Sr. Project Manager - Construction

The Senior Project Manager - Airport Dining Construction is responsible for overseeing the execution of complex dining construction projects within airport environments, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. This role requires deep experience in airport regulations, coordination with local authorities, and the unique operational constraints for understanding the flying guest and the challenges presented by the aviation environments.

The Senior Project Manager will lead a team of Project Managers and Assistant Project Managers, providing mentorship, direction, and oversight. They will manage a portfolio of active dining construction projects-ranging from quick-service restaurants to full-service dining concepts-across multiple airport locations. This position requires exceptional planning, leadership, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple stakeholders in highly regulated and time-sensitive environments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leadership & Team Management:
• Supervise and mentor a team of Project Managers and Assistant Project Managers.
• Provide clear direction, performance feedback, and technical support throughout all project phases.
• Ensure each team member effectively manages their individual assignments to meet established timelines and budgets.
• Project Oversight:
• Lead the construction efforts of multiple concurrent airport-based dining unit builds and renovations.
• Oversee full project lifecycle: design review, permitting, scheduling, budgeting, construction execution, and turnover to operations.
• Maintain accountability for meeting construction milestones, controlling costs, and managing risk.
• Airport-Specific Execution:
• Coordinate closely with airport authorities, TSA, FAA, and other governing bodies to ensure compliance with airport construction protocols and regulations.
• Facilitate smooth operational handoffs in active terminal environments with minimal disruption to airport operations.
• Financial & Schedule Management:
• Drive projects to completion under budget and ahead of schedule.
• Track expenditures, manage change orders, and ensure strict adherence to budget approvals.
• Proactively mitigate delays and cost overruns by identifying and resolving issues early.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Work closely with internal stakeholders including Design, Procurement, Operations, and Brand teams to align construction delivery with strategic business goals.
• Engage in project design coordination to ensure constructability, cost-effectiveness, and brand alignment.
• Standards & Reporting:
• Uphold and contribute to the evolution of company construction standards, specifications, and best practices.
• Prepare and present project updates, forecasts, and risk reports to senior leadership.
• Vendor and Contractor Oversight:
• Select and manage general contractors, subcontractors, architects, and engineers.
• Ensure vendors are held accountable for scope, quality, safety, and timeliness.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 8+ years of progressive experience in construction project management, with a strong emphasis on airport dining and foodservice construction.
• Proven leadership experience overseeing a team of project managers or similar roles.
• Deep understanding of airport construction standards, codes, processes, and logistical challenges.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple high-value construction projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong knowledge of construction project scheduling tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera).
• Ability to travel up to 75%, including multi-day trips to active airport project sites.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Previous experience working with airport authorities and navigating airport-specific approval processes.
• Experience with both airport midterms, remodel and retrofit construction and tenant improvement projects in active new terminal environments.
• Familiarity with design-build and CMAR project delivery methods.
• PMP or similar construction project management certification is a plus.

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