Construction Project Manager

Construction Project Manager

Location:

Onsite Utah (with travel to project sites required)

Department:
Development / Construction

Cafe Zupas is a fast-growing restaurant brand known for house-made soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts served in a welcoming environment. As we continue to expand across multiple markets, we are looking for a Construction Project Manager to lead new restaurant builds and remodel projects while maintaining our high standards for quality, cost control, and speed of execution.

The Construction Project Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of Cafe Zupas construction projects, including new restaurant builds, remodels, and facility improvements. This role manages the full lifecycle of construction projects—from site handoff through store opening—while ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with brand standards.

• Manage multiple restaurant construction projects from pre-construction through final turnover.
• Coordinate with internal teams including Real Estate, Operations, Facilities, and Finance to ensure project alignment and timelines.
• Select, manage, and communicate with general contractors, architects, engineers, and vendors.
• Manage GC Bid process, from issuing Request for Quotes, through Validating/Negotiating Bids, obtain required department leadership approvals for final Contract Award.
• Coordinate the transfer of existing utility accounts, and/or if required, installation of new utility services.
• Review project drawings, specifications, and budgets to ensure compliance with Cafe Zupas standards.
• Track project schedules, milestones, and costs to ensure timely completion and budget adherence.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, safety compliance, and quality control.
• Manage day-to-day site issues as they occur during construction phase.
• Partner with Accounting to reconcile invoices at a regular cadence.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, evaluating successes and opportunities of each project. Turn information gathered into results that influence current processes or recommend new/improved initiatives that drive results.
• Identify risks or delays and proactively develop solutions to keep projects on track.
• Manage permitting processes and ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations.
• Coordinate with Marketing/Operations on any pre-opening efforts, as required.
• Ensure openings are successfully executed with minimal outstanding items and oversee high-quality Turnovers to Operations Team.
• Oversee punch lists and ensure successful completion before restaurant openings.
• Support remodels, refreshes, and maintenance projects across existing locations as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred.
• 3–7+ years of experience managing commercial construction projects, preferably in restaurant or retail environments.
• Strong knowledge of construction processes, scheduling, budgeting, and contract management.
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage general contractors, specialty vendors, and other professionals providing services for construction projects.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Strong communication and leadership skills when working with contractors and internal teams.
• Proficiency with Procore and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to travel to project sites up to 50%

• Ability to maintain stationary position to be able to operate a computer and other office equipment
• Must be able to occasionally move or transport items up to 50 pounds
• Ability to communicate with others and exchange information accurately and effectively
• Constantly positions self and move about to support ordinary restaurant or food production support or office operations, as applicable
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner

• Project management and organization
• Budget management and cost control
• Vendor and contractor management
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Attention to detail and quality standards
• Strong collaboration across departments