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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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