC. Franchise, Vendor & Cross-Functional Partnership (20%)· Serve as the primary construction lead supporting franchisees and internal teams in getting shops open successfully and efficiently· Build and maintain strong relationships with regional general contractors, landlords, architects, engineers, vendors, and consultants· Facilitate buildout and renovation scopes and budgets with input from Operations, Design, Development, and Executive Leadership· Partner cross-functionally with Operations while maintaining clear ownership of construction timelines, budgets, and execution· Help define resource needs and construction support requirements as annual development volume increasesD. Standards, Compliance & System Support (20%)· Establish and maintain system standards for restaurant buildouts, remodels, and construction execution to ensure consistency, efficiency, and brand alignment· Value engineer prototype plans, scopes, and construction packages to improve cost efficiency and operational functionality· Own construction-related portions of Item 7 in the FDD, ensuring assumptions, cost ranges, and related inputs are current and accurate· Ensure all construction activities align with company standards, applicable regulations, and operational requirements· Support long-term scalability by improving processes, documentation, and construction best practices across the system Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:· Strong experience in restaurant, retail, or multi-unit commercial construction management· Proven ability to manage new shop openings, initial buildouts, remodels, reimages, and capital projects across multiple locations· Strong working knowledge of construction processes, budgeting, scheduling, permitting, bid review, and project closeout· Experience supporting franchise and/or multi-brand environments preferred· Strong financial acumen with the ability to track budgets, review change orders, and identify cost risks· Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to detail and follow-through· Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build credibility and effective working relationships with franchisees, contractors, landlords, and internal stakeholders· Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment· Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to provide clear, concise reporting to leadership· Proficiency in construction project tracking tools, Microsoft Office, and related reporting systems· Willingness to travel as needed to support projects across the system