Job Description

We are looking for people who want to join our ambitious and driven team in the pursuit of excellence for retail grocery construction project management. You will be part of a team that is developing best in class grocery stores for Whole Foods Market and Amazon Fresh, shaping the future of retail spaces! This role supports innovation and expansive growth through cross-functional project oversight of new store/ground up builds, renovations and remodels.

The Role:
The Principal, Construction Program Manager ensures overall quality of the delivered product within budget and schedule from lease execution until new store grand opening. MonitorsYou build project budgets, monitor finish details, MEP and coordinate commercial refrigeration equipment installs ensuring work is executed with a high level of craftsmanship, maximizing space for product capacity and providing an excellent experience for end users. You provide mentorship for the construction team and foster a positive team environment through a culture of accountability and shared fate. Responsible for timely and accurate weekly budget and schedule reporting across multiple platforms.

Who you are:

You are an entrepreneurial self-starter with an owner’s perspective. You bring a customer obsession mindset and have a service first approach and a professional demeanor, with the ability to communicate effectively with business partners at every level including GC's, Subcontractors and other suppliers to the construction process. Must be able to work independently in a collaborative, creative, ever-changing and ambiguous environment.

"This role must be based out of one of the following operational areas: Boston MA, Jersey City NJ, Rockville MD, Atlanta GA, Chicago IL or Austin TX.

You must be able to travel up to 80% of the time across East Coast (2-3 days week)

Key job responsibilities

Accountable for overall project delivery schedule, coordinating: LL scope, GC milestones, fixturing and equipment delivery and install, vendor provided equipment, including identification of long lead long lead materials to mitigate risk of delay. Provides visibility and accountability to internal stakeholder deliverables that impact project cost or schedule.Ownership and accountability for all scope required for a successful construction project, including budget development and adherence, planning, design, FF&E procurement, and infrastructure coordination.Direct procurement of equipment and systems as required, including but not limited to: walk in coolers/ freezers, electrical gear, lighting packages, camera and security equipment, exterior signage, for water treatment, hoods and exhaust, generator/ life safety, controls, and refrigeration.Supervises and performs construction administration as required, including: contract negotiation, development of project schedules, management of RFIs and submittals, management of change orders, maintenance of excellent project records, and ensures timely and accurate project closeout.Upholds company standard in clean project delivery and turnover for operational and merchandising execution.Oversees bidding process from RFP through contract award. Ensures that task order is in place prior to construction, and pay apps are executed in a timely manner.Perform regular field visits / site inspections to inspect LL or GC progress based on critical path milestonesManages LL reimbursable worksheet throughout the project, managing change orders and requests by both parties in an organized fashion, and providing bid data with excellent back up detail as required.Primary store development partner for regional leadership teams and/or project coordinators.Conducts site due diligence as required to inform scope definition and project estimationPlays an active role in defining scope and pricing requests for new projects, concepts and ideas to inform project budget approval submissions and requests for resources.Skilled at project estimation which accounts for existing conditions.Identifies value engineering solutions to reduce the cost to build or project timeline.Experience in research of NBV for equipment and LHIStrong partnership with construction accounting and fixed assets team for capital versus expense determinationsStrong partnership with finance in development of ROIC for regional initiatives or special projectsPrepares combined project assessment details for roll out initiatives at a program levelEnsures project decision-making and communication protocols are aligned with strategic and business objectives.In a remodel environment, partners with store leadership to proactively communicate with customer base regarding store changes, ensuring accurate project planning to minimize construction impact to business, product, and operations labor.Oversees project activities of design consultants, general contractors, and service providers. Ensures contractual agreements and vendor working relationships are developed, negotiated, and maintained.Ensures builders risk and fire sprinkler submittal approvals are secured through appropriate service providers and Global Risk teamSchedules and oversees project meetings and site activities, including but not limited to: CD % review, bid review, weekly OAC meetings, tender inspection, punch walks, commissioning, turnover inspections, and 11-month warranty walk.Provides weekly project status report, including current progress report, 3 week look ahead schedule, RFI and Change order review, photos of site progress, list of all open items which require decision, andEscalation notice for any risks to budget or schedule.

Professional/ Project Management Knowledge:

Advanced ability to work with design consultants to facilitate design development drawings and construction drawingsAdvanced ability to prepare and drive construction schedules effectivelyExpert understanding of WFMs project management methodologies and requirements.Expert ability to plan, estimate, organize, and monitor projectsAdvanced capability to oversee and advise on project management issues and assist with overcoming barriersExpert ability to keep multiple projects on track financially, creatively, and in accordance with stakeholder deadlinesAdvanced proficiency with project management software, such as Sharepoint, MS Project, and Basecamp

Education & Experience:

BA/BS degree and 6+ years relevant experience OR equivalent education and relevant experience including grocery, supermarket5+ years construction experience in the grocery, supermarket, restaurant, hospitality, hotels, casinos or other related industries with critical infrastructure and commercial refrigeration equipment: Freezers, gondolas, coolers etc/4+ years experience with construction systems like (Procor, MRI, Yardi, Smartsheets or related)

Interpersonal and Communication Skills:

Conveys or consults on issues of moderate to significant complexityRegularly interacts with colleagues or customers up to the senior leadership level.Provides process and policy advice to TMs and customers

Teamwork & Collaboration

Provides function-wide process advice and insightOffers guidance to less experienced TMsConsults with and advises senior-level stakeholders and leaders

Judgment and Problem Solving

Develops complex solutions to business problems through in-depth analyses and coordination/ negotiation with key decision makersUses experience, innovation, and judgement to make decisions that may be based on partial information.Considers enterprise-wide implications of decisions and recommendations

Organization & Business Knowledge:

Leverages understanding of the customer base, market, and industry to drive project-related decisions and recommendationsDemonstrates exceptional knowledge of the WFM product mix, supply base, and retail operationsAt Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.