Position Overview

Tierra Encantada is hiring a Senior Project Manager, Design & Construction to own on-brand, on-budget, and on-schedule new Tierra Encantada locations by leading the design and build-out of corporate and franchise centers, from preliminary layout through construction close-out, so every center opens ready to provide exceptional Spanish immersion early education® and care. This is a hands-on, high-ownership role for someone equally comfortable guiding a floor plan and finish package through design and driving a general contractor to a clean punch list and on-time opening. The role has a focus on the design function and has the experience to assist with construction and build-out responsibilities. This position is based at our Minneapolis corporate office and involves approximately 35% travel to project markets across the U.S.
Pay and Schedule

This is a full time, exempt position with a typical schedule of Monday through Friday with 4 days per week on site at our corporate headquarters in Minneapolis,MN , and 1 day per week WFH on days and weeks there is no travel scheduled.

This position is expected to have 35% travel.

The base salary range for this position is $130,000 - $150,000 annually depends on qualifications, education, and experience. This position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus.
Key Responsibilities

• Own the design process for new corporate and franchise centers-preliminary layouts, test fits, construction documents, and permit sets-ensuring each plan reflects Tierra Encantada brand standards and design intent.
• Review and approve preliminary floor plans and coordinate architects, engineers, and site surveyors through approved construction documents.
• Partner with the Real Estate team on site selection to confirm sites support brand standards, licensing requirements, and an efficient, buildable layout.
• Own brand standards and design criteria, guide interior finish selections, and assist with permitting and entitlement process.
• Develop properly scoped project budgets and project schedules with all schedule impact variables identified and remediated, then ensuring rigorous cost control and strict schedule adherence driving external partners to mitigate any delays and hold accountable to timeframes.
• Manage the general contractor invitation-to-bid process, including bid packages, RFIs, bid leveling across contractors, and GC selection.
• Negotiate and execute construction agreements (e.g., AIA A102 GMP / Cost-Plus) and preferred-vendor contracts, and manage long-lead-time procurement.
• Own corporate and advise on franchise construction from mobilization through close-out for tenant-improvement and ground-up projects, holding contractors accountable to schedule, budget, quality, and safety.
• Run weekly Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meetings, manage change orders and RFIs, conduct milestone site visits, and drive punch lists, final inspections, warranties, and close-out.
• Coordinate handoff of completed sites to Operations for FF&E installation, center set-up, and licensing.
• Maintain and grow the preferred/required vendor network (playground, security/low-voltage, signage, FF&E) and own the project hub tracking schedule, budget, RFIs, and submittals.
• Coach franchisees and their project managers through the full process, and partner with Finance, Purchasing, and franchise support on budgeting and reporting.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Position Requirements

• 5-8+ years in design and/or construction project management, ideally spanning both the design and construction/build-out functions for new commercial locations.
• Demonstrated full ownership and delivery of new-location build-outs (tenant improvement and/or ground-up of $1M+) on time and on budget in a multi-site retail, restaurant, hospitality, childcare, or similar environment.
• Working knowledge of the full project lifecycle: preliminary layout, test fits, construction documents, permitting, GC bidding, contracts, construction administration, and close-out.
• Ability to read and interpret construction documents, with an understanding of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, low-voltage) and codes (IBC, NFPA, ADA).
• Strong project management, budgeting, and scheduling skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, with the ability to coach franchisees and hold external partners accountable.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Docs/Sheets, and Smartsheet (or a comparable project management platform); self-directed, organized, and detail-oriented.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 35% to project markets across the U.S.
• Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management, Engineering, Urban Planning, or a related field; experience with AutoCAD/Revit or Bluebeam; franchise or corporate development experience; familiarity with AIA contracts; and relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, LEED, OSHA, NCIDQ).

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 12 paid holidays
• PTO accrual of 160 hours
• 401(k) with 3% employer match
• Discounted childcare and waitlist priority for enrollment
• Company paid professional development
• Corporate office amenities (gym, wellness/nursing room, onsite company cafe with coffee, espresso bar, beverages, and snacks available to employees at no cost, onsite free parking), casual work environment, and employee-focused events.

Additional Information About the Position

• Once a job offer has been accepted, the candidate must pass a background check and fingerprinting.