[Hiring] Director of Construction @Kizuki Ramen

Role Description

We are seeking an experienced Director Of Construction - Restaurant Construction, to lead and manage the development of multiple restaurant projects simultaneously (up to 10+ active locations). This role oversees the full construction lifecycle — from pre-construction planning through grand opening — ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to brand standards.

The ideal candidate has strong experience in restaurant or retail construction, multi-unit rollout execution, contractor/vendor management, and budget control.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Leadership
  • Oversee 8–10 concurrent restaurant construction projects.
  • Manage schedules, budgets, and quality control across all locations.
  • Lead ground-up builds, tenant improvements (TI), and remodels.
• Pre-Construction & Planning
  • Lead end-to-end development and construction projects from site selection through store opening.
  • Manage architects, engineers, consultants, and contractors to ensure designs meet brand standards, code requirements, and project objectives.
  • Oversee permitting and regulatory approvals, coordinating with city, health, fire, and building departments to secure timely permits and inspections.
  • Coordinate with landlords and stakeholders on lease requirements, site due diligence, utility capacity, and building compliance matters.
  • Develop and manage project budgets, lead contractor bidding and selection, and identify value engineering opportunities to optimize costs.
  • Ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with all design, safety, and operational requirements.
• Construction Execution
  • Review and validate construction documents to ensure constructability, code compliance, quality standards, and cost efficiency.
  • Manage and supervise general contractors and subcontractors to maintain project schedules, budgets, and overall project performance.
  • Conduct regular site visits to ensure compliance with approved plans, brand standards, safety requirements, and quality expectations.
  • Monitor project timelines, identify potential delays, and proactively implement solutions to keep projects on track.
  • Coordinate landlord requirements, lease obligations, and building management approvals throughout the construction process.
  • Oversee project closeout activities, including final inspections, punch list completion, turnover, and operational readiness.
• Financial Management
  • Develop and manage construction budgets.
  • Approve change orders and control cost overruns.
  • Track project financial performance and report to executive leadership.
• Team & Stakeholder Management
  • Collaborate with operations, culinary, design, and executive teams.
  • Provide leadership to project managers (if applicable).
  • Maintain strong vendor and supplier relationships.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of construction management experience, with progressive leadership responsibility.
• 5+ years of experience in restaurant, retail, or commercial construction.
• Proven experience managing 5+ concurrent construction projects from pre-construction through completion.
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • Commercial kitchen construction and equipment coordination.
  • MEP systems and construction coordination.
  • Building codes, health, safety, and regulatory requirements.
  • Multi-state permitting, inspections, and approvals.
• Proficiency with construction management, project scheduling, and documentation software.
• Strong expertise in project budgeting, cost control, estimating, and change-order management.
• Strong vendor, contractor, architect, landlord, and internal team management skills.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, MEP, and construction drawings.
• Willingness to travel between project locations as required.

Preferred

• Experience leading multi-unit restaurant or retail construction rollouts.
• Experience working with franchise or corporate restaurant brands.
• Experience managing multiple projects across different states and markets.
• Strong experience with GCs, subcontractors, architects, landlords, and vendors.
• Experience with pre-construction, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, and project closeout.
• PMP, CCM, or other relevant construction/project management certification is a plus.

Benefits

• Eligible employees may receive a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Paid time off.
  • Employee meals and discounts.
  • Opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• Health benefits: Supreme Dumplings pays 90% of the premium after 60 days of employment.

Company Description

Kizuki International LLC is one company united by a single purpose — to spread joy through authentic culinary experiences. Our family of Asian culinary brands includes:

• Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya – delivering the most authentic Japanese ramen experience outside Japan through scratch-made broths, Japanese-designed interiors, and craftsmanship.
• Supreme Dumplings – offering handcrafted Xiao Long Bao and other small bites made with precision, tradition, and heartfelt execution.
• Tang Bar / Swish Swish – a modern fast-casual concept bringing bold Sichuan malatang flavors to a customizable, energetic format.

Though each concept is unique, all share the same values: craftsmanship, connection, hospitality, and a relentless pursuit of culinary excellence. We proudly operate 23+ restaurants and 4+ central kitchens/commissary facilities across multiple states — and we’re growing.