Construction Project Manager

We started Van Leeuwen Ice Cream in a yellow truck on the streets of NYC in 2008 with a mission to make good ice cream that makes you feel good.

Nowadays, people can spend so much time on what’s “healthy” they don’t stop to consider what’s healthy. As far as we’re concerned, happiness is healthiness. We strive to ensure every scoop, store and employee feels and creates one community to contribute to the overall brand.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is hiring a full-time Construction Project Manager to join our Store Development team!  This is a great opportunity for an experienced individual to continue growing Van Leeuwen scoop shops across 12 national markets.  The ideal candidate is someone who is experienced in multi unit retail expansion, takes ownership of projects and is solution oriented (and loves ice cream!).

Our Construction Project Manager will report directly to the Vice President of Store Development. While we are based out of Brooklyn, NY, this role has the opportunity to be hybrid or remote. This role will travel at least 50% of the time.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage multiple scoop shop construction projects simultaneously across all markets
• Establish and strengthen relationships with internal cross functional departments as well as external consultants & vendors: Landlords, Expeditors, AOR’s, Engineers, General Contractors, Equipment vendors, Signage fabricators, and other speciality vendors
• Proactively evaluate and improve construction strategies to support the development and build out of our brand’s footprint
• Manage project schedules from lease signing thru close out, flagging any potential challenges or delays
• Review, evaluate, and uphold Landlord/Tenant work letters, Tenant Criteria, Construction Rules and Regulations and general lease exhibits
• Prepare project cost estimates and identity cost savings opportunities for budget approval and actively track actual project expenditures
• Lead contractor bidding, leveling, contract negotiation, bid award, percent completion, change order negotiation, payment applications
• Review architectural and engineering drawings and specifications and flag cost savings opportunities as well as ensure design compliance with lease obligations, permit requirements, and Van Leeuwen design standards
• Ensure all construction projects obtain necessary permits and variances in compliance with all state and local building/ zoning laws and codes
• Clearly communicate on a regular and timely basis, ensuring that all project participants are informed of project status, problems, and required actions
• Evaluate job site construction progress and quality of work completed
• Resolve construction conflicts in the field and maintain construction quality and progress
• Coordinate inspections and sign offs with GC and local municipalities to ensure a successful turnover
• Perform store turnover walk throughs with GC and Operations team, follow up on punch list completion
• Gather close out documents, manuals, warranties and lien wavers ensuring all Landlord and TI requirements are met and collected in a timely manner

Job Requirements

• At least 7 to 10 years of experience in a similar role supporting development and/or commercial construction projects approximately 500-2,500 sf 
• At least 3 to 5 years in restaurant/ fast casual/ counter service construction
• Proven success in delivering projects on time and on budget
• Ability to interpret construction drawings and engineering specifications
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and building systems
• Working knowledge of HVAC, electrical distribution, plumbing infrastructure, and fire protection systems
• Familiarity with local building codes include ADA requirements
• Very strong organizational and communication skills
• Capable of aligning priorities and managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong working knowledge of ProCore, Blue Beam Revu, Company Cam or similar applications
• Experience with G Suite (Google Drive, Gchat, Sheets Docs, etc.) is a plus
• Passion for brand standards, retail expansion & ice cream
• Available to travel up to 50% of the time

Compensation + Benefits

$120,000 to $135,000 annual compensation depending on experience, paid weekly 

Eligible for annual 10% bonus

• Employee Scoop Card (Enjoy Ice Cream from any of our scoop shops nationwide)
• Medical, Dental + Vision Insurance with 70% Employer Contribution
• 401k with up to 4% Employer Match
• Cell Phone Reimbursement Plan
• Wellness Reimbursement Plan 
• Flexible Time Off - No accrual required
• Paid Sick Time
• Paid one month sabbatical (eligible after 4 years of continued employment)
• Yearly Performance Reviews

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is committed to pay transparency and equity among all employees and provides employees an environment where pay transparency and dialogue on compensation are allowed. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream complies with Equal Employment Opportunity laws as well as federal, state, and local laws on compensation, pay transparency, and pay equity. 

The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held.