Project Manager - Store Development

The Project Manager - Store Development plays a key role in planning, coordination, and execution of new store development and retail space conversion projects across the U.S. This role focuses primarily on transforming existing retail spaces into fully operational supermarket locations, rather than ground-up construction.

Reporting to the Senior Project Manager or Construction Director, you will oversee multiple projects from pre-construction through completion. You will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and external partners, including architects, engineers, vendors, and general contractors - to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in full compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.

This is a high-impact role offering the opportunity to drive store expansion and play a key part in shaping our retail footprint.

The Construction Project Manager plays a key role in overseeing new store construction and renovation projects in the U.S. Reporting to the Senior Director, Store Development or the Senior Construction Project Manager, this position leads a project team to ensure all projects are delivered efficiently, on budget, and in compliance with company standards, landlord requirements, and local regulations. The successful candidate will be a proactive leader who can manage multiple projects simultaneously, foster collaboration among internal and external stakeholders, and contribute to the company's ongoing expansion goals.

You Will

Project Planning and Execution

• Develop and review project plans including scope, timelines, budgets, and resource requirements for new store construction and renovation projects.
• Coordinate project activities from planning through construction completion and store turnover.
• Monitor project schedules and milestones to ensure timely completion of projects.
• Research and recommend materials, equipment, and tools that meet operational needs and standards.
• Identify potential project risks or delays and implement appropriate solutions or corrective actions.
• Ensure construction activities comply with Company standards, lease requirements, and applicable building codes and regulations.
• Establish and implement an efficient and effective Construction Management System to monitor and manage all active projects.

Contractor and Vendor Management

• Coordinate with architects/designers, electrical and mechanical engineers, consultants, general contractors, and vendors to support successful project delivery.
• Review contractor proposals and participate in vendor selection processes.
• Manage vendor relationships and equipment procurement timelines, ensuring delivery schedules meet business requirements and operational readiness standards.
• Negotiate vendor agreements and construction contracts in coordination with company leadership.
• Monitor contractor performance and ensure work is completed according to project specifications, schedules, and quality standards.
• Manage vendor relationships throughout the project lifecycle.

Budget and Financial Oversight

• Prepare project budgets and monitor expenditures to ensure projects remain within approved financial parameters.
• Review project costs, approve invoices within assigned authority, and track financial performance throughout the construction process.
• Coordinate with Finance and Accounting to ensure accurate documentation of contracts, invoices, and payment approvals.

Project Team Oversight

• Supervise and provide clear direction, daily scheduling, timely follow-up, coaching, guidance, constructive performance feedback/evaluations to project team members to ensure effective performance.
• Assign and prioritize project-related tasks to ensure project deliverables are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Coordinate work activities between internal team members and external project partners.

Project Coordination and Communication

• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure project requirements align with operational needs and initiatives.
• Supervise multiple project teams to ensure quality, compliance, and adherence to timelines and budgets, keeping stakeholders informed of progress.
• Provide project status updates to senior management and key stakeholders.
• Maintain organized documentation related to project plans, contracts, schedules, permits, and construction records.
• Assist in resolving construction issues by coordinating communication between contractors, consultants, and internal teams.

Permits, Compliance, and Closeout

• Coordinate with landlords, counties/cities, and regulatory authorities to obtain required permits and approvals.
• Ensure all required inspections and compliance requirements are completed during the construction process.
• Oversee project closeout activities, including documentation, final inspections, and permit closure.

Store Development Strategy Support

• Contribute to the development and improvement of construction standards, processes, and best practices supporting the company's U.S. expansion strategy.
• Assist in evaluating materials, construction methods, and equipment that support operational efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Travel & Other Duties

• Travel frequently to project sites in the U.S. to monitor project progress and support store development activities.
• Perform any other duties as assigned, consistent with the scope of the role.

You Should Have / Be

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience leading and managing commercial retail store buildup and renovation projects, with direct responsibility for project planning, contractor coordination, scheduling, and budget oversight, preferably in multi-location grocery/supermarket chains or retail environments.
• Demonstrated managerial experience leading project teams and direct reports, including assigning work, providing guidance, and supporting team performance.
• Must have proven solid hands-on experience managing multiple projects of store buildouts and renovations of leased retail spaces simultaneously.
• Familiar with and knowledgeable of local construction permitting processes and building codes.
• Strong ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, construction plans, and technical specifications.
• Knowledge of refrigeration systems sufficient to manage maintenance vendors, evaluate service quality, and ensure regulatory and operational standards are met.
• Strong project planning, organization, and time management skills with demonstrated practical experience managing multiple projects simultaneously, and coordinating with designers, architects, engineers, consultants, landlords, and general contractors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with construction project management tools and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability and willingness to travel as required to project locations in the U.S., and may be required to travel to Canada as needed.
• Fluency in English required; knowledge of Mandarin or Cantonese is a plus.

Benefits (Conditions Apply)

• Paid time off
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount