Project Specialist, Construction

Are you a proactive, detail-oriented construction professional ready to take the next step toward full project ownership? If so, Earls Kitchen + Bar is looking for you!

In this role, you will act as a vital bridge between project coordination and full lifecycle execution. Working closely with our Project Managers, you will take independent ownership of smaller scopes, manage crucial project documentation, and ensure our restaurant builds across North America stay strictly on schedule and within budget. This is a high-growth pipeline role designed to expose you to full project management execution and provide a development path to a Project Manager role.

Role Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver small to medium-sized renovation components, capital investment projects, or specialized scopes within larger builds, overseeing timelines, budgets, and vendor performance.

• Lead the management of critical path workflows, including coordinating RFIs, change orders, submittals, and construction drawings to ensure accurate documentation.

• Review interior design and furniture installation plans to identify spatial risks or discrepancies based on actual site conditions, collaborating with contractors to align on solutions.

• Attend site visits and construction meetings across North America as required, ensuring project execution aligns with design standards and safety guidelines. 

• Take charge of FF&E procurement and logistics, managing purchase orders, tracking vendor deliverable schedules, and supervising on-site staging or merchandising crews. 

• Collaborate closely with Earls Finance to ensure timely vendor invoicing and support the PM team with budget tracking and forecasting.

• Support and lead project closeout activities, including deficiency tracking, warranty management, and securing final handover documentation for operations and facilities teams.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in the design or construction field, ideally within a restaurant, hospitality, retail, or commercial development organization.

• A Diploma or Degree in Construction Management, Building or Architectural Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings (architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and kitchen equipment plans and details).

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office and Google Suite, particularly Excel or similar spreadsheet tools; Hands-on experience with Smartsheet, Bluebeam, Procore, and AutoCAD is an asset.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with exceptional organization and attention to detail.

• Demonstrated experience in procurement and logistics management, particularly in construction, hospitality, or restaurant development.

• Strong problem-solving skills with a resourceful mindset and a high level of initiative.

• Willingness and ability to travel across North America (20-30% travel time) for project oversight.

Bonus Points

• A sense of humour. 

• A serious passion for food - we like to eat around here (sometimes wine is involved).

• Open to personal development and growth.

• The drive to succeed and the passion to be a part of Earls growth. 

• Big team player – able to be both a leader and also support those around them.

What We Offer

• Competitive annual salary starting from $65,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications, complemented by all the perks and benefits below. Individual pay is based on job-related skills, relevant experience, education and/or training, and internal equity.

• Comprehensive health care benefits effective from your first day

• A healthy lifestyle spending account to support you in living your best life

• Employee Assistance Program

• Earls 50% discount card for food and drinks at all Earls Kitchen + Bar, the Beachhouse, Birdies Eats & Drinks, LOCAL Public Eatery, and JOEY Restaurants locations

• 3 weeks vacation

• Make Life Awesome Week

• Opportunity to be a part of our partner-led Employee Resource Groups (ERG), designed to bring our greater communities together through mutual causes and shared experiences

• Flexibility with our Hybrid work from home/office model

• Bring your furry friend to work in our dog-friendly office

• Office amenities include a rooftop patio, lockers, showers, a full kitchen, and collaborative workspaces

• Travel opportunities for company events, new restaurant openings, and more!

• Leadership programs with career development and opportunities for advancement 

• Awards, recognitions, team-building events, and more!

APPLY NOW

We will be in touch with suitable candidates as applications come through. We look forward to hearing from you!

Earls is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, free from discrimination. We believe bringing together people of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities is essential to our success, and brings us closer to living our purpose to Make Life Awesome.  

All employment decisions inclusive of recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotions, and terminations are based on qualifications, competencies, and merit, without the consideration of any legally protected ground. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.