Project Manager, Construction

Are you a strategic, hands-on construction leader with a passion for building exceptional restaurant spaces? If you're looking for an opportunity to lead high-impact projects, mentor rising talent, develop industry-leading processes, and shape the future of our brand’s development, this role is for you!

Earls Kitchen + Bar is seeking a Project Manager, Construction to join our Store Development team in Vancouver, BC. As a Project Manager, Construction at Earls, you will play a critical role in overseeing and executing new store builds, major renovations, special initiatives, and department-wide process improvements. Reporting to the Manager, Construction, you will collaborate closely with the Design, Real Estate, and Operations teams, providing leadership in site discovery, project planning, budgeting, and execution.

In addition to driving core project execution, you will play a key role in mentoring Project Specialists and Coordinators, refining construction workflows and maintaining strong external partnerships with contractors, consultants, and landlords.

Role Responsibilities

Project Ownership & Execution

• Take full accountability for the planning, execution, and financial management of high-complexity new store builds, major renovations, and special initiatives across Canada and the US.

• Conduct site assessments, feasibility studies, and building surveys to identify site constraints, structural/utility capacities, risk factors, and high-level budgeting.

• Lead project development from site selection through preconstruction, design, and handover by managing team meetings, real estate and design milestones, and leading alignment on budget and construction implications.

• Manage General Contractors, specialized sub-trades and vendors on site; oversee progress, verify milestones, and ensure rigorous adherence to design standards, budget, and timelines.

• Lead general contractor tenders, level bids, and execute CCDC or AIA contracts, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality project execution.

• Ensure timely submission and receipt of all permits, addressing compliance, municipal requirements, and regulatory approvals.

• Travel to project sites across North America to interface with consultants, contractors, vendors, landlords, and municipal staff, ensuring project execution remains on schedule and within budget.

• Accurately forecast and manage multi-million dollar project budgets through rigorous initial estimating, active budget tracking, and detailed cash-flow forecasting.

Technical Coordination and Logistics

• Develop HVAC and building system strategies, ensuring alignment with project requirements and long-term operational efficiency.

• Oversee Architectural, Structural, MEPS, Millwork, and specialized commercial kitchen & bar drawings, ensuring coordination across all disciplines.

• Review and manage construction documentation, including Architectural & MEPS drawing reviews, RFI’s, submittals, and proactively solve conflicts before they impact schedule or cost.

• Oversee RFIs, change management, and submission processes, ensuring clear documentation and timely resolution of issues.

• Lead construction project closeout, including budget reconciliation, deficiency resolution, and acquisition of as-built drawings, OEM manuals, and warranty items.

Optimization & Improvement

• Provide direct guidance, mentorship, and training to Assistant Project Managers and Coordinators, supporting their professional development and pipeline growth.

• Help refine departmental templates, tracking tools, and construction standards to enhance efficiency and controls across the Store Development team.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of managing multiple projects across North America and leading diverse project teams.

• 4+ years of direct experience in construction project management within the restaurant (preferred), hospitality, or retail sectors in North America.

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Construction Management, Civil/Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, a Red Seal / Journeyman trade qualification, or equivalent direct field experience.

• PMP or other project management certifications, diplomas, and/or degrees are an asset.

• Strong expertise in procurement and logistics management, with a focus on construction and hospitality.

• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings, including architectural, structural, MEP, and kitchen equipment and millwork plans, as well as shop drawings.

• Proficiency in Google Suite, Smartsheet, Bluebeam, and Adobe Pro; experience with AutoCAD and Procore.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with strong negotiation abilities and attention to detail.

• Experience in department leadership and team management is an asset.

• Willingness and ability to travel within North America (30-40% of the time) to oversee project sites and eligibility to obtain necessary travel documents/visas.

Bonus Points

• A sense of humour.

• A serious passion for food - we like to eat around here (sometimes wine is involved).

• Open to personal development and growth.

• The drive to succeed and the passion to be a part of Earls growth.

• Big team player – able to be both a leader and also support those around them.

What We Offer

• Competitive annual salary ranging from $85,00 to $120,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications, complemented by all the perks and benefits below. Individual pay is based on job-related skills, relevant experience, education and/or training, and internal equity.

• Comprehensive health care benefits effective from your first day

• A healthy lifestyle spending account to support you in living your best life

• Employee Assistance Program

• Earls 50% discount card for food and drinks at all Earls Kitchen + Bar, the Beachhouse, Birdies Eats & Drinks, LOCAL Public Eatery, and JOEY Restaurants locations

• 3 weeks vacation

• Make Life Awesome Week

• Opportunity to be a part of our partner-led Employee Resource Groups (ERG), designed to bring our greater communities together through mutual causes and shared experiences

• Flexibility with our Hybrid work from home/office model

• Bring your furry friend to work in our dog-friendly office

• Office amenities include a rooftop patio, lockers, showers, a full kitchen, and collaborative workspaces

• Travel opportunities for company events, new restaurant openings, and more!

• Leadership programs with career development and opportunities for advancement

• Awards, recognitions, team-building events, and more!

APPLY NOW

Please submit your application. We will be in touch with suitable candidates as applications come through. We look forward to hearing from you!

Earls is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, free from discrimination. We believe bringing together people of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities is essential to our success, and brings us closer to living our purpose to Make Life Awesome.

All employment decisions inclusive of recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotions, and terminations are based on qualifications, competencies, and merit, without the consideration of any legally protected ground. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.