Expansion Project Lead

About Our Company:

At Da Vien Coffee, we are passionate about bringing the richness of Vietnamese coffee to the world while delivering exceptional experiences beyond the cup. Rooted in tradition, our high-quality coffee beans are handpicked from our hometown farms, offering an authentic, rich, and bold coffee. We are looking for an enthusiastic, dependable, and hardworking Expansion Project Lead to join the Da Vien Coffee team and help lead successful development and openings of new locations.

Job Description:

The Expansion Project Lead is responsible for planning and driving the execution of new store development projects from lease signing through grand opening. This role works closely with landlords, architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, vendors, and internal departments to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with Da Vien Coffee’s standards.

Department: Business and Development

Reports To: Founder

Job Type:

• Full time

• In-person

FLSA Status:

• Exempt

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of new store development from lease execution through grand opening.

• Create and maintain project schedules, milestone trackers, and critical-path timelines.

• Monitor project progress and proactively identify and resolve delays.

• Oversee permit applications, inspections, and licensing requirements.

• Lead communications with architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and vendors.

• Track construction milestones, equipment deliveries, and store readiness.

• Prepare project status reports and communicate updates to leadership.

• Track project budgets, invoices, and expenses.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Local permitting/regulatory familiarity — knowing how Orange County and Los Angeles County’s city building, health, and business licensing processes work individually.

• Lease and contract literacy — comfortable reading commercial lease terms (TI allowances, CAM charges, rent commencement dates), and vendor agreements to proactively identify and flag operational risks.

• Vendor sourcing and negotiation — comparing quotes and negotiating pricing; optimizing delivery schedules for key equipment, furniture, and signage.

• Construction/build-out literacy — reading floor plans and construction schedules, tracking punch lists, and accurately assessing project health at every construction stage.

• Problem Solving/Time Management — ability to re-sequence a timeline and reallocate resources the moment unforeseen challenges (e.g., failed inspections, delayed permits, or contractor slips) occur.

Qualifications:

Required

• 3+ years of project coordination, retail development, restaurant development, or construction experience.

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Proven ability to solve complex scheduling problems under intense time pressure and adapt to unpredictable project shifts.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, Google Sheets, and project management software for budget and timeline tracking alongside ClickUp.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following or a related field of study: Business Administration/Management, Construction Management, Operations Management, Hospitality management, or Real Estate Management

• Expansion or real estate experience in the Food and Beverage Industry

Schedule Requirement:

• Schedule: May very based on production needs and developmental progress

  • 40 hours per week

  • Typical workdays: Monday-Friday, 8:30a.m. -5:30 p.m. with 1 hour break

  • Flexible Scheduling (if applicable)

• Able to work Holidays and weekends as needed

Work Location:

• Da Vien Head Quarters - Garden Grove

Travel Requirements

• Up to 25% travel to Da Vien store locations throughout Los Angeles and Orange County

• Ability to use a personal vehicle for business travel between company locations.

• Approved business travel mileage will be reimbursed in accordance with company policy

Compensation:

• $70,000 - $80,000 per year; based on qualifications, skills, and relevant experience

• Monthly cellphone reimbursement

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Full-time employees)

• Paid Time Off (PTO) (Full-time employees)

• Paid Sick Leave

• Paid Holidays

• 401(k)

• Employee Discount

• Complimentary Drinks

• Company-Sponsored Holiday and Team-Building Events

• Professional Development and Advancement Opportunities