VP, Design & Construction

Job Summary

Strategic leader responsible for driving the net room growth initiative while developing a team of design and construction professionals who provide value added and relationship based culture to our Franchise partners, external vendors, managed teams and internal peers. Will function as a critical business partner working closely with sales, operations development and finance.

Essential Job Functions:

• Develops and influences franchise owners from start to finish in the new construction process providing strategic counsel and support.
• Oversees project updates to the senior and executive leadership teams including the Chief Operating Officer, Global Chief Strategy & Development Officer and Vice President, Facilities and Design.
• Accountable for the team’s success in meeting new construction opening targets and goals.
• Proven ability to handle challenges in a fast pace field-based environment with complex and multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Manages multiple projects and relationships providing resources through the various phases of entitlement, permitting and financing.
• Leads a weekly corporate office meeting with all PMs to provide project status updates, identify roadblocks and provide support.

• Clear understanding of processes such as qualifying contractors; reviews estimates and proposals; approves scope and approach; and obtain General Manager’s (GM) and RVP’s approvals for scope/funding, insurance requirements, contract/work order review and approval and invoicing as you will provide counsel when franchisees need guidance.
• Assigns PMs to meet with RVP/GM on date to assess the new construction timeline.
• Schedule – create, review, update and distribute a weekly renovation/conversion/capex project listing.
• Assigns and oversees PM’s involvement throughout the new construction project from origination through completion.
• Responsible for the coordination and production of high-level project budgets to assist in new construction real estate evaluations.
• Clear understanding of how to manage the preliminary design process, building programming and general contractor sourcing and negotiations.
• Work side by side with the development team in order to evaluate the viability of any given project.

Education & Experience

Education:

• Bachelors in Construction or similar field, Masters preferred.
• PMP certification encouraged, but not required.

Qualifications:

• 15+ years in hospitality, multi-family, restaurant or retail construction & development.
• Candidate should excel at driving business relationships, team development and problem solving.
• Strong communication and leadership skills as well as advanced knowledge in franchise relations, contracting, construction management, design, procurement, and scheduling.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Must be a team builder, with sufficient business knowledge to command the respect and attention of senior leaders and a diverse franchisee population.
• Experience managing construction sites in accordance with OSHA and other applicable industry standards for safety and security.
• Advanced experience using Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Project.
• Business Development experience is helpful, but not required.
• Ability to travel – no more than 75%; based on the business need.