Director of Project Management
4 days ago
Phoenix
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona Travel: 20–30% Reports to: CEO and VP Real Estate & Development The Role: We’re hiring a Director of Project Management to own the full lifecycle of new childcare centers—from pre-acquisition due diligence and entitlements, through design and construction, to a clean handoff of a state-licensed, inspection-ready facility to Operations. You’ll manage the entire process, coordinate with Real Estate, Executive Leadership, and the Operations Team, and drive on-time, on-budget openings across multiple markets. What You’ll Do: Front-End / Entitlements · Partner with Real Estate on site diligence (zoning/use verification, preliminary code path, utilities, traffic/parking, geotech/ESA I, ALTA, title & easements). · Lead entitlement strategy (site plan review, zoning approvals/variances, building & fire, health/environmental where applicable). · Build AHJ matrices and schedules; secure all pre-construction permits and conditions of approval. · Childcare-specific: Validate occupancy classification and separations (often I-4/E per local code), outdoor play area ratios and fencing, on-site parking and queuing, and required fire/life-safety enhancements. Design Management · Manage CLA’s national architect, and run engineer selection and contracts as applicable; manage all diligence milestones with clear deliverables. · Enforce CLA brand standards for classrooms, life safety, security, food service, and playgrounds. · Coordinate childcare codes and best practices: o Age-appropriate classroom planning: SF/child and capacity planning by age pursuant to state licensing requirements. o Sightlines & supervision: ensure design accounts for proper supervision and line of sight inside the buildings, and in playgrounds. o Health Department & Licensing: child water-temp limits (per code), hands-free/child-height sinks, appropriate fixture counts. o Food service: warming/finishing kitchen or full kitchen per program; waste and grease compliance. o Playgrounds: layouts by age group with compliant fall zones, surfacing and ASTM/CPSC standards, shade (sails/canopies), trike track circulation, secure gates, and potable water access. o Security: controlled entries, classroom door hardware appropriate for quick egress, visitor entry and management at reception. Procurement & Budget Control · Own the project budget, contingency, and cash-flow projections; align with funding partners and Operations on draw schedules. · Oversee GC procurement (RFPs, bid leveling, Stip Sum negotiation) and long-lead strategy (MEP gear, playground packages, kitchen, security/AV). · Track VE decisions against standards to protect operational, visual, and compliance outcomes. Construction Execution · Run weekly OAC meetings; drive schedule to substantial completion with disciplined change-management (RFIs, submittals, CO logs). · Monitor and coordinate QA/QC and third-party inspections; insist on safety, cleanliness, and warranty readiness. · Coordinate landlord work vs. tenant scope and enforce work-letter obligations. · Childcare-specific: mock-up and verify diapering stations, handwashing and sanitation stations, classroom millwork durability, child-height fixture installation, playground shade install and surfacing depth testing, and door-hardware/closer forces suitable for staff while maintaining child safety. Licensing & Turnover · Build the licensing pathway and timeline early; maintain a document set for the licensor (room schedules, occupant counts, staff-child ratio signage templates, emergency plans). · Orchestrate final inspections (building, fire, health, and childcare licensing). · Deliver a complete turnover package: as-builts, test & balance, O&M manuals, training, warranties, asset register, FF&E punch. · Childcare-specific: provide playground audit results, water-temperature logs, and camera/access control admin handoff. · Hand off a “day-one-ready” facility to Operations, including a defects list with owners, timelines, and closeout tracker. Leadership & Reporting · Hire, mentor, and develop PMs/APMs as needed and/or directed by the CEO. · Provide executive reporting (critical path, cash projections, forecast at completion, opening dates). · Childcare-specific: maintain a licensing risk register per state (variance requests, unique room/fixture requirements, playground lead times). What You’ve Done (Qualifications) · 8–12+ years in multi-site development or construction PM; childcare, healthcare, education, or other regulated occupancies strongly preferred. · Proven record delivering ground-up and adaptive-reuse across multiple jurisdictions. · Bachelor’s in Construction Management, Architecture, Civil or Mechanical Engineering, or related (MBA/PE/RA/PMP a plus). · Hands-on entitlement experience and AHJ relationship building. · Expert in schedule control, budget management, and change-order discipline. · Fluency with AIA agreements, construction admin (RFIs, submittals), and closeout. · Childcare-specific capability: o Managed projects through state childcare licensing (multi-state a plus) and coordinated with building/fire/health departments. o Working knowledge of classroom SF/child planning, age-group toilet ratios, diapering and handwash adjacency, and child-height fixture standards. o Experience delivering compliant playgrounds (surfacing, fall zones, shade, fencing, age zoning) and passing third-party audits. o Familiar with reception controlled-entry systems, camera zoning, and policies that balance security with egress compliance. o Comfortable aligning designs to operational standards. How You Operate (Core Competencies) · Owner’s mindset: decisive, cost-aware, quality- and compliance-driven. · Anticipates licensing/inspection issues and prevents surprises. · Crisp communicator with strong meeting/document control. · Standard-bearer who protects brand and specifications across markets. · Builder of teams and process—scales repeatable outcomes. Success Metrics (KPIs) · On-time openings (≥90% to baseline schedule). · Budget variance ≤3% vs. approved Stip Sum. · Change-order rate within target and ≥70% owner-requested vs. avoidable. · Licensing: ≥95% first-pass approvals; zero critical deficiencies. · Playground: 100% pass of surfacing/area audits prior to opening. · Punch-list closure ≤30 days post-opening. Compensation & Benefits · Compensation: $165,000 + annual bonus tied to openings, budget, quality, and licensing KPIs. · Benefits: Medical/Dental/Vision, 401(k), PTO. Equal Opportunity Children’s Learning Adventure USA, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.