Director of Construction

The Director of Construction will lead the execution and scaling of Just Salad’s national restaurant development program. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of construction, including budgeting, scheduling, vendor management, permitting coordination, quality control, and project delivery across multiple markets.

The ideal candidate is both a strong construction operator and an experienced people leader — someone who can successfully manage complex development projects while building scalable systems, improving processes, mentoring teams, and driving cross-functional collaboration throughout the organization.

This role will partner closely with Real Estate, Design, Operations, Finance, and Executive Leadership to support Just Salad’s continued expansion and ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to brand standards.

In line with Just Salad’s mission to make everyday health and sustainability possible, you will also support initiatives to reduce Just Salad’s environmental footprint. 

Reports to: VP of Construction and Design

This position is onsite in our NYC office with some travel involved (~20%)

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy:

• Manage all Construction Project Managers, this includes: lead, mentor, and develop the team across multiple active projects and regions
• Help establish and scale construction processes, standards, reporting systems, and best practices to support rapid company growth
• Develop departmental KPIs focused on schedule performance, budget management, quality, and operational readiness
• Build and maintain strong relationships with general contractors, consultants, vendors, and landlord representatives
• Partner with Executive Leadership on development forecasting, capital planning, and strategic growth initiatives
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across pre-construction, permitting, procurement, and project execution workflows

Construction & Development Management:

• Oversee all phases of restaurant construction from pre-construction through project closeout and turnover to Operations
• Manage project-specific budgeting, forecasting, bidding, contract negotiations, and change order review
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with company standards and design intent
• Review and redline architectural and engineering drawings for constructability, operational functionality, and cost efficiency
• Coordinate with Real Estate and Design teams during site selection and due diligence processes
• Oversee project scheduling and identify risks, delays, and cost impacts proactively
• Ensure successful execution of landlord work letter obligations and tenant improvement scopes
• Manage regional project flow to ensure General Contractors are appropriately staffed and capable of meeting project demands
• Ensure all work is completed in accordance with architectural, structural, MEP, and brand standards • Support the resolution of field issues, unforeseen conditions, and project escalations

Permitting, Compliance & Store Openings:

• Oversee permitting, inspections, and Certificate of Occupancy processes to ensure timely store openings
• Develop and maintain relationships with local municipalities, expeditors, and regulatory agencies
• Partner closely with Operations to ensure seamless project turnover and opening readiness
• Ensure timely project closeout documentation and tenant allowance submissions

Success in This Role will be Measured by

• Consistent on-time and on-budget project delivery
• Quality and consistency of completed restaurants
• Reduction in schedule delays and change orders
• Scalability and efficiency of construction systems and workflows
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication
• Development and retention of high-performing team members
• Successful execution of multi-market growth initiatives

Qualifications

Required Experience:

• 10 years of progressive construction and development experience, including leadership within a multi-unit retail, QSR, or fast-casual environment
• Minimum 5 years managing construction teams and large-scale development programs
• Proven experience overseeing multiple concurrent projects across different markets and jurisdictions
• Strong understanding of restaurant construction, permitting, landlord coordination, and MEP systems
• Demonstrated success managing budgets, schedules, contracts, and vendor relationships
• Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings
• Strong financial, organizational, and analytical skills
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial growth environment Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field
• MEP engineering background is a plus
• Experience supporting high-growth restaurant or retail expansion programs
• Familiarity with project management and construction software platforms including MS Project, Procore, Sitefolio, or similar systems

Benefits

• Annual Salary $190,000 - $200,000 - Salary dependent on experience. Eligible to participate in the corporate bonus program  
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 
• Voluntary Long-Term Disability, Hospital Insurance, Accidental Insurance, Life Insurance AD & D 
• Eligibility to participate in 401K 
• Paid Vacation and Holidays 
• Pre-Tax Benefits (FSA, HSA, and Commuter Benefits) 
• Fitness Discounts 
• Summer Fridays 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Free Just Salad while working   

About Us

Just Salad is a fast-casual restaurant chain with a mission to make everyday health and sustainability possible. The brand serves craveable, accessible, plant-centric meals made with homemade dressings, prepped-daily produce, from-scratch recipes and fresh, flavorful ingredients. Guests can choose from over 15 chef-designed salads, wraps, warm bowls, market plates, soups and smoothies, including classic offerings and rotating seasonal favorites. Empowering customers to “Eat with Purpose,” Just Salad is a Certified B Corporation™ and home to the world’s largest restaurant reusable program, as well as the first U.S. restaurant chain to carbon label its menu and offer a Climatarian menu category. The company was founded in 2006 and has over 100 locations across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Washington D.C.