Construction Manager
20 hours ago
Edison
About Wakefern Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite®, Price Rite®, The Fresh Grocer®, Dearborn Markets®, Fairway Markets®, Gourmet Garage®, and Morton Williams® banners. Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best in class procurement practices. About You The Manager of Construction oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of retail grocery store construction projects, including new store builds, major remodels, and site renovations. This role leads a small team of Project Engineers and serves as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders, cooperative members, landlords, general contractors, and design partners. The Manager of Construction ensures all projects are delivered on time, within budget, in alignment with company standards, and in compliance with safety and regulatory requirements. This position plays a key role in building and maintaining strong relationships with cooperative members to support business growth and project partnership opportunities. Essential Job Functions: Project Leadership & Execution • Oversee end‑to‑end execution of new store construction, remodels, expansions, and capital improvements., • Manage multiple concurrent projects from concept through closeout, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met., • Conduct jobsite visits to monitor progress, verify safety compliance, and resolve field issues., • Ensure adherence to company construction standards, specifications, brand guidelines, and engineering requirements. Team Management • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Project Engineers to ensure effective project delivery and professional growth., • Allocate workload, set priorities, and provide technical guidance to support efficient project execution., • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Budgeting & Financial Management • Develop, manage, and review construction budgets, including cost estimates, RFPs, vendor proposals, and change orders., • Ensure cost control measures are in place and proactively identify risks or opportunities for savings., • Provide financial updates and forecasting to leadership and key stakeholders. Design & Planning • Review architectural, engineering, and site plans for constructability, accuracy, and alignment with operational requirements., • Collaborate with design, refrigeration, mechanical, and facilities teams to integrate technical needs into project plans., • Participate in pre‑construction planning, including permitting, site assessments, and feasibility reviews. Stakeholder & Relationship Management • Serve as the primary point of contact for cooperative members, providing excellent service and support throughout the project lifecycle., • Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams, landlords, contractors, and consultants., • Communicate project updates, risks, and decisions to senior leadership and cross‑functional partners. Compliance & Safety • Ensure all projects comply with local, state, and federal building codes, ADA requirements, food retail regulations, and safety standards., • Partner with Risk Management and Safety teams to enforce jobsite safety protocols., • Maintain documentation for regulatory inspections, permits, and closeout requirements. Vendor & Contractor Oversight • Select, negotiate, and manage general contractors, subcontractors, and external vendors., • Monitor performance, ensure adherence to contract terms, and address any performance issues., • Conduct final inspections and ensure all punch‑list items are completed to company standards. Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field., • 7+ years of experience in construction management, preferably within retail, grocery, or commercial environments., • Experience managing multiple projects and leading technical teams., • Strong understanding of construction methods, MEP systems, refrigeration considerations, building codes, and safety regulations., • Demonstrated ability to develop and manage budgets, schedules, and contractor relationships., • Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills., • Proficiency in project management software and construction documentation tools., • Experience working with cooperative business models or member-based organizations., • Knowledge of grocery store equipment, refrigeration systems, and retail operations., • Professional certifications (e.g., PMP, CCM, OSHA 30). Working Conditions & Physical Demands • Ability to monitor computer screens, access interactive meetings with camera and sound., • Ability to work a hybrid schedule as established by the company., • Ability to sit, stand, bend and walk retail sites for long periods of time., • Ability to travel to project sites as needed, including long distances. Leadership Competencies • Think Strategically: Create a compelling vision, develop a strategy and empower others to achieve it, • Influence Others: The ability to effectively collaborate, inspire, persuade and align others, • Drive Change: Create the vision and drive the momentum for change, • Talent Planning: Build organizational and associate capability to achieve business goals, • Take Accountability: Drive a culture of ownership throughout the organization, • Inclusive Leadership: Role model inclusive leadership to leverage diversity Core Competencies • Communicate Effectively: Communicates thoughts and ideas in a well-organized manner, encouraging two-way communication., • Build Relationships: Creates cross-functional partnerships through the development and maintenance of constructive and cooperative relationships., • Stay Competitive: Demonstrates a mindset of continuous improvement while exhibiting passion and enthusiasm for their work., • Embrace Change: Looks for new ways of working by supporting advancements in processes and technology., • Develop You: Identifies and capitalizes on opportunities for personal and professional career growth., • Drive for Results: Supports divisional and strategic objectives through achievement of work goals. Compensation and Benefits The salary range for this position is $100,000 to $140,000. Placement in the range depends on several factors, including experience, skills, education, geography, and budget considerations. Wakefern is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional development of our Associates. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match & annual company contribution, paid time off, holidays, and parental leave. Associates also enjoy access to wellness and family support programs, fitness reimbursement, educational and training opportunities through our corporate university, and a collaborative, team-oriented work environment. Many of these benefits are fully or partially funded by the company, with some subject to eligibility requirements.