Manager, Construction

Are you a seasoned construction leader who thrives on building high-performing teams and optimizing operational processes? If you’re ready to mentor project managers, drive North American expansion, and ensure our restaurant environments consistently deliver exceptional guest experiences, this role is for you.

Earls Kitchen + Bar is seeking a Manager, Construction to join our Store Development team in Vancouver, BC. Reporting to the Director, Construction, you will oversee a portfolio of renovation and new build projects within our North American expansion portfolio.

This is a pivotal leadership role centered on owning delivery through the support of people. You will lead, coach, and hold accountable a team of Project Managers, Project Specialists, and Project Coordinators to ensure the portfolio is delivered on time, on budget, and to Earls’ high standards by operating and developing a high-performing team.

Role Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead, mentor, and coach a team of Project Managers and support roles, fostering a culture of high performance and accountability.

• Strategically assign projects across workstreams based on project complexity, team capability, and development goals.

• Focus on professional growth and talent readiness of the team to support expansion at scale.

• Work closely with Design, Real Estate, and Operations to ensure tight alignment, clear communication, and seamless execution at the project level.

Portfolio & Project Delivery Oversight

• Oversee a portfolio to ensure all projects are executed on time, within budget, and up to Earls’ brand standards.

• Guide portfolio-level budgeting and scheduling; review and approve capital allocations, tender strategy and evaluations, and contingency usage.

• Provide escalation support for at-risk projects, leading recovery planning and high-level decision-making for critical path delays or design adjustments.

• Oversee the tender evaluation process and contract execution, ensuring Project Managers maintain cost-effective and high-quality standards.

• Review and validate post-opening readiness and turnover processes to ensure seamless transitions between Construction, Facilities, and Operations.

• Travel to project sites across North America (averaging 20% travel time) to support Project Managers and interface with vendors.

• As required, manage projects directly.

Process & Risk Management

• Drive adherence to established departmental standards, templates, and construction processes, while proactively identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

• Identify systemic risk trends at the portfolio level and intervene to champion continuous improvement and risk mitigation strategies.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in construction project management on complex commercial capital projects within the restaurant (preferred), hospitality, or retail industry across North America.

• Experience coaching or mentoring peers, junior staff, or external consultants. Direct experience managing a team of direct reports, with a proven track record of coaching and developing Project Managers is an asset.

• Advanced ability to interpret complex construction drawings, including architectural, structural, MEP, and commercial kitchen/bar equipment layouts.

• Deep knowledge and experience in tendering processes, cost-trend analysis, and strong competency negotiating and executing contracts.

• Willingness and ability to travel within North America (~20% of the time) to oversee project sites and eligibility to obtain necessary travel documents/visas.

• Exceptional cross-functional relationship management, conflict resolution, and the ability to navigate fast-paced, changing environments.

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field (or equivalent direct field experience).

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

• Proficiency in Google Sheets, Smartsheet, and Bluebeam; experience with AutoCAD, ProCore, or MS Project is an asset.

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 commensurate with experience and qualifications, complemented by all the perks and benefits below

• 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

• 4 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.