AVI Foodsystems

Design/Construction Project Manager

AVI Foodsystems • $80K — $95K *
Pittsburgh, PA 15237In-Person
Food & Beverages
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of project management experience, with 3+ years in food service venues/commercial kitchen settings
  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering, Hospitality Management, or related field preferred
  • Proficiency in interpreting architectural and MEP drawings
  • Strong knowledge of building codes, safety regulations, and food service requirements
  • Familiarity with commercial foodservice equipment and kitchen workflows
  • Skilled in project management software like Microsoft Project or Procore

Responsibilities

  • Manage food service design and construction projects from start to finish, focusing on scheduling and budgeting
  • Act as the main contact between internal teams and external partnerships
  • Monitor project milestones to ensure timely and budget-friendly delivery
  • Collaborate with design teams to create effective foodservice layouts
  • Ensure compliance with operational needs and regulatory standards in designs
  • Conduct site assessments to ensure adherence to project plans and regulations
  • Lead project meetings to update stakeholders and resolve issues

Benefits

  • Family-oriented culture and atmosphere
  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurance for full-time employees
  • 401(k) with a generous company match
  • Paid vacations and holidays
  • Extensive training and professional growth opportunities
Full Job Description
The Design/Construction Project Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning, design, construction, and implementation of food service facilities in commercial, institutional, or hospitality environments. This role requires close coordination with architects, engineers, kitchen consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders to ensure food service areas are functional, code-compliant, and operationally efficient.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Project Management:
  • Manage end-to-end food service design and construction projects, including scheduling, budgeting, and quality control.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders (operations, culinary, procurement) and external partners (clients, consultants, contractors, vendors).
  • Coordinate and monitor project milestones to ensure timely delivery within budget.
  • Review and approve project specifications, architectural drawings, and food service equipment layouts.

Design & Planning:
  • Collaborate with architects, kitchen designers, and culinary / operations teams to create efficient and ergonomic foodservice layouts.
  • Ensure that designs meet operational needs, code compliance (e.g., health, ADA, fire), sustainability standards, and brand aesthetics.
  • Evaluate workflow, storage, prep, service lines, and dishwashing areas to optimize labor and product flow.
  • Review and select food service equipment based on functionality, performance, and cost-effectiveness.

Construction Oversight:
  • Conduct site visits to assess progress, ensure compliance with plans, and address issues.
  • Oversee installation of foodservice equipment and utilities coordination (e.g., plumbing, electrical, ventilation).
  • Manage change orders, punch lists, and final project closeouts.
  • Ensure all construction is in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

Procurement & Budget Management:
  • Work with purchasing and culinary teams to specify and procure foodservice equipment and materials.
  • Develop and manage project budgets, track expenditures, and ensure cost control.
  • Negotiate with vendors and contractors to achieve favorable terms and project efficiency.

Stakeholder Communication:
  • Lead regular project meetings with stakeholders to provide updates, gather feedback, and resolve issues.
  • Prepare and present project reports to executive management.
  • Support post-occupancy evaluations to ensure performance expectations are met.

Day-to-Day Requirements:
  • Coordinate various projects at a time from the planning phase through completion.
  • Balance work from office environment and various types of job sites/accounts.
  • Travel by car or plane as needed to visit job sites in various states.
  • Extended walking or standing while visiting project sites at client facilities.
  • Manage multiple disciplines and meet tight timelines while exceeding client expectations.

Education & Experience:
  • 5+ years of experience in project management, with at least 3 years in food service venues and/or commercial kitchen design/construction.
  • Experience working in hospitality, healthcare, education, or corporate dining environments is preferred.
  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering, Hospitality Management, or a related field is a plus

Knowledge & Skills:
  • Proficiency in reading and interpreting architectural and MEP drawings.
  • Working knowledge of building codes, health and safety regulations, ADA compliance, and food safety requirements
  • Familiarity with commercial foodservice equipment and kitchen workflows.
  • Skilled in project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Procore).
  • Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.

Benefits:

AVI offers:
  • A family culture and atmosphere
  • Competitive compensation
  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurance for full-time team members
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Paid vacations and holidays
  • Immense training and growth opportunities

About AVI Foodsystems

AVI Foodsystems is a family-owned and operated company that provides food service solutions for businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and sports venues. The company was founded in 1960 by John Payiavlas and his wife, Marian, in Warren, Ohio. Today, AVI Foodsystems is headquartered in Wooster, Ohio and has over 13,000 employees across the United States. The company offers a wide range of services, including dining, catering, vending, and office coffee. AVI Foodsystems is committed to sustainability and has implemented several initiatives to reduce waste and conserve energy. In 2019, the company was named one of the Top 50 Contract Foodservice Companies by Food Management Magazine.
Learn more about AVI Foodsystems
Size
5,000 employees
Industry
Food & Beverages
Net Income
$10 million
5 Year Trend
+5%
Revenue
$500 million
NASDAQ
* Ladders Estimates

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