Job Description

The Whole Foods Market Principal, Construction Program Manager serves as the Primary Store Development Contact for an operational leadership team or special project coordination group. You will lead ongoing operational area project requests, roll outs of store support or operational area initiatives, and PERF requests from store operations or product coordinators for an assigned area or program. You will bring hands on construction project management experience for remodels of existing conditions, site restraints, lease requirements, equipment and fixtures, and building systems.As the Whole Foods subject matter expert in construction project management for stores in operation you will provide ongoing scope analysis for project cost and timeline projections to inform budget approval requests, priority determination, and bandwidth support from the Construction Operations Group. You will directly lead and facilitate special projects which require construction response in operating stores, including projects like: Amazon initiatives, self-checkout implementation, Food Safety or Facility compliance needs to replacement of or moving refrigerated cases or equipment.

Key job responsibilities

• Supports concurrent remodel projects, as required, within the COG.

• Consultative leadership for PERF activity, providing construction project management expertise for Repair vs Replace decisions, in partnership with Facilities and Equipment teams.

• Primary store development partner for regional leadership teams and/or project coordinators.

• Conducts site due diligence as required to inform scope definition and project estimation

• Plays an active role in defining scope and pricing requests for new projects, concepts and ideas to inform project budget approval submissions and requests for resources.

• Skilled at project estimation which accounts for existing conditions.

• Identifies value engineering solutions to reduce the cost to build or project timeline.

• Experience in research of NBV for equipment and LHI

• Strong partnership with construction accounting and fixed assets team for capital versus expense determinations

• Strong partnership with finance in development of ROIC for regional initiatives or special projects

• Prepares combined project assessment details for roll out initiatives at a program level

• Ensures project decision-making and communication protocols are aligned with strategic and business objectives.

• Ownership and accountability for all scope required for a successful construction project, including budget development and adherence, planning, design, FF&E procurement, and infrastructure coordination.

• Accountable for overall project delivery schedule, coordinating: LL scope, GC milestones, fixturing and equipment delivery and install, vendor provided equipment, including identification of long lead long lead materials to mitigate risk of delay. Provides visibility and accountability to internal stakeholder deliverables that impact project cost or schedule.

• In a remodel environment, partners with store leadership to proactively communicate with customer base regarding store changes, ensuring accurate project planning to minimize construction impact to business, product, and operations labor.

• Direct procurement of equipment and systems as required, including but not limited to: walk in coolers/ freezers, electrical gear, lighting packages, camera and security equipment, exterior signage, for water treatment, hoods and exhaust, generator/ life safety, controls, and refrigeration.

• Supervises and performs construction administration as required, including: contract negotiation, development of project schedules, management of RFIs and submittals, management of change orders, maintenance of excellent project records, and ensures timely and accurate project closeout.

• Oversees project activities of design consultants, general contractors, and service providers. Ensures contractual agreements and vendor working relationships are developed, negotiated, and maintained.

• Oversees bidding process from RFP through contract award. Ensures that task order is in place prior to construction, and pay apps are executed in a timely manner.

• Manages LL reimbursable worksheet throughout the project, managing change orders and requests by both parties in an organized fashion, and providing bid data with excellent back up detail as required.

• Ensures builders risk and fire sprinkler submittal approvals are secured through appropriate service providers and Global Risk team

• Perform regular field visits / site inspections to inspect LL or GC progress based on critical path milestones

• Schedules and oversees project meetings and site activities, including but not limited to: CD % review, bid review, weekly OAC meetings, tender inspection, punch walks, commissioning, turnover inspections, and 11-month warranty walk.

• Provides weekly project status report, including current progress report, 3 week look ahead schedule, RFI and Change order review, photos of site progress, list of all open items which require decision, and

• escalation notice for any risks to budget or schedule.

• Upholds company standard in clean project delivery and turnover for operational and merchandising execution.

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Professional/ Project Management Knowledge:

• Advanced ability to work with design consultants to facilitate design development drawings and construction drawings

• Advanced ability to prepare and drive construction schedules effectively

• Expert understanding of WFMs project management methodologies and requirements.

• Expert ability to plan, estimate, organize, and monitor projects

• Advanced capability to oversee and advise on project management issues and assist with overcoming barriers

• Expert ability to keep multiple projects on track financially, creatively, and in accordance with stakeholder deadlines

• Advanced proficiency with project management software, such as Sharepoint, MS Project, and Basecamp

Interpersonal and Communication Skills:

• Conveys or consults on issues of moderate to significant complexity

• Regularly interacts with colleagues or customers up to the senior leadership level.

• Provides process and policy advice to TMs and customers

Teamwork & Collaboration

• Provides function-wide process advice and insight

• Offers guidance to less experienced TMs

• Consults with and advises senior-level stakeholders and leaders

Judgment and Problem Solving

• Develops complex solutions to business problems through in-depth analyses and coordination/ negotiation with key decision makers

• Uses experience, innovation, and judgement to make decisions that may be based on partial information.

• Considers enterprise-wide implications of decisions and recommendations

Organization & Business Knowledge:

• Leverages understanding of the customer base, market, and industry to drive project-related decisions and recommendations

• Demonstrates exceptional knowledge of the WFM product mix, supply base, and retail operations.

Education & Experience:

• BA/BS degree and 6-8 years relevant experience OR equivalent education and relevant experience

• 5+ years construction experience with critical infrastructure and/or refrigeration equipment

The wage range for this position is $98,278.63 - $132,676.15 Annual, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers “Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plan benefits, eligibility for a store discount, paid time off and access to other benefit programs. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person’s date of hire. Click here to learn more about all the benefits Whole Foods Market has to offer: www.mywfmbenefits.com.

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.

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