About this position
Boka Restaurant Group is seeking a highly organized, driven, and detail-oriented Development Project Manager to join our expanding Development team! As an established restaurant group entering a period of accelerated growth and expansion, we are building the team and infrastructure needed to support an ambitious pipeline of new restaurant concepts, partnerships, and developments across multiple markets.
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated professional to play an integral role in bringing exceptional restaurant experiences to life—from early design and construction through opening and operational stabilization. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, understands the importance of accountability and execution, and is eager to grow alongside an evolving hospitality organization.
Restaurant or hospitality development experience is highly valued, but we also welcome candidates with transferable experience in construction management, commercial development, or related project management disciplines.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Vice President of Development, the Development Project Manager will be responsible for coordinating and driving the day-to-day execution of assigned restaurant development projects.
Working closely with Development leadership, architects, designers, contractors, consultants, ownership groups, and internal Operations teams, this individual will help ensure projects remain organized, on schedule, and positioned for successful openings.
As Boka Restaurant Group continues to expand, this position offers the opportunity to gain exposure to multiple facets of restaurant development and progressively take greater ownership of projects.
Who We're Looking For
We are seeking someone who brings a combination of strong project management fundamentals, a proactive mindset, and a genuine interest in restaurant development and hospitality.
Ideal qualifications and attributes
Experience in project management, construction coordination, restaurant development, hospitality development, or a related field.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and competing priorities.
Familiarity with construction schedules, design documentation, project tracking, and vendor coordination.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work effectively with architects, contractors, consultants, executives, and restaurant operations teams.
A proactive, solution-oriented approach with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-growing organization where priorities and project conditions can evolve.
Willingness to travel and provide on-site support during critical development and restaurant opening periods.
A collaborative, professional approach and a commitment to hospitality excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
Project Management & Execution
Responsible for coordinating deliverables and driving accountability across project teams.
Maintain critical paths, milestone schedules, project trackers, and key deliverables.
Monitor project progress and proactively identify schedule, budget, procurement, and construction risks.
Coordinate communication and follow-up between internal stakeholders and external partners.
Provide concise project updates, identify outstanding decisions, and escalate issues to Development leadership.
Design & Construction Coordination
Participate in design, construction, and owner-architect-contractor meetings.
Coordinate with architects, engineers, designers, general contractors, equipment suppliers, and consultants.
Track drawings, revisions, submittals, approvals, equipment requirements, and construction deliverables.
Assist with identifying and resolving coordination issues between design intent, construction conditions, and operational requirements.
Maintain construction punch lists and track outstanding items through completion.
Restaurant Openings & Field Execution
Serve as an on-site Development representative during critical project and restaurant opening periods.
Coordinate vendor installations, deliveries, construction turnover, and field logistics.
Work alongside Operations and Operational Readiness teams to support opening schedules and transitions.
Identify and escalate construction or vendor issues that could impact training, setup, or restaurant openings.
Support post-opening stabilization, project closeout, and lessons-learned reviews.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with Development, Culinary, Operations, Procurement, Finance, and external project stakeholders.
Maintain clear communication and accountability across multiple concurrent projects.
- Help strengthen and refine project management systems and processes as the organization continues to grow.
Benefits & Perks: Health, Dental, and Voluntary Benefits Package (available after 90 days), employer-sponsored mental health and resource program, 401(k) program, life insurance, wellness benefits, paid parental leave, paid vacation, career mentorship and growth potential, and dining incentives across our 20+ establishments!
About Boka Restaurant Group: Boka Restaurant Group is a James Beard Award-winning group, anchored by partnerships with some of American’s greatest chefs. With a firm belief that genuine hospitality makes the world a more human place, we strive beyond convention to believe in and support each other, care for our communities, and work together to build the world we want to live in. View our restaurants here: https://www.bokagrp.com/
More detail about Boka Restaurant Group part of BOKA Restaurant Group, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/24136-Boka-Restaurant-GroupLocation and commute
Chicago, IL .
Plan your route with Google Maps. Travel times and transportation options vary; confirm the work location with the employer before commuting.
How to apply
Review the vacancy and complete the application on the employer or recruitment partner’s website. Requisition ID: WJ-3219964043.