Job Title: Project Manager, Construction
Reports to: Senior Director of Design and Construction
The Project Manager is responsible for leading the planning, execution, and delivery of Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) construction projects for Mary Brown’s Chicken and Fat Bastard Burrito across Canada. This role oversees the full project lifecycle, including new restaurant developments, ground-up builds, pad site developments, conversions, relocations, and major renovations. The Project Manager ensures all projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in full alignment with brand standards and operational requirements.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Planning & Execution
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Manage multiple restaurant development and construction projects simultaneously from site approval through grand opening.
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Lead ground-up construction projects, pad developments, free-standing restaurants, inline locations, drive-thru facilities, and major remodels up to 5,000 sq. ft.
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Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, risk assessments, and critical path timelines.
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Coordinate all project stakeholders, including franchisees, landlords, developers, architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, vendors, and internal teams.
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Ensure timely execution of all project milestones, permits, approvals, inspections, and occupancy requirements.
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Monitor project performance and proactively identify and mitigate risks, delays, and cost overruns.
Construction Management
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Oversee construction activities from pre-construction through project closeout.
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Review drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and construction documents for completeness and accuracy.
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Conduct site visits and construction progress reviews to ensure quality, safety, and compliance.
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Manage general contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and suppliers to achieve project objectives.
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Ensure adherence to building codes, accessibility standards, health regulations, and municipal requirements.
Design, Branding & Signage Coordination
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Collaborate with design teams to ensure brand standards are accurately incorporated into each project.
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Coordinate restaurant graphics, décor packages, millwork, signage, wayfinding, drive-thru components, menu boards, and branding elements.
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Review materials, finishes, signage specifications, fabrication requirements, and installation schedules.
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Review all permit submission drawings for accuracy and compliance with provincial and national building codes.
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Ensure seamless integration of architectural, operational, and brand design requirements.
Budget & Financial Management
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Develop, track, and manage project budgets and capital expenditures.
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Review and approve project invoices, change orders, contractor requests, and consultant fees.
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Conduct cost analysis and value-engineering reviews where appropriate.
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Maintain accurate project reporting and forecasting.
Stakeholder Management
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Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external project stakeholders.
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Provide regular status updates and executive reporting.
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Facilitate project meetings and maintain clear communication throughout the project lifecycle.
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Support franchisees and operations teams through project planning, construction, turnover, and restaurant opening.
Procurement & Vendor Management
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Coordinate procurement of construction services, equipment, signage, furniture, fixtures, and specialty vendors.
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Evaluate contractor and vendor performance.
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Establish and maintain strong relationships with preferred suppliers and service providers.
Health, Safety & Compliance
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Promote a culture of safety and ensure compliance with all occupational health and safety regulations.
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Ensure projects comply with applicable codes, permits, environmental requirements, and company standards.
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Maintain project documentation and closeout records.
The duties of this position may change from time to time. MBI Brands reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at its discretion contingent on business need. This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive.
POLICY
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Adheres to all policies and plans through communication, action, and consistent enforcement.
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Effectively and efficiently perform all tasks to lead by example.
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Stays up to date on all training as required and follows all health and safety, and sanitation policies enforcing with disciplinary action as needed.
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Establishes new/ updated policy and standards on-site with prior approval from the Senior Director, Construction & Design.
CORE COMPETENCIES
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Demonstrates exceptional project leadership, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
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Proactively identifies and prioritizes critical tasks with minimal direction, exercising sound judgment and strategic thinking.
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Builds and maintains positive, constructive relationships with internal teams, franchise partners, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders, while fostering a collaborative, hands-on, and high-performing team environment.
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Demonstrates strong emotional intelligence, professionalism, and situational awareness, with the ability to navigate complex interpersonal and business situations.
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Applies effective negotiation, conflict resolution, and troubleshooting skills to identify root causes, develop practical solutions, and address issues collaboratively and proactively.
