Real Estate Pre-Construction Project Manager

Whataburger$80K — $95K *
Real Estate & Construction
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
  • 4+ years of construction, project management, or related experience
  • Knowledge of construction project management principles
  • Strong project coordination and organizational skills
  • Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Financial acumen with budget tracking and reporting experience
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Responsibilities

  • Support the execution of restaurant construction projects across an assigned portfolio
  • Coordinate project schedules, milestones, and deliverables
  • Track project progress and communicate status updates to stakeholders
  • Assist with budget monitoring, forecasting, and reporting
  • Identify project risks and escalate issues proactively
  • Ensure compliance with project standards, processes, and requirements

Benefits

  • Competitive Weekly Pay
  • Bonus Program that scales up to 2.5X payout potential based on company results
  • Company Vehicle
  • 5 weeks PTO
  • Paid Corporate Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • 401(k) match $1/$1 up to 4%
  • Competitive Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
  • Short-term and Long-term Disability Benefits
  • Opportunities for Career Development and Growth
  • Whataburger Family Foundation - Scholarship Program (dependents eligible) and Hardship Grant Assistance
  • Discounted Meals for You and a Guest
  • Wireless Service Discounts
  • Computer & Software Discounts
  • Fitness / Gym Discounts
Full Job Description
Your Recipe for Impact - What You'll Do

As a Real Estate Pre-Construction Project Manager, you will help bring Whataburger's growth strategy to life by supporting the successful planning and execution of restaurant construction projects. You'll partner across teams, vendors, and stakeholders to keep projects moving forward on time, within budget, and aligned with Whataburger standards.

In this role, you'll Make a Difference by helping deliver restaurant locations that create opportunities for Guests, Team Members, and communities. You'll Serve with Heart through strong partnerships and a commitment to supporting project teams every step of the way. You'll Win as One by collaborating across Real Estate, Construction, Operations, and external partners to achieve shared goals. And you'll Move Forward Boldly by anticipating challenges, solving problems, and driving progress throughout the pre-construction process.

Day-to-Day Ingredients - Responsibilities

As a Real Estate Pre-Construction Project Manager, you will:
  • Support the execution of restaurant construction projects across an assigned portfolio
  • Coordinate project schedules, milestones, and deliverables
  • Track project progress and communicate status updates to stakeholders
  • Assist with budget monitoring, forecasting, and reporting
  • Coordinate with vendors, consultants, and external partners
  • Support contract administration and project documentation
  • Identify project risks and escalate issues proactively
  • Prepare project reports, presentations, and meeting materials
  • Ensure compliance with project standards, processes, and requirements
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to drive project execution
  • Coach and support assigned team members
  • Manage team workloads and contribute to performance development
  • Perform additional duties as assigned


The Sauce - Pay & Perks

As a Real Estate Pre-Construction Project Manager, you will receive:
  • Competitive Weekly Pay
  • Bonus Program that scales up to 2.5X payout potential based on company results
  • Company Vehicle
  • 5 weeks PTO
  • Paid Corporate Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave*
  • 401(k) match $1/$1 up to 4%
  • Competitive Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits*
  • Short-term and Long-term Disability Benefits*
  • Opportunities for Career Development and Growth
  • Whataburger Family Foundation - Scholarship Program (dependents eligible) and Hardship Grant Assistance
  • Discounted Meals for You and a Guest
  • Wireless Service Discounts
  • Computer & Software Discounts
  • Fitness / Gym Discounts
  • Awards and recognition for all you do
  • Retirement Celebration Program


What You Bring to the Table - Required Experience

As a Real Estate Pre-Construction Project Manager, you must have:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
  • 4+ years of construction, project management, or related experience
  • Knowledge of construction project management principles
  • Strong project coordination and organizational skills
  • Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Financial acumen with budget tracking and reporting experience
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Problem-solving skills with keen attention to detail
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management tools
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel as needed


Extra Toppings - Desired Experience

As a Real Estate Pre-Construction Project Manager, we prefer you to have:
  • Experience supporting new unit or retail development projects
  • Experience in restaurant, retail, or commercial construction
  • Knowledge of permitting, entitlement, or pre-construction processes
  • Experience coordinating multiple projects simultaneously
  • Familiarity with contract administration and vendor management
  • Experience working with cross-functional corporate and field teams
  • Project management certification or coursework (PMP, CAPM, or similar)


Where & How You'll Work

This role is field-based, supporting restaurants across an assigned market or region. You'll travel frequently to partner with Operations, provide on-site support, and maintain strong relationships with leaders and teams in the field. When not traveling, you'll work from your home office, balancing independent work with virtual collaboration to support ongoing business needs. Success in this role requires full-time availability, flexibility to adjust to evolving operational priorities, and the ability to travel regularly-including day trips, overnight travel, and extended market visits. While most travel will occur within your assigned market or region, some out-of-market support may be required based on business needs.

Candidates must reside within the region they support and be able to travel throughout that area as needed.

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