What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pre-Construction Engineer (VA Based) position at Wills Group?
Job title: Store Development Project Manager (Pre-Construction)Salary: $115,000 - 172,000 15-20% annual bonus opportunity; commensurate with experienceLocation: Richmond, VA (with travel throughout VA; occasional travel to HQ in La Plata, MD as well as Carolina markets)
Job Purpose and FunctionAs the Store Development Project Manager, you’ll play a critical role in bringing our store expansion and remodels to life across the Mid and South Atlantic regions. From site due diligence through permitting and pre-construction, you will manage the early lifecycle of new and redeveloped Dash In and Splash In locations—ensuring projects are scoped thoughtfully, permitted efficiently, and positioned for successful delivery to construction. This role is ideal for a proactive and organized project manager who thrives in cross-functional environments and is passionate about quality design, operational excellence, and delivering elevated guest experiences through retail environments. How You’ll Make an Impact
Job Purpose and FunctionAs the Store Development Project Manager, you’ll play a critical role in bringing our store expansion and remodels to life across the Mid and South Atlantic regions. From site due diligence through permitting and pre-construction, you will manage the early lifecycle of new and redeveloped Dash In and Splash In locations—ensuring projects are scoped thoughtfully, permitted efficiently, and positioned for successful delivery to construction. This role is ideal for a proactive and organized project manager who thrives in cross-functional environments and is passionate about quality design, operational excellence, and delivering elevated guest experiences through retail environments. How You’ll Make an Impact
- Lead the design, engineering, permitting, and pre-construction process for new builds, major remodels, and fuel system upgrades across Dash In’s portfolio.
- Develop and manage pre-construction budgets including site investigation, due diligence, design fees, and permitting costs. Own the project schedule from initial concept through handoff to construction.
- Partner with Real Estate, Construction, and Legal teams to conduct site investigations and review due diligence reports (environmental, geotechnical, survey, etc.). Identify risks, constraints, and opportunities to inform business cases.
- Coordinate external consultants and internal stakeholders to develop site plans and building designs that meet Dash In standards, zoning requirements, and operational goals. Oversee entitlement processes including community meetings and government approvals.
- Lead cross-functional meetings and communicate project status, challenges, and opportunities to internal teams and leadership. Serve as the primary point of contact with municipalities, consultants, and permitting agencies during the development phase.
- Ensure all development plans align with lease, purchase, and easement agreements. Support Legal and Real Estate in contract negotiation by identifying site-specific risks and conditions.
- Maintain accurate documentation, schedules, and progress reports in designated project management platforms (e.g., Smartsheet, Procore, etc.).
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field required.
- 5 years of progressive experience in commercial or retail development project management.
- Familiarity with permitting and development processes in Virginia, North & South Carolina strongly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of site design, civil engineering, and entitlement workflows.
- Exceptional communication and organizational skills with a knack for problem solving and relationship management.
- Experience with project management software and tools (Smartsheet, MS Project, Procore, etc.).
- Authorization to work in the U.S. (visa sponsorship or C2C opportunities not available at this time).
- Willing to submit to a pre-employment background check and driving record check in accordance with local, state, and federal laws.
- Driver’s license and ability to maintain a clean driving record, utilizing personal vehicle for travel to across operating areas with a focus on Virginia (and occasionally North Carolina) with mileage reimbursement through our vehicle reimbursement program.
- Previous experience managing fuel-related developments or c-store portfolios.
- This hybrid role requires an average of 1-2 days per month in our La Plata, MD headquarters office, with travel required throughout the assigned market for meetings with real estate representatives, city planners, etc. as needed.
- Occasionally, business needs may require periodic work obligations outside of core business hours such as city and/or county meetings.
- This role may require occasional travel, including overnight stays for training, conferences, or other events with reimbursement available for approved accommodations and/or expenses.
- This role requires utilization of your personal vehicle for travel; mileage reimbursement and/or vehicle reimbursement programs are offered by Wills Group accordingly.
- Financial Well-being: Employer 401(k) match (currently at 7%), health savings plan, and financial planning.
- Physical Well-being: Comprehensive health, vision, and dental plans tailored to meet the needs of our people and their families, even their pets!
- Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick, personal, community engagement, and parental leave for new parents.
- Work/Life Balance: Hybrid and flexible work environment, Employee Assistance Program, travel assistance, family life planning.
- Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy discounts on theme parks, Broadway shows, concerts, travel, shopping, dining, and wellness services.
- Education and Development Opportunities: 100% tuition reimbursement to support our team’s education goals, robust development programs, and certificate program assistance (up to 100% employer-paid).
- Competitive Salary: Competitive pay matched to DC Metro area.
Salary : $115,000 - $172,000