Commercial Construction Project Manager

About Us:

High Flying Foods is redefining airport dining, one local flavor at a time. With over 40 locations across seven international airports, we partner with beloved neighborhood restaurants and celebrated chefs to bring authentic, locally inspired dining to travelers everywhere. From iconic eateries to chef-led concepts, we deliver exceptional hospitality and preserve what makes each brand unique, creating a genuine taste of the city wherever your journey takes you.

We’re growing fast and always looking for motivated individuals who share our love for exceptional food and service. Explore our open roles and be part of a company that’s raising the bar for airport dining.

The Opportunity:

High Flying Foods is seeking a highly organized, construction-first Project Manager to support restaurant build-outs and oversee project execution across the portfolio. This is the first hire in this role, offering a unique opportunity to help establish, shape, and refine the company’s project management function as the business continues to grow.

The position focuses primarily on construction oversight during active projects and shifts toward operational efficiency and cost control when construction activity slows. Construction always takes priority. The Project Manager works closely with internal leadership and external partners to ensure projects stay on schedule, on budget, and aligned with operational and brand standards.

The role maintains a weekly ownership-facing cadence, preparing agendas and presenting clear, structured updates on construction progress and cost initiatives. This is based at our Sausalito, CA headquarters (4 days onsite, 1 day remote) and requires approximately 25% travel to active job sites.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Salary: $130,000-150,000 annually
• Annual Bonus
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Vacation: 10 days per year
• Paid Sick Leave: 7 days per year
• 401(k) retirement plan with 5% company match
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement

Responsibilities:

Construction Oversight & Project Execution

• Coordinate and track all restaurant construction projects from design through closeout
• Maintain organized control of project budgets, schedules, cost-to-complete, and change orders
• Track RFIs, submittals, meeting notes, and overall project documentation
• Lead owner-side construction meetings and participate in job site walkthroughs
• Identify and flag schedule, scope, cost, quality, or coordination issues
• Review drawings, scopes, and value engineering options with a cost and schedule lens
• Track and review GC pay applications, commitments, and change orders
• Ensure projects align with financial targets, operational needs, and brand standards
• Escalate decisions to leadership with clear options and recommendations
• Prepare a weekly written agenda and present concise construction status updates to leadership
• Travel to active job sites as needed during construction

Operational Efficiency & Cost Control

• Monitor food, beverage, and supply costs using company systems and data exports
• Track vendor pricing by category and location and identify pricing inconsistencies or creep
• Support vendor reviews, re-bids, and pricing negotiations
• Maintain cost-tracking spreadsheets and savings models
• Review labor models and store layouts to assess staffing efficiency relative to sales
• Flag operational inefficiencies and partner with operations leadership on next steps
• Prepare weekly updates to leadership on cost savings initiatives and operational findings

Qualifications:

• 5 years of construction project management experience, with a strong preference for restaurant, hospitality, or retail environments
• Experience overseeing active commercial projects, and coordinating contractors, architects, and consultants
• Strong working knowledge of construction schedules, budgets, and change orders
• Solid data/financial modeling skills and vendor negotiation experience
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple projects
• Confident communicator able to push for clarity, accountability, and resolution
• Strong Excel and spreadsheet skills; comfortable building trackers and models
• Willingness to travel to job sites on a regular basis

Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity:

We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Our dedication to fostering a diverse workforce goes beyond simply complying with legal standards. We believe that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and we strive to create an environment where employees feel empowered to bring their unique perspectives to the table. High Flying Foods is an equal opportunity employer, and we are proud to offer a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. 

Salary : $130,000 - $150,000