Construction Project Manager

As a member of the Construction Team this individual will primarily be responsible for estimating and managing new restaurant openings (NRO’s) and Renovation Projects.  This includes tracking and ordering from all owner vendors as well as hiring and supporting a network of general contractors to ensure timelines and budgets are met. 

The essential functions in this job description are not all-inclusive of this position’s duties and responsibilities.  Reliable and dependable attendance is required.

• Assists with due diligence, estimates and contract negotiations. Participates in development and reconciliation of capital estimates
• Protects brand standards and quality control over new development projects
• Ensures construction administration process is developed and executed. Manages project expenditures and job cost accounting processes including accuracy, documentation, approvals, payment reporting, and tracking
• Ensures compliance with company, industry, trade, and jurisdictional safety standards, practices, codes
• Obtains bids from vendors and subcontractors, identify qualified subcontractors, and negotiate pricing
• Responsible for the development of the project schedule and schedule updates
• Performs project close out including final paperwork, job walk through and any other follow up items with restaurant operations teams
• Ensures inspections and permits are approved and closed out prior to restaurant turn over dates

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Architecture or Engineering, preferred
• 5-10 years’ experience in the restaurant & retail industry working on commercial construction projects
• Experience managing subcontractors or a subcontractor-based business preferred
• Strong working knowledge of regulations and permits required
• Track record of successful project completions and high customer satisfaction
• Ability to travel up to 70% of the time to visit job sites and commute to the corporate office in Bradenton, Florida when not traveling

First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using the freshest ingredients available. Guided by its “Follow the Sun” culinary philosophy, First Watch’s chef-driven menu rotates multiple times per year to feature the highest-quality flavors at their peak, offering elevated executions of classic favorites, fresh juices like the Kale Tonic, and fan favorites such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl and signature Million Dollar Bacon. For every kid’s meal served, First Watch proudly donates a portion to organizations and causes making a positive impact to our communities – raising approximately $2.0 million to date. A recipient of many “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” awards, First Watch was voted #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, and also named 2025 and 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by the Best Practice Institute – an accolade most recently featured in The Wall Street Journal – after appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023, as well. With a commitment to quality, hospitality and community, First Watch is redefining Daytime Dining across more than 630 First Watch restaurants in 32 states. For more information, visit www.firstwatch.com.

First Watch is an equal opportunity employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, First Watch will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.