Vice President of Construction & Design - Upscale Restaurant Group at Willow Tree Recruiting Vice President of Construction & Design - Upscale Restaurant Group at Willow Tree Recruiting in West New York, New Jersey Posted in about 22 hours ago.

Type:

full-time VP of Construction & Design - Upscale Restaurant Group $200,000 - $275,000 + Bonus Join this renowned hospitality group as the VP of Construction & Design, leading restaurant development from executed lease through grand opening while ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to company standards.

COMPANY:

Known for delivering exceptional guest experiences through creativity, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence

BENEFITS & FEATURES

Medical insurance paid 100% Dental and Vision insurance FSA and HSA 401k with 5% match Bonus eligible 2 weeks of vacation, 3 weeks after 2+ years

YOUR ROLE WITH THE COMPANY

The VP of Construction & Design provides strategic leadership across development, construction, and design, driving cost control, brand consistency, operational alignment, and the successful growth of the restaurant portfolio.

Primary responsibilities include:

Lead all restaurant development projects from executed lease through grand opening, establishing schedules, milestones, and risk-mitigation plans. Oversee technical lease requirements, including construction exhibits, landlord obligations, delivery conditions, engineering provisions, and permitting responsibilities Direct construction for new openings, renovations, and capital improvement projects, ensuring work is completed on time, within budget, and to company standards Select, manage, and evaluate architects, designers, engineers, consultants, contractors, vendors, and internal development team members Guide restaurant design, décor, furnishings, equipment selection, and layout while balancing brand standards, guest experience, operational efficiency, and financial goals Develop and manage project budgets, capital expenditures, change orders, and cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality Ensure timely completion of permits, inspections, certificates of occupancy, and all required regulatory approvals and building-code compliance Partner with Operations, Culinary, Marketing, Technology, and Finance to coordinate project turnover, opening readiness, project closeout, and executive reporting

BACKGROUND PROFILE

10+ years of progressive leadership experience in restaurant development, hospitality, retail development, commercial real estate, or related industries Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Finance, Hospitality Management, Construction Management, or a related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred Demonstrated success leading multi-unit restaurant development and expansion initiatives Comprehensive knowledge of commercial construction, restaurant design, permitting, and project delivery Extensive experience negotiating complex lease provisions, work letters, landlord obligations, and construction requirements Financial acumen in developing project budgets, investment analyses, pro formas, and capital plans Exceptional project management and organizational abilities, with the capacity to oversee multiple projects simultaneously Skilled in vendor negotiation and relationship management across architects, contractors, consultants, and ownership teams. Effective leadership experience building and developing internal teams while supporting organizational growth Ability to work in person at the company's New York City office five days per week

EOE - EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

EMPLOYER