POSITION SUMMARY:

Kahala Brands, a globally recognized leader in quick-service restaurant franchising located in beautiful Scottsdale, AZ, currently has an opportunity for an experienced Director of Construction to join the headquarters of the Wetzel’s Pretzels team in Pasadena, CA. Kahala franchisees and partners operate a portfolio of over 28 quick-service restaurant brands including Cold Stone Creamery, Wetzel’s Pretzels, Blimpie, and Baja Fresh, among others, in over 20 countries around the world. This is a mid-level position and would report to the Vice President of Construction & Design.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• 7 years construction management/employee supervision experience. Restaurant construction history highly preferred
• 4 year college degree preferred (Applicable experience considered)
• Detailed understanding of plans, construction documents and engineering disciplines
• Detailed knowledge and experience with restaurant equipment, millwork and FF & E procurement
• Ability to communicate with and manage multiple disciplines (Architects/engineers, general contractors, equipment suppliers, landlords, permit expeditors, etc.) simultaneously
• Ability to manage multiple brands, projects and activities simultaneously in a fast paced/high growth environment
• Ability to work with and oversee plan check submittal/permit application and expediting services
• Extensive experience interacting with national level landlords and property groups is critical to this role
• In depth understanding of lease language, work letters and how to facilitate under challenging conditions the timely and complete delivery of Landlord supplied items is a key skill set required for this role
• Experience working with multiple, individual and diverse franchisee clientele
• Ability to learn and retain the various build out types and tenant improvement environments 
• Forward thinking with the ability to make educated, sound decisions on behalf of the company and clients
• Primary focus/objective would be to develop, oversee and manage all day-to-day operations of store design, equipment procurement, construction support services and department team members
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills  
• Strong organizational skills and be a natural leader
• Strong proficiency in Windows Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint)
• The ability to develop and work within Smartsheet PM software a must
• Management, supervision, mentoring and overview of a minimum of 3 direct reports
• Development and manage Master Project Schedule and associated reporting for all projects

JOB FUNCTIONS (Action & Supervision)

PRE-CONSTRUCTION

• Facilitate architectural and MEP plan development for all incoming projects via approved architect base
• Oversee detailed take-off of FF & E counts from plans (Kitchen equipment, millwork, furniture, etc.) and solicitation and review 3rd party proposals
• Review current vendor’s scope of supply, pricing and inventory status on a regular basis
• Qualify, solicit and review general contractor bids
• Facilitate plan check submittal process and manage expeditors
• Interact directly with landlords and their representatives during all phases of development

CONSTRUCTION

• Organize and participate in regularly scheduled project progress conference calls, Teams and other group meetings
• Track project progress, turnover and opening deadlines
• Provide timely responses to all construction related RFI’s and field issues
• Review shop drawings and submittals. Comment as needed
• Monitor, track and follow up on equipment orders, deliveries, returns and exchanges
• Provide support as needed to the franchisee during the entire construction process

REFRESH, REMODEL AND RELOCATION PROJECTS

• Facilitate and manage RF, RM and RL projects
• Generate and update RF/RM guides, specifications and requirements
• Interact and support company driven remodel programs and agendas

PLAN & DESIGN

• Review finalized construction documents to identify errors or needed updates
• Participate in Value Engineering (VE) exercises for multiple brands 
• Develop and manage Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) for equipment procurement program

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• New product and equipment search
• Develop and manage capital equipment warranty program 
• Continuous potential equipment vendor RFP exercises 
• Negotiate materials and equipment bulk purchasing (Tile, FF & E items, etc.)
• Identify and qualify potential new vendors and suppliers
• Actively contribute to Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) exercises and prototype programs 
• Measure and document Key Performance Indicators (KPI) 
• Some travel required

Benefits (Subject to Change):

• 401(k) matching, including Roth options
• 3 Medical insurance plans
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Paid time off 
• Tuition reimbursement
• Referral program
• Wellness programs
• Hybrid work schedule