Restaurant Development Associate

Major Food Group is hiring an experienced Restaurant Development Associate to join our team! This role provides critical support to senior leadership on all new restaurant and hospitality projects. They should be solutions-oriented, capable of managing multiple projects, and making strategic recommendations for complex development initiatives. You'll be organizing, strategizing, and driving multiple projects forward, collaborating with leadership to execute new concepts, overseeing vendor relations, and more. A strong understanding of the restaurant industry is preferred, as this role requires the ability to seamlessly transition between office-based responsibilities and hands-on project management tasks within restaurant spaces. This position requires exceptional organizational skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining a focus on quality and execution.  We're looking for someone with a resourceful, can-do attitude"”someone who thrives in a gritty, fast-paced environment, thinks outside the box, and approaches complex challenges with practical, creative solutions. RESPONSIBILITIES: Inbound Project and Deal Execution Assist the Director of Development and/or the Development Manager with the end-to-end execution of multi-faceted deals, including pitch decks, analysis, and execution of new projects Conduct research and present solutions for new restaurant initiatives - construction and accessibility adjustments, health and safety standards, zoning and permitting requirements, and operational workflow optimizations Pre-Opening Project Management:  Coordinate between internal (Culinary, Beverage, Design, Legal) and external (General Contractors, Consultants) stakeholders to ensure key dates are met and information is consistently shared Oversee and coordinate punchlist activities. Support projects via coordination meetings and maintaining an in person presence on the jobsite as needed. Restaurant Openings and On-site Support: Oversee restaurant openings and travel to support when needed for site specific tasks, including:  On site execution: signage, printing, art/furniture installations, purchasing, appointments, troubleshooting issues and ensure quality standards to help with timely openings Space Planning and Organization: collaborate with design and construction team in layout and design decisions, working closely on planning and organizing spaces to meet operational and design requirements  Vendor and contract management: oversee certain vendor appointments, coordinate purchasing needs, help manage permitting processes to ensure timely and compliant execution Timeline Oversight: track milestones and ensure phases of development are completed on schedule, providing updates to senior leadership when needed Post Opening Transition: facilitate transition from development to daily operations by assisting with the handover to ops teams Team Leadership and Administration Identify opportunities for growth and recommend new organizational structures or processes to support the development team  Review existing processes, identify gaps, and collaborate to develop solutions that promote efficiency and accountability. REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's Degree and 2-3 years of experience in restaurants operations, development or project management Passion for food and hospitality. Proven analytical and technical skills with a self-starter attitude. Strong organizational, communication, and influencing skills. Ability to work well under pressure, manage shifting priorities, and meet tight deadlines. Proficiency in Google Suite, including advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills. Demonstrated ability to multi-task, think critically, and generate actionable recommendations. High internal motivation, intellectual curiosity, and logical thinking to make a commercial impact. Must be available to travel across our different markets, 3-4 trips per year ranging from 5-14 days per trip. Must be available to work flexible hours, including weekends, based on project demands Compensation: $80,000 - $85,000 annually based on experience BENEFITS: Competitive Salary Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance with Company subsidy Growth Opportunities Progressive Paid Time Off Parental Leave Tuition Reimbursement Generous Dining Allowance Unlimited Referral Program TransitChek Discount 401k Plan with Employer Contribution Equal Employment Opportunity  Major Food Group considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. Major Food Group is an equal opportunity employer.

Created: 2025-03-04