Project Executive - Food and Beverage

Job Title: Project Executive - Food and Beverage (Manufacturing)

This is an operational leadership position, balancing business development with direct operational oversight of key projects and teams within the Food and Beverage industry sector.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive food and beverage construction experience and play a key role in securing clients, scaling teams, and delivering high-volume programs across The Yates Companies.

Key Responsibilities:

Business Development & Strategic Growth

• Collaborate with work acquisition team to identify and win new F&B clients through networking, industry outreach, and targeted relationship-building.
• Support the development of client-specific pursuit strategies, proposals, and presentations.
• Support the creation of market-entry plans and growth initiatives in emerging or underrepresented regions.

Client Leadership & Account Oversight

• Act as the executive liaison for assigned F&B clients, ensuring satisfaction and long-term partnership growth.
• Develop strategic client roadmaps that align with sector and regional growth goals.
• Translate client expectations into field-executable strategies.

Field Operations & Project Delivery

• Provide senior-level oversight across all phases of construction, including site mobilization, permitting, schedule execution, and turnover.
• Conduct regular site visits to assess progress, resolve field-level issues, and ensure adherence to quality, safety, and brand standards.
• Support superintendents and project managers in addressing the unique operational challenges of F&B construction, such as:
  • Hygienic design and construction
  • Proper PPE for food-grade facilities
  • Working in sterile environments
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and internal safety standards through close coordination with the safety team.
• Troubleshoot critical issues that impact timelines or client operations, leveraging experience to implement swift, cost-effective solutions.
• Collaboration with A/E and MEP partners.

Team Development & Internal Leadership

• Mentor field staff, project managers, and engineers on best practices for F&B project delivery.
• Lead project kickoffs, OAC (Owner-Architect-Contractor) meetings, and executive p