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Demonstrates strong financial acumen, including budget management and cost-conscious decision-making.
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Maintains a high level of attention to detail and a commitment to quality execution and brand standards.
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Is committed to continuous learning, self-improvement, and professional growth.
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Upholds all company policies and standards and fosters a respectful workplace free from bullying, harassment, discrimination, and violence.
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Demonstrates flexibility and a willingness to work extended hours as business needs require.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
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PMP (Project Management Professional) designation is required.
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Degree or diploma in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Project Management, or a related field.
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Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel as required.
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5+ years of project management experience in QSR and restaurant construction.
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Demonstrated experience managing existing conversions, ground-up developments - pad sites, and major renovation projects.
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Strong knowledge of commercial construction practices, project scheduling, budgeting, and contract administration.
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Experience managing projects through all phases, including site selection support, design development, permitting, construction, and closeout.
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Working knowledge of restaurant operations and QSR development requirements.
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Working knowledge of signage, graphics, branding elements, millwork, materials, and installation processes.
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Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, Smartsheet, and Adobe Professional software.
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Experience supporting multi-unit restaurant or franchise development programs.
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Knowledge of municipal approvals, permitting processes, and landlord coordination.
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Understanding of kitchen equipment coordination and restaurant operational layouts.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES / REQUIREMENTS OF THE ROLE
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Corporate office and retail store environment
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The position may require long hours of sitting/ standing, and using office equipment and computers
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Must be willing to travel – some overnight travel may be required
Occupational health & safety requirements
All supervisors and managers are directly responsible for ensuring the health and safety of workers under their supervision. They must ensure that workers are operating in a manner as required by the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations in addition to company health and safety policies and procedures. Supervisors must inform all workers of the existence of any potential or actual risk to the health or safety of the worker of which the supervisor is aware, and must provide direction and instruction, in writing where prescribed, for safe measures to be taken during the course of their work.
About Us
MBI Brands (the “Company”) is one of Canada's largest privately held restaurant companies, franchising and operating two premium QSR brands—Mary Brown's Chicken and Fat Bastard Burrito. Both brands have established MBI Brands as a nationally recognized franchisor of choice. Renowned for its family-like culture, the Company fosters an environment where team members can grow, thrive, and make meaningful contributions. Driven by a dedicated team of Operators Who Care, MBI Brands is committed to excellence, best‐in‐class service, and serving guests, teams, and communities worldwide.
We are a team of Operators Who Care, strongly focused on excellence, best-in-class service, and caring for our guests, teams and communities across the globe. We celebrate our people—from new hires to our most tenured employees—creating a culture built on respect, inclusivity, collaboration and teamwork. With nearly 400 locations worldwide and plans to double our footprint in the next few years, we are embarking on exciting expansions into both new and existing markets, including the UK, Mexico, India, and Pakistan.
MBI Brands holds the prestigious Canada’s Best Managed (Platinum Member) designation and has also received numerous awards, including the Canadian Franchise Association’s Franchisee Satisfaction Award and recognition as one of the Best Places to Work.
We are proud to offer a range of unique and attractive benefits:
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Extended health benefits coverage including dental coverage, critical illness coverage, life insurance, and long-term disability
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Eligibility to participate in our retirement savings plan with employer match
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Minimum of three weeks paid vacation
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Career advancement opportunities
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Wellness programs, with an on-site gym and personal trainer
Bonus eligibility: discretionary annual bonus.
Base Salary $80,000.00 to $110,000.00. Base salary for this position may vary based on relevant factors such as experience, education, location, and skills.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
MBI Brands is committed to building a diverse workplace reflective of the communities we serve and to fostering an inclusive culture where employees feel valued, respected and inspired to thrive as their authentic selves. We value diversity of thought and the unique skills, perspectives and experience each individual brings to the Company. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and encourage applicants from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented, including but not limited to First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, people who identify as women and/or LGBTQ2S+.
We also strive to provide an accessible candidate experience. Please let us know if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process.
