Construction Project Manager

Responsibilities

• New Store Site Selection & Feasibility Assessment
• Participate in site visits for new store locations, evaluating factors such as the surrounding market, foot traffic, competitors, and property conditions.
• Coordinate with landlords and brokers to review the site conditions and confirm delivery standards, utilities, and potential risks.
• Permit & Design Management
• Lead the full process of obtaining city permits (City Permit), fire department approval (Fire Department), and health department approval (Health Department) for store openings.
• Work with the design team to review and approve layout plans, ensuring compliance with U.S. regulations (ADA accessibility, building code, fire code, and health code).
• Construction Management & Cost Control
• Manage the tendering, pricing, evaluation, and contract management of contractors, electricians, plumbers, HVAC, and other key suppliers.
• Develop and maintain project timelines, ensuring on-time delivery and strict budget control, including managing change orders and cost overruns.
• Regularly inspect construction sites to ensure adherence to quality standards, safety regulations, and resolve any issues that arise.
• Vendor & Third-Party Coordination
• Manage external resources such as renovation companies, equipment suppliers, legal advisors, and other contractors.
• Establish long-term, reliable partnerships with suppliers, including setting performance standards and tracking outcomes.
• Project Acceptance & Handover
• Oversee project completion and ensure all inspections are passed, including final inspections from the city, fire department, and health department.
• Complete equipment testing and hand over fully operational stores to the operations team.
• Cost & Risk Management
• Maintain a detailed project cost archive and continuously optimize the cost structure for new store builds in the U.S. market.
• Identify and mitigate risks in the construction process, including compliance, legal, and safety concerns.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in construction or project management, preferably in the restaurant, retail, or coffee shop industry.
• In-depth knowledge of U.S. building codes, fire codes, health codes, and ADA accessibility standards.
• Familiarity with the full construction lifecycle for restaurant locations: design, permitting, construction, inspection, and handover.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, particularly across Los Angeles and San Francisco.
• Strong communication and coordination skills, with the ability to engage effectively with landlords, brokers, suppliers, and local government agencies.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Project/Excel, or other project management software is preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Chinese) is a plus, as this role involves coordination with both local teams and design teams based in China.
• Highly results-driven, with the ability to thrive under pressure and tight deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in chain restaurant construction for brands like Starbucks, Shake Shack, or Chipotle.
• Knowledge of restaurant-specific real estate delivery conditions (white-box, gray-box, warm-shell, etc.).
• Strong local supplier relationships in construction, permitting, and equipment.
• Previous experience with construction permits and inspections in California cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Riverside, etc.).

What We Offer

• A dynamic and fast-growing coffee brand with opportunities for career growth: Project Manager → Regional Construction Manager → Construction Director.
• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Full benefits package: Health, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off, 401(k)
• Be part of the team expanding COTTI Coffee across the U.S., with the opportunity to build our construction strategy from the ground up.

Pay: $60, $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance

Work Location: In person