Construction and Design Director

Construction And Design Director

Backed by a tireless commitment to high quality, innovative culinary offerings and unparalleled client and guest services, Continental consistently ranks among the top contract dining and refreshment providers in the nation according to Food Management Magazine, the industry's source for food service news and trends. Our mission is to delight our guest. Every meal. Every day. Our core values include exceptional service, hospitality, collaboration, responsibility, and innovation.
The director of construction & design is responsible for leading the planning, design, and execution of construction projects from concept through completion. This role ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with organizational goals, brand standards, and regulatory requirements. The director oversees internal teams and external partners including architects, licensing process, contractors, and consultants. We are committed to a collaborative, team-driven approach to problem solving, and provide the highest level of design excellence and service for our guests.
Leadership & strategy includes developing and implementing construction and design strategies aligned with business objectives, leading, mentoring, and managing cross-functional teams, and establishing best practices, processes, and standards for design and construction execution.
Project management involves overseeing all phases of construction projects, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule and within budget constraints, and monitoring project performance, identifying risks, and implementing mitigation strategies.
Design oversight includes directing architectural and interior design processes to ensure functionality, aesthetics, and brand consistency alongside internal design team, reviewing and approving design plans, drawings, and specifications, and collaborating with stakeholders to align design with operational needs.
Financial management involves developing and managing project budgets, forecasts, and cost controls, negotiating contracts with vendors, contractors, and consultants, and analyzing project costs and identifying opportunities for savings and efficiency.
Vendor & stakeholder management includes building and maintaining relationships with contractors, architects, and regulatory agencies, serving as the primary point of contact for leadership on construction and design matters, ensuring clear communication across all project stakeholders, and establishing and managing applicable reports and reporting processes.
Compliance & quality assurance involves implementing quality control processes to maintain high standards across all projects, conducting site visits and inspections to monitor progress and quality, problem solving on-site solutions as needed, and verifying FFE accuracy.
Ingredients for thriving include a bachelor's degree in construction management, architecture or interior design, 8+ years of experience in construction, design, and project management, with leadership experience (hospitality and food service spaces a plus), proven ability to manage multiple small to medium-scale projects simultaneously, excellent leadership and communication skills, ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, strong organizational, interpersonal, communication, problem solving, and analytical skills, and excellent collaboration ability; able to bring people together and is inclusive.
Location(s) & logistics include prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, 50% travel required within our service territory (MI, OH, IN, PA, NY), and a hybrid schedule with 4 days required in office or on location.
We offer a range of benefits for eligible team members, including health coverage – medical, dental, and vision, voluntary life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability, critical illness, 401(k), paid time off, paid parental leave, wellness programs, and additional perks. To see a summary of current benefits, please visit https://www.continentalserves.com/work-at-continental/#benefits.