Job Description:
The Vice President of Development is responsible for diligently managing the buildout of all new Uchi and Loro restaurants as well as the renovations of Hai’s existing restaurant portfolio. The VP of Development will report directly to the Chief Development Officer while working closely with the Hai internal design team as well as Hai’s operations and chef teams to ensure a cohesive and coordinated process throughout all stages of project development. The VP of Development will lead an internal team of construction managers and have responsibility for delivering all projects on schedule and on budget.
Primary Areas of Responsibility:
▪ Team Management:
o Lead, manage, and mentor the in-house construction management team
o Build, develop, and retain high-performing construction staff
o Establish accountability, performance standards, and KPIs for the team
o Foster a proactive, solution-oriented culture (not just issue escalation)
o Partner cross-functionally with Development, Design, Finance, and Operations teams
o Develop succession planning and leadership pipeline within construction function
▪ Contractor & Vendor Management:
o Interview, diligence, and select general contractors in partnership with CDO
o Oversee and manage all general contractors across projects
o Negotiate AIA contracts and vet bids for completeness and accuracy
o Build and maintain strong relationships with contractor project managers
o Ensure coordination across all vendors (GC, kitchen, AV, refrigeration, landscaping, etc.)
o Resolve disputes, issues, and performance concerns in a timely manner
o Establish preferred vendor/GC network and performance scorecards
o Standardize procurement and bid leveling processes
▪ Preconstruction & Planning:
o Assist in feasibility studies and early-stage project evaluation
o Develop realistic construction budgets and project schedules
o Provide constructability input during conceptual and design phases
o Review and redline schematic and design development plans
o Identify design gaps, errors, and omissions prior to construction
o Review permit and bid drawing sets
o Approve final plans prior to permitting and procurement
o Lead value engineering efforts to optimize cost and efficiency
o Align scope, budget, and schedule with overall development pro forma
▪ Project Execution & Oversight:
o Ensure timely project starts and adherence to approved schedules
o Maintain deep understanding of each project’s scope, timeline, and risks
o Attend OAC meetings and provide direction to GCs and consultants
o Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress and quality
o Oversee punch list completion and project turnover readiness
o Coordinate smooth handoff to operations and opening teams
o Enforce construction quality standards and brand consistency across locations
o Implement standardized project execution playbooks
▪ Financial Oversight & Cost Control:
o Maintain accurate project budgets and cost projections
o Review and approve contractor payment applications
o Manage change orders, ensuring cost and scope alignment
o Produce monthly project status reports (budget vs. actual, forecast, schedule)
o Monitor financial risks and escalate as needed
o Ensure lien waivers and claim releases are properly executed
o Drive cost benchmarking across projects and markets
o Identify and implement cost-saving strategies at scale
▪ Schedule & Risk Management:
o Monitor adherence to project schedules and milestones
o Identify and report risks to budget and timeline (weekly to CDO)
o Proactively solve problems impacting delivery
o Ensure timely responses to RFIs, submittals, and field issues
o Develop mitigation strategies for delays, supply chain issues, and permitting risks
o Implement standardized risk tracking and reporting systems
▪ Design & Technical Coordination:
o Provide building and systems input during early design phases
o Ensure alignment between design intent and construction execution
o Coordinate with architects, engineers, and consultants
o Review drawings for constructability and compliance
o Ensure integration of brand standards and operational requirements into design
o Drive continuous improvement feedback loop between construction and design teams
▪ Regulatory, Permitting & Compliance:
o Verify compliance with municipal requirements (health, signage, permits, etc.)
o Approve plans prior to submission for permitting
o Ensure projects meet all regulatory and code requirements
o Oversee permitting strategy and jurisdictional risk management
o Ensure ADA, life safety, and health compliance across all projects
▪ Closeout & Turnover:
o Oversee punch list completion and final inspections
o Ensure compliance with all project closeout requirements
o Coordinate turnover to operations and opening teams
o Ensure all documentation, warranties, and manuals are delivered
o Standardize closeout procedures and timelines across projects
▪ Cross-Functional & Operational Integration:
o Work with finance (comptroller) and GCs on utilities setup
o Partner with operations for seamless NRO (New Restaurant Opening) execution
o Collaborate with internal teams to improve renovation and maintenance processes
o Align construction timelines with marketing and operational launch plans
o Support lifecycle asset management and capital planning
▪ Process Improvement & Systems:
o Improve processes and tools supporting construction and renovations
o Drive efficiency in workflows and communication
o Implement construction management systems and reporting dashboards
o Standardize documentation, templates, and SOPs
o Leverage data to improve forecasting and execution performance
▪ Leadership:
o Be a brand ambassador and behavior model our Mission, Values, and Culture.
o Provide a hands-on visible presence and leadership.
o Be a motivator; a role model demonstrating team-first leadership mentality.
o Build and maintain trusting relationships with restaurant and home office teams.
o Be a collaborative, energetic, and solutions-oriented leader.
o Foster growth oriented, positive, and encouraging environment while keeping restaurant management accountable to company policies, procedures, and guidelines.
o Maintain effective relationships with various leaders with a focus on collaboration, openness, solutions-first approach.
o Communicate effectively and routinely regarding all significant matters, problems, projects, etc.
o Maintain a high degree of accessibility and availability to listen, learn, and solve problems.
o Support transparent and ongoing communications with all departments and restaurants.
Our Arizona and Florida locations participate in E-Verify. For more information below, please follow the links below:
Hai Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
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