Manager, Construction, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, US Southeast

Job Summary:

The Manager, Construction for Popeyes US Southeast works with franchisees and internal resources to help facilitate remodel and new restaurant development.; This position works closely with franchisees, internal vendors and outside consultants throughout the planning and execution phases of construction projects. The Construction Manager is responsible for supporting planned store openings and renovations each year for Popeyes in the Americas.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Partners with Design and Regional Development team and contributes to the improvement of construction processes to grow and develop the region to be the best in the company.
• Coordinates new store development and remodels with Franchise Business Partners, Divisional Development Leads, and Franchisees and their consultants and general contractors; establishes positive relationships and ongoing communication with them and regional teams.
• Adheres to all regional and/or national construction and operational standards and objectives.
• Manages a minimum of 50 new and/or remodel store construction projects in the range of $350k - 2 million each.
• Consults on and tracks all phases of the Franchisee construction process including due diligence, schedule and budget development, planning and design, FFE procurement and store move coordination; manages Franchisee adherence to approved project schedules and timelines.
• Serves as the Popeyes liaison with all Popeyes’ departments and outside contractors/equipment suppliers/consultants/landlords/governing authorities and Franchisees; coordinates toward common goals while making critical decisions in a professional manner.
• Works with region leadership team on design of store plans and acts as company liaison to general contractors, vendors and construction community.
• Helps manage the equipment buying process; ensures the timely purchase and delivery of all store technology, fixtures and equipment.
• Performs on-site inspections of new store sites and buildings to ensure usability and compliance with lease and construction exhibits; ensures quality workmanship per Popeye’s plans/specifications.
• Reviews Franchisee construction documents to verify adherence with previously approved design documents and brand standards.
• Coordinates and holds pre-bid meetings. Meets to review with the Contractor Popeyes development and construction toolbox standards, image, kitchen layout and equipment compliance, vendor contacts, and communication responsibilities.
• Emphasizes the importance of the contractor’s project construction schedule. Contractors will complete weekly construction documentation and photographs for Friday’s development update meeting.
• Completes Construction in Progress meeting to evaluate construction progress in relationship to the established schedule. Documents site visit and distributes to responsible parties.
• Completes meeting notes and distributes to the responsible parties.
• Completes punch list or Brand Image Scorecard at project turnover. The punch list and Brand Image scorecard will be an evaluation of the contractor’s adherence to approved designs and brand standards.  Ensures the completion of all punch lists items as it relates to Brand standards and Image for both new construction and renovation projects.
• Obtains project costs information from the franchisee after the contractor has completed their costs recaps for the established template.
• Evaluates existing and potential consultants and contractors.  Maintains region list of preferred general contractors, architects and consultants.
• Attends one quarterly franchise marketing co-op meeting to discuss development issues, Business Partner Network, and construction schedules.
• Provides all necessary reporting and analysis to track franchise construction performance.
• Works closely with existing franchisees with Scopes of Work on conversions or re-imaging of existing Popeyes restaurants. They will generate a document that indicates operational and image requirements and distribute to all parties.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in the fields of Construction Management, Architecture, or equivalent construction experience.
• 5+ years relevant construction experience; QSR or Casual Dining Restaurant experience preferred.
• Experience preparing construction budgets and tracking to actual costs.
• Familiar with store equipment package, planning, and operations
• Proficient in computer estimating, scheduling, and database applications.  Proficiency with Excel and Smartsheet preferred. 
• Basic understanding of restaurant food operations
• Willingness to travel throughout region with flexibility to work different hours, including early morning and late-night work.
• Ability to effectively organize and handle multiple projects under pressure simultaneously.
• Exceptional human relationship skills; exhibits tact in handling challenging situations.
• Ability to work with design consultants to facilitate development and construction drawings in an effective and timely manner.
• Well organized and able to adhere to deadlines.
• Strong demonstrable leadership and management skills
• High proficiency in written and verbal communication skills
• High proficiency skills in Excel
• Honesty, high integrity, personal accountability, and a passion for the success of the brand and the team
• Travel required approximately 50-75%.

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