Director, National Construction

Recipe Unlimited Corporation is Canada’s leading full service restaurant company. Home to such iconic brands as Swiss Chalet, Harvey’s, St.Hubert, Montana’s, Olive Garden Canada, Kelseys, Bier Markt, East Side Mario’s, The Landing Restaurant Group, New York Fries, The Pickle Barrel & Catering, State & Main, Elephant and Castle, Original Joe’s, Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar, The Burger’s Priest, Blanco Cantina and Anejo. With this diverse portfolio of restaurants our Home Office Teammates have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of some of the most popular, well-loved brands in Canada. Variety isn’t the only thing we offer – we are passionate about our industry, we celebrate and support diversity of thought, we are innately curious and encourage our Teammates to take ownership. Above all else, we believe in doing the right thing for our people, our communities and our planet.

Reporting to VP of Design & Construction, Director, National Construction oversees all construction activities related to new restaurant development across the Canada & United States. This leadership role requires a seasoned construction professional with extensive experience in the restaurant or hospitality industry and the ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.

What you will do in this role:

Strategic Planning:
• Develop and implement strategic plans for new restaurant development that support the company’s objectives
• They will be responsible for preparing the annual plan, creating tactical action plans, and developing the people plans necessary to execute the yearly plan
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align construction activities with organizational growth targets

Project Management:
• Oversee the planning, scheduling, and execution of all construction projects
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively
• Builds corporate and franchise restaurants to specification and within set budgets and construction parameters across Canada & US. This includes preparing bid specifications, estimating, awarding construction contracts, solving problems, and developing project budgets and forecasts

Team Leadership:
• Lead and mentor a team of project managers, and construction professionals
• Build, coach and retain Recipe’s construction management team, creating a positive, fun, collaborative, results-oriented working environment
• Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Collaborate closely with brand leads, operations, franchisees, Real Estate, Franchising, external contractors, vendors, and architects, and oversee the planning and all construction activities across Recipe Brands.

Vendor Management:
• Establish and maintain relationships with contractors, architects, engineers, and other external partners
• Negotiate contracts and ensure compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements

Quality Assurance:
• Implement and oversee quality control processes to ensure construction standards are met
• Conduct regular site inspections to monitor progress and address any issues promptly
• Responsible for fostering a continuous improvement mindset to track and learn from previous builds to formulate recommendations to improve building methods and standards to help reduce costs
• Establish and maintain a construction center of excellence department; develop construction-related tools (processes, procedures, training materials, technology enhancements) to improve Recipe’s ability to support our brands in delivering best-in-class construction services

Budgeting and Cost Control:
• Develop and manage the annual construction budget
• Track project costs and implement cost-saving measures without compromising quality
• Responsible for overseeing over $75M per year of total project costs

Compliance and Safety:
• Ensure all construction activities comply with federal, state, and local regulations
• Promote a safe working environment and adherence to all safety protocols

Reporting and Communication:
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on project status, risks, and opportunities
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for stakeholders

What we are looking for from you:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years of restaurant construction experience
• 5+ years of people management and leadership experience
• Restaurant, hospitality or retail industry experience is an asset
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale construction projects
• Strong leadership and team-building skills
• Excellent project management and organizational abilities
• Superior negotiation and contract management skills
• In-depth knowledge of construction methods, materials, and regulations
• Proficiency in construction management software and tools (Google Suite software, Microsoft Project, Smartsheets)
• Strategic Agility and Managing through systems (creating systems where necessary
• Excellent decision-making skills

What’s in it for you?

• Flexible/Hybrid work environment
• Pay Range: $120,000 - $160,000
• You’d be joining a close-knit, innovative team of creative and energetic go-getters
• You’d be a part of Canada’s largest full-service restaurant company that leads the industry in size and innovation
• 20% associate discount dining card and monthly dining allowance valid at participating Recipe brands
• A welcoming, fun and safe work environment founded on respect
• Career advancement opportunities with a company that owns some of Canada’s most iconic restaurant brands
• Industry-leading benefits, wellness programs, and total rewards programs

Recipe is committed to providing a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. Celebrating people, being passionate and curious, owning it, and doing the right thing are the values that guide how we build our teams, support our franchisees and create a company that unlocks the full potential of everyone.

Recipe is dedicated to providing accommodations in accordance with applicable human rights and accommodation legislation. For individuals that require accommodations please contact [email protected]