Restaurant Project Manager Director Jobs in Rutherford, NJ

Major Food Group is hiring an experienced Development Project Manager to join our team!

This role provides critical support to senior leadership on all new restaurant and hospitality projects. They should be solutions-oriented, capable of managing multiple projects, and making strategic recommendations for complex development initiatives. The Development Project Manager should be comfortable preparing budgets, establishing project schedules, leading plan reviews while managing day-to-day tasks.

The initial focus for this role will be for restaurant openings in New York and Miami, but it could expand into other hospitality projects. A strong understanding of restaurant project management is preferred, as this role requires the ability to seamlessly transition between office-based responsibilities and hands-on project management tasks within restaurant spaces. This position requires exceptional organizational skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining a focus on quality and execution. You should be comfortable both on a construction site and behind a computer. 

• Pre-Opening Project Management: 
• Manage internal (Culinary, Beverage, Design, Legal) and external (General Contractors, Consultants) stakeholders to ensure key dates are met and information is consistently shared
• Maintain internal development dashboards, ensuring timelines and costs are tracked on all projects assigned. Own development deal folders.
• Develop and manage scope, schedules, budgets, resources, risks, and opportunities with support from the Head of Development Project Management. 
• Monitor project progress and day-to-day tasks, proactively identifying risks or blockers and escalating issues to leadership as needed to maintain schedule, budget, and quality targets. 
• Run coordination meetings and maintain an in person presence on the jobsite as needed.
• Review subcontractor and vendor bids, making strategic recommendations that balance cost, quality, and execution. 
• Efficiently process change orders and RFI's
• Monitor quality of work to ensure compliance with drawings, specifications, and company standards.
• Oversee and coordinate punchlist activities.
• Oversee certain vendor appointments, coordinate purchasing needs, managing FF&E budgets and delivery schedules, in order to help projects deliver on budget and on time
• Restaurant Openings and On-site Support:
  • Project Handover: prepare handover packages to internal teams, including operations and facilities
  • On site execution: signage, printing, art/furniture installations, purchasing, appointments, troubleshooting issues and ensure quality standards to help with timely openings
• Oversee restaurant openings and travel to support when needed for site specific tasks, including: 
• Team Leadership & Administration
• Support Director of Development and Head of Development Project Management in the creation and implementation of Construction Brand Standards
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, evaluating the successes and opportunities of each project from a process, cost, and quality perspective. Iterate and provide feedback as necessary.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree and up to 4 years of experience in restaurant development, hotel development, or real estate project management
• Ability to work out of NYC Office or Miami Office
• Must be able to travel occasionalyl to markets MFG operates in (5-6 trips per year) 
• Must be available to work flexible hours, including weekends, based on project demands
• Passion for food and hospitality
• Proven analytical and technical skills with a self-starter attitude.
• Strong organizational, communication, and influencing skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure, manage shifting priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in Google Suite, including advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Proficiency in Smartsheet and Bluebeam preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, think critically, and generate actionable recommendations.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end development processes, with expertise in entitlements and permitting.
• Experience developing and executing project schedules, pacing, and project execution plans.

Compensation: $80,000 - $115,000 based on experience
BENEFITS:

• Competitive Salary
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance with Company subsidy
• Growth Opportunities
• Progressive Paid Time Off
• Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Generous Dining Allowance
• Unlimited Referral Program
• TransitChek Discount
• 401K Plan with Employer Contribution

Equal Employment Opportunity 

Major Food Group considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. Major Food Group is an equal opportunity employer.