• Job Description

  Req#: 520544007

  THE ROLE: VP of DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

  This role is the first in-house role at Levain focused on Bakery Design and Construction. Based in New York City, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, collaborating with the Chief Commercial Officer [who leads all Brand Design / Bakery Vision work] and the VP of Real Estate [who secures all new sites]. This is a rare opportunity to be a part of the team that codifies all that makes the Levain Bakeries special, and to build on that legacy to introduce the brand to new neighborhoods.

  This position will bring broad expertise of architecture and engineering, construction, and equipment to Levain. Furthermore, this role will provide oversight and evaluation of the day-to-day performance of the Development Manager and Construction Project Managers to ensure quality deliverables, on-time, and within budget. This person will lead the project teams in value engineering and the pursuit of ongoing initiatives.

  What you’ll do:

  Design Application Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with the Chief Commercial Officer and external Design Studio to codify Levain bakery design principles that will guide all future bakeries and elevate existing bakeries.
  • While the CCO is responsible for driving the initial bakery design vision [with a focus on the front of house], this role will lead the application of that Design and all design related to the back of house, specifically Schematic Design, Design Drawing Production, and Construction Document Production.
  • Understand the balance of the Brand experience and the Operational practicalities to deliver physical environments that are both true to The Levain Way, but efficient and optimized for the Levain team members and the volume of customers they serve each day.
  • Works closely with VP of Real Estate in support of site identification, feasibility evaluation, and lease acquisition.
  • Hire, train, and manage outside architects and engineers as needed - r eviewing and redlining architectural drawing sets and millwork shop drawings for accuracy of design intent and execution.
  • Direct the new bakery permitting process through outside architect management.
  • Present status updates, progress reports, and design presentations to key stakeholders [Founders, Board, Leadership Team].
  • Lead material research, ensuring we are achieving the aesthetic we desire without compromising our project budgets or timelines.
  • Develop creative solutions to save cost and reduce schedule timelines.
  • Standardize organized communication, record keeping, and internal processes relating to bakery design.

  Construction Responsibilities

  • Lead the entire bakery construction process including construction document review, cost estimating, total project budgeting, project bid management, monthly draws management, bi-monthly inspections, and permission to occupy.
  • Manage the recruiting, hiring and training of Construction Managers per approved budget.
  • New bakery construction coordination and oversight. Drive the schedule for multiple projects simultaneously - track and report milestone dates on a weekly basis.
  • Oversee construction of major remodels of existing bakeries as required.
  • Ensure new bakery licensing is obtained and physically on premises prior to opening.
  • Review and approves all construction & facilities related contracts and purchase orders.
  • Oversees the warranty process including proper follow up.
  • Responsible for project close-out and capture of actual project costs from vendors and contractors.

  Cap Ex/ Budget Responsibilities

  • Works in conjunction with the Real Estate, Commercial, Finance and Operations departments for completion of plans that meets market demands and cost constraints.
  • Establishes and manages annual construction budgets, job budgets and job schedules to ensure they are achieved.
  • Reviews Bid Proposals and recommends vendor based on competitive pricing & overall qualifications to perform the scope of work in the intended manor.
  • Approves construction invoices and monitors lien waivers and payment to subcontractors and tier subcontractors.
  • Expected to make decisions regarding repairing versus replacing that are focused on long term and short-term needs.
  • Balances the Cap Ex budget based on business trends and potential sales building initiatives.

  What we’re looking for:

  • Minimum of 10 years of experience overseeing design /construction/ development/ facilities for branded restaurant or retail chains.
  • S. Degree or above in architecture or construction related disciplines with experience in the restaurant industry preferred.
  • Broad knowledge of design and construction methods, building codes, utility systems, and materials.
  • An ability to lead multiple projects or programs simultaneously from concept through close-out.
  • Ability to set a clear budget, and then manage execution within it.
  • You're proactive and enjoy creative problem-solving. You can manage your time and meet deadlines.
  • Strong computer skills in CAD / Revet.
  • Know how to source and manage continually competitive bidding.
  • Value differences and diversity and shows respect for others regardless of differences.
  • Demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement of processes and procedures to ensure quality products and services and profitable operations.
  • Be autonomous. You’ll take full ownership of your work, and you take responsibility for every detail, every step of the way.
  • Ability to travel 50% of time
  • Collaborative spirit and commitment to Levain’s core values – you’re a team player and willing to lend a hand or elevate those around you. You add your own individuality to an already positive and uplifting work environment. A good sense of humor doesn’t hurt either!

  Compensation:

  • $185,000 - $200,000
  • 25% Annual Bonus Potential

  Benefits:

  • Health, Vision, Dental Insurance
  • Employer-funded Healthcare Reimbursement Account
  • Additional supplemental benefits: Commuter/Bike-Share Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, 14 Weeks Fully Paid Parental Leave, etc.
  • Annual Bonus Potential
  • Four Weeks of Paid Time Off
  • 401K with 3.5% Company Match
  • Opportunity for growth and career development

  About Us:

  Competitive triathletes and passionate bakers, Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald left their careers to open a small bread shop in New York City in 1995 — Levain Bakery.
  

  
  One day, they baked a BIG chocolate chip walnut cookie as energy for triathlon training. At Levain, a batch of these 6-ounce cookies flew off the shelves, and an icon was born. The cozy shop on West 74th Street became a neighborhood favorite and a destination for epicurious visitors from around the world, hungry for “the cookie.”
  
  

  From the start, Pam, Connie and team baked everything fresh on-site each day, donating the day’s leftovers to charity — and we still do, nearly 30 years later. Today, Levain has bakeries across the country (with more to come!), plus ecommerce gift boxes to treat cookie lovers in every state.
  
  

  Every day, we strive to embody our company’s five core values:

  • Welcome All- we are all in it together

  • Work Hard and Be Nice- we go above and beyond

  • Lead with Heart- we do the right thing

  • Rise Up- we are proactive

  • Savor It- we are present and find the fun!

• About the company

  Levain Bakery is a retail bakery that opened in 1995 and is located at Manhattan, New York City. Founded and co-owned by Constance McDonald and Pamela Weekes, the bakery initially opened to serve a variety of fresh-baked artisanal breads. The bakery has since become notable for its 6-ounce chocolate chip walnut cookies.

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