Project Manager

Construction Project Manager
Location: Columbia, MO (Hybrid + Multi-State Travel Required)
Department: Store Openings & Execution / Operations
Employment Type: Full-Time

Join Shangri-La
Shangri-La is a multi-state cannabis organization focused on building safe, compliant, high-performing dispensary experiences. As we expand across multiple markets, we are looking for a hands-on Construction Project Manager to lead retail buildouts from start to finish, ensuring projects stay on schedule, within budget, and compliant with state and local cannabis regulations. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced construction environments, is highly organized, and can communicate clearly with contractors, architects, ownership, and internal teams.

About the Role
The Construction Project Manager is responsible for managing new store construction and renovation projects across multiple states from inception through completion. This includes site readiness, vendor coordination, schedule management, budget oversight, permitting support, construction progress tracking, punch lists, and handoff to operations for final opening. This role is accountable for ensuring every store opening is executed consistently, efficiently, and in alignment with company standards.

Key Responsibilities
Project Ownership
•Own construction projects across multiple states from initial scope through final turnover and opening readiness.
•Create and maintain project timelines, milestones, and weekly progress reporting.
•Coordinate and lead internal kickoff calls and recurring project status meetings.
•Ensure construction plans align with retail operational needs, security requirements, and compliance expectations.
Vendor & Contractor Management
•Serve as the primary point of contact for contractors, subcontractors, architects, and engineers.
•Manage vendor communication, accountability, and execution of contracted scope.
•Review and track change orders, ensuring costs and scope are approved appropriately.
•Maintain strong relationships with local trades and service providers across different markets.
Budget & Cost Control
•Support development of construction budgets and ensure cost tracking throughout each project.
•Monitor expenses, invoices, and vendor billing for accuracy.
•Identify cost-saving opportunities without sacrificing quality or compliance.
•Flag risks early and communicate budget variances to leadership.
Permitting & Compliance Support
•Partner with internal compliance and operations teams to ensure buildouts align with cannabis regulatory standards.
•Support local permitting processes, inspections, and municipal requirements.
•Coordinate with security and IT teams to ensure required infrastructure is installed properly (cameras, alarms, network, access control, etc.).
•Ensure dispensary buildouts meet brand and customer experience standards.

Site Oversight & Quality Control
•Conduct regular site visits across multiple states and manage construction progress in real time.
•Identify and resolve build issues quickly and professionally.
•Maintain punch lists and ensure completion of all outstanding items before handoff.
•Ensure stores are delivered clean, safe, and opening-ready.
Cross-Functional Store Opening Coordination
•Coordinate with internal teams including Operations, IT, Security, Inventory, Marketing, and HR to ensure opening readiness.
•Support store opening execution plans including: Furniture, fixtures, and equipment installation (FF&E), Technology setup coordination, Security system readiness, Back-of-house buildout requirements, Customer flow and sales floor readiness
Documentation & Reporting
•Maintain accurate project documentation including schedules, invoices, photos, vendor contacts, and progress updates.
•Provide weekly project status reports to leadership with clear updates on: Timeline, Budget, Risks/issues, Next steps
•Ensure all final documents are archived and accessible for future reference.

Qualifications
•3+ years of construction project management experience (retail preferred).
•Experience managing projects across multiple locations and/or multiple markets.
•Strong working knowledge of construction scheduling, scope management, and budget tracking.
•Comfortable working with contractors, city inspectors, architects, engineers, and internal stakeholders.
•Excellent organization and communication skills.
•Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
•Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Teams) and project tracking tools.
•Valid driver's license and ability to travel regularly.

Preferred Experience
•Experience in cannabis, highly regulated industries, retail banking, or healthcare construction.
•Experience managing security infrastructure requirements.
•Experience with store openings, tenant improvements, and renovation projects.
•Familiarity with compliance-driven buildouts and inspection requirements.
•Experience supporting multi-state expansion or rapid retail growth.

Work Environment & Travel
•This position is based in Columbia, MO with frequent travel to store sites across multiple states.
•Must be comfortable working in active construction environments and adapting to different state requirements.

What Success Looks Like
•Projects open on time and meet operational standards.
•Construction budgets are controlled and clearly tracked.
•Vendors and contractors are accountable and responsive.
•Stores are handed off clean, complete, and opening-ready.
•Internal teams feel supported, informed, and aligned throughout the process.