Director of Development

Location: Tampa, FL

Reports to: CEO

About Us

We are a high-growth, ingredient-driven restaurant group committed to changing the way people think about real food. As we expand, we are focused on building beautiful, efficient restaurants and delivering an exceptional guest experience in every community we serve.

Position Summary

The Director of Development oversees the full lifecycle of new restaurant development; from real estate turnover through construction completion and opening. This leader is responsible for delivering new locations on time, within the budget, and aligned with brand standards. The role requires strong project management, vendor negotiation, financial oversight, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-market expansion environment.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Construction Management

• Oversee all phases of restaurant development from lease execution to opening day.
• Manage construction schedules, design plans, permitting, inspections, and landlord coordination.
• Partner with architects, engineers, general contractors, and vendors to ensure projects meet timelines, quality standards, and budget expectations.
• Approve drawings, finishes, equipment plans, and change orders in alignment with brand standards.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress and resolve field issues.
  
  

Budgeting & Financial Oversight

• Own development budgets for each new restaurant, including construction, FF&E, equipment, and pre-opening costs.
• Ensure projects meet targeted return thresholds and financial KPIs.
• Review and approve invoices, bids, and final closeout packages.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and value-engineering strategies without compromising quality or brand.
  
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Real Estate, Operations, Finance, Marketing, Design, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless project handoff and execution.
• Support Operations in ensuring restaurants open with fully functioning equipment, utilities, and operational layouts.
• Partner with NRO (New Restaurant Opening) teams to align timelines, training windows, and opening schedules.
  
  

Design & Brand Standards

• Uphold and evolve the company’s design identity, ensuring that each new location reflects our brand ethos: clean, modern, sustainable, and welcoming.
• Work with design partners to update prototype plans as the brand grows.
• Evaluate site-specific adaptations while maintaining operational functionality and aesthetic consistency.
  
  

Process & Vendor Management

• Manage and develop relationships with GCs, architects, equipment suppliers, and other key partners.
• Maintain a vetted vendor network, ensuring competitive bids and high-quality work across markets.
• Standardize development processes, tools, and reporting to improve speed and efficiency across the pipeline.
  
  

Risk Management & Compliance

• Oversee permitting, licensing, ADA compliance, building code adherence, and landlord work obligations.
• Ensure all new sites pass inspections with local jurisdictions and corporate quality standards.
• Proactively identify development risks and implement solutions early in the process.
  
  

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of multi-unit restaurant, retail, or hospitality development experience.
• Strong construction and project management background with experience delivering multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Advanced understanding of architectural drawings, mechanical systems, permits, equipment, and utility infrastructure.
• Financial fluency: ability to manage budgets, evaluate ROI, and drive cost-efficient decisions.
• Experience scaling a brand or opening in multiple markets preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel 40–60% depending on project load.
  
  

What Makes a Great Fit

• Passion for real ingredients, sustainability, and building restaurants with purpose.
• Strategic mindset balanced with hands-on execution.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Solutions-oriented, proactive, and adaptable to changing priorities.
  
  

Benefits

• Medical, Health, Dental
• Profit Sharing