Director, Construction

Summary of Job Description:

The Director, Construction is responsible for construction of half the new store openings (50 – 60 per year). This position directs a team of three to six Project Managers, coaching and developing associates to elevate their performance. The Director, Construction integrates Construction activities with other related departments, including Operations. This position implements process improvement within the Construction function, including new standards, policies, and procedures. The Director, Construction ensures high quality customer service on behalf of Construction.

You’ll get a chance to:

• Responsible for successful completion of half the new store openings (50 – 60 per year) based on assigned geography, ensuring construction meets both company standards and external building regulations.


• Confirm award to successful bidders for final approval by VP.


• Develop and manage construction project budgets.


• Lead a team of three to six Construction Project Managers/Senior Project Managers, managing, coaching, and developing the project managers.


• Responsible for hiring, retaining, developing, and elevating associate performance to support the company’s growth strategies.


• Manage staff workload to create balance and back-up coverage.


• Ensure company Construction policies and procedures are followed and works with Executive Director on policy changes.


• Stay current on construction regulations and works collaboratively with consultants and the design team to acquire required permits.


• Work closely with consultants and PMs to create and submit detailed construction plans for approval by municipalities.


• Work with Design team to modify designs as necessary to meet local regulations.


• Stay abreast of construction trends, particularly in the retail/hospitality industry.


• Track the availability of labor and the cost of materials and their impact on store construction.


• Monitor trends globally to anticipate future costs.


• Evaluate general contractors for each construction project through the established bidding process or from approved list of contractors.


• Evaluate change orders from Project Managers for viability and accuracy.


• Oversee the effective use of project management software (Tango) to track and manage the status of all construction projects, from site selection through store opening.


• Coordinate Construction activities across RD functions and with other affected departments, including Operations (RDOs), to ensure successful project completion.


• Collaborate and Coordinate with external consultants and vendors.


• Foster positive business relationships with internal and external contacts.

Office conditions: travel to new stores and stores under construction as well as Operations regional meetings: 50% - 60%

How we reward you:

• Hybrid Work schedule


• 401K with company match


• Yearly bonus opportunity*


• Full medical, dental, and vision insurance *


• On-site fitness center, biometric screen, and flu shot clinic


• Discounts at Panda restaurants, theme parks, and gym memberships


• Paid time off starting at 15 days with 7 federal holidays*


• Continuous education assistance and scholarships*


• Income protection including Disability, Life and AD&D insurance*


• Bereavement leave*

*Benefits available for eligible permanent full time associates

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Your background and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture or Construction Management required.


• Minimum ten years of construction project management experience, preferably in a retail/hospitality environment with increasing management responsibility


• Successful completion of initial and periodically required trainings.


• Obtaining a valid Food Handler's Card within 30 days of employment is a requirement of this position.

Panda Strong since 1983

Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,000 locations globally, we continue our mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Whether it’s impacting our team or the communities we work in, we’re proud to be an organization that embraces family values.

You’re wanted here

We value diversity in all forms and know the strength it brings. Workplace equality allows for creative ideas to blossom, diverse points of view to be heard, and improves overall happiness. We like the sound of that.

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age and any other basis protected by the laws which apply where we operate. Panda provides accommodations for disabilities and religious observance purposes as required by law.