Project Manager Restaurant Development Jobs in Virginia

Location: Must live near a major airport, with a preference for candidates living in the Southeast USA. 

Compensation: $125,000 - $135,000 / year + bonus eligible

We are food travel experts, and we are passionate about bringing cool, authentic restaurants to airports that reflect a true taste of place. At SSP America, the opportunity to grow and expand is all around you.

If you are ready to take on a high-impact role in Design and Construction while working with a global travel dining brand that values collaboration, accountability, and innovation, this could be the role for you.

As a Project Manager, Design and Construction, you will lead the successful delivery of airport restaurant projects from concept through closeout. You will serve as a key on-site liaison, manage multiple active projects, and partner closely with internal teams, contractors, and airport stakeholders to deliver high-quality restaurants on time and on budget. This role requires extensive travel across the U.S. and Canada and hands-on oversight in active airport environments.

What You'll Do:

• Serve as the on-site project manager and primary liaison for single and multi-unit airport restaurant development projects.
• Coordinate with internal SSP teams and external partners to manage all construction-related activities and issues.
• Develop and manage project scopes, budgets, cost plans, and procurement for equipment, millwork, and construction services.
• Oversee architects, engineers, general contractors, and vendors to ensure design intent and operational requirements are met.
• Build and manage detailed project schedules to support business openings and operational goals.
• Lead site meetings, progress reviews, and stakeholder communications throughout the project lifecycle.
• Monitor construction quality, safety, and performance standards to ensure compliance with SSP and airport requirements.
• Manage punch lists, inspections, permits, utilities, and closeout documentation for successful restaurant openings.
• Track costs, risks, and timelines while providing clear, consistent project updates to leadership and stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement by applying best practices, resolving issues proactively, and driving efficient project outcomes.

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of project management experience, with strong preference for restaurant or retail construction.
• Experience managing projects within secure or regulated environments such as commercial airports strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously across one or more locations.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders.
• Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office tools including Excel, Outlook, Teams, Word, PowerPoint, and Project.
• Ability to travel up to 80 percent across the U.S. and Canada and meet airport security requirements.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States and able to pass required background and security clearances.

• Dynamic Environment: Lead complex, high-visibility construction projects in fast-paced airport settings.
• Competitive Compensation: $125,000 - $135,000 + bonus and Health, Dental, Vision and Life Plans, Paid Time Off, 401K with company match, Employee Assistance Program.

SSP America is an equal opportunity employer. All decisions concerning the employment relationship will be made without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. SSP America will provide reasonable accommodations during the application and interview process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws.