Our secret to leading the way in hospitality? We put our people first!
At Shake Shack, our mission is to Stand For Something Good in all that we do. From our teams to our neighborhoods, we're committed to always doing the right thing. As one of the fastest-growing hospitality brands, we're all about crafting unforgettable experiences for our guests. We offer endless learning opportunities and the chance to make a lasting impact on our business, restaurants, and communities. As a member of the #ShackFam, you’ll have access to hands-on mentorship, training, and growth potential, all in a fun and inclusive environment.
Join us and Be a Part of Something Good.
Job Summary
The Development Project Manager is responsible for supporting and managing the full pre-construction process for assigned new store development projects, from site handoff through construction start. This role is responsible for hands-on project coordination and execution, including developing and tracking schedules, managing project pacing, and supporting execution plans to help deliver projects on schedule, within scope, and aligned with organizational goals. The Development Project Manager partners closely with internal cross-functional teams and external stakeholders to support project delivery, with an emphasis on landlord coordination, entitlements, permitting, and clear communication. This role operates with guidance from the Senior Manager, Development while owning day-to-day project details and follow-through.
Job Responsibilities And Duties
- Manage assigned development projects from site handoff through construction start, supporting overall schedules, landlord deliverables, entitlements, and permitting activities.
- Develop and maintain project execution plans and schedules for assigned projects, tracking timelines and key milestones in alignment with landlord delivery requirements and departmental priorities.
- Monitor project progress and day-to-day tasks, proactively identifying risks or blockers and escalating issues to leadership as needed to maintain schedule, budget, and quality targets.
- Serve as a primary day-to-day point of contact for assigned projects, coordinating with internal teams, external consultants, and landlords under the guidance of senior development leadership.
- Coordinate cross-functionally with real estate, design, permitting, pre-construction, and construction teams to support task resolution and ensure timely completion of project requirements.
- Maintain and update project schedules, budgets, and status reports for assigned projects; communicate risks, changes, and delays clearly to senior leadership.
- Support entitlement and permitting activities for assigned sites, coordinating with consultants, municipalities, and internal partners to advance approvals.
- Participate in regional pipeline meetings; track assigned action items and support follow-through.
- Lead and support internal project kickoffs meetings and due diligence reviews for assigned projects, assisting with preparation, documentation, and next-step tracking.
- Establish and monitor development budgets for assigned projects, flagging variances or concerns to leadership.
- Attend project meetings and provide clear updates on schedules, risks, and outstanding actions for projects.
- Conduct site visits as needed to support verification of landlord work progress and assist in coordinating resolution of deficiencies.
- Contribute to process improvement initiatives by providing feedback and insights based on hands-on project execution experience.
- Collaborate closely with the Permitting Manager and broader permitting team, supporting alignment and information flow for assigned projects.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
- Strong understanding of end-to-end development processes, with expertise in entitlements and permitting.
- Experience developing and executing project schedules, pacing, and project execution plans.
- Exceptional communication, organization, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Ability to operate effectively with direction while managing day-to-day execution independently.
- Proficiency in project tracking tools and scheduling software; Excel and Microsoft Office required.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, and Bluebeam preferred.
- Domestic travel required.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's Degree
Education or Certificate Details
Degree in Real Estate, Construction, Architecture, Interior Design or Engineering
Work Experience
4-6 years of progressive experience in a real estate development, design project management, construction project management, or related field managing multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment
Related Experience
- Real Estate Development
- Construction
- Project Management
- Architecture/Engineering
- Tenant Coordination
- Permitting and Entitlements
Physical Requirements
Precise hand/eye coordination
Basic keyboarding or other repetitive motions
Benefits At Shake Shack
A work environment where you can come as you are, share your ideas, have fun, and work collaboratively:
- Weekly Pay and Performance bonuses
- Shake Shack Meal Discounts
- Exclusive corporate discounts for travel, electronics, wellness, leisure activities and more
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance*
- Employer Paid Life and Disability Insurance*
- 401k Plan with Company Match*
- Paid Time Off*
- Paid Parental Leave*
- Access to Employee Assistance Program on Day 1
- Pre-Tax Commuter and Parking Benefits
- Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts*
- Development and Growth Opportunities
- Eligibility criteria applies
Pay Range - $103,050.00 - $135,300.00
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About Us
Beginning as a hot dog cart in New York City’s Madison Square Park, Shake Shack was created by Danny Meyer, Founder and CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group and best-selling author of Setting the Table. Shack Fans lined up daily, making the cart a resounding success, and donating all proceeds back to the park beautification efforts. A permanent stand was eventually built…and the rest is Shack history! With our roots in fine dining and giving back to the community, we are committed to high quality food served with a high level of hospitality. Our team members enjoy a positive work environment that is deeply committed to the philosophy that we "Stand for Something Good."
Shake Shack is an Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic, including race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability (mental and physical), sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital, military and veteran status.
