Director of Restaurant and Retail Construction

Our client is seeking an experienced, hands-on Director of

Construction to join our growing construction team. This on-site role is based out of Fairfax, Virginia, with frequent on-site work expected at all new and existing locations. This client operates high-volume, upper casual restaurants, an upscale dining location, three artisan bakeries, and a fast-casual restaurant in Northern Virginia and Maryland, with several new locations in progress and more in the works.

Key Responsibilities

• Demonstrate hands-on leadership of ground-up restaurant builds and major

remodels from planning through opening.

• Collaborate with architects, engineers, kitchen designers, general contractors,

vendors, and internal stakeholders to deliver projects on time and within budget.

• Apply strong technical expertise in construction processes and building design,

working with architects, engineers, and trades to build complex, high-quality

restaurant environments.

• Review and validate architectural and MEP plans. Identify and address issues prior

to mobilization and be involved in site selection and lease negotiations.

• Implement permitting strategy with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs).

• Partner with internal construction and operations teams to execute facility

improvement projects efficiently and effectively.

Minimum Requirements

• 8-12 years of progressive, hands-on construction leadership experience, with

significant restaurant or hospitality project exposure, including development, lease negotiations, and site selection.

• Strong background in restaurant, retail, or hospitality construction.

• Deep working knowledge of MEP systems, commercial kitchens, life safety, and

health codes.
• Proven success operating in a lean organization with limited internal support.

• Comfortable making decisions and holding others accountable.

• Clear, confident communicator with trades, operators, and executive leadership.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary: $200,000 - $250,000

• 3 weeks Paid Time Off (PTO) to start plus 6 additional holidays

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance

• 401(k) with generous employer match

• Monthly dining card

• Gym and educational reimbursement