Early Stage Development Project Engineer

Title: Early Stage Development Project Engineer

Location: La Plata, Maryland

Department: Real Estate and Development7

Salary: USD 115000 - 145000 Annually

Description

Position at The Wills Group, Inc

 

Job Purpose and Function

As the Store Development Project Manager, you’ll play a critical role in bringing our store expansion and remodels to life across the Mid and South Atlantic regions. From site due diligence through permitting and pre-construction, you will manage the early lifecycle of new and redeveloped Dash In and Splash In locations—ensuring projects are scoped thoughtfully, permitted efficiently, and positioned for successful delivery to construction.

 

This role is ideal for a proactive and organized project manager who thrives in cross-functional environments and is passionate about quality design, operational excellence, and delivering elevated guest experiences through retail environments.

 

How You’ll Make an Impact  

• Lead the design, engineering, permitting, and pre-construction process for new builds, major remodels, and fuel system upgrades across Dash In’s portfolio.
• Develop and manage pre-construction budgets including site investigation, due diligence, design fees, and permitting costs. Own the project schedule from initial concept through handoff to construction.
• Partner with Real Estate, Construction, and Legal teams to conduct site investigations and review due diligence reports (environmental, geotechnical, survey, etc.). Identify risks, constraints, and opportunities to inform business cases.
• Coordinate external consultants and internal stakeholders to develop site plans and building designs that meet Dash In standards, zoning requirements, and operational goals. Oversee entitlement processes including community meetings and government approvals.
• Lead cross-functional meetings and communicate project status, challenges, and opportunities to internal teams and leadership. Serve as the primary point of contact with municipalities, consultants, and permitting agencies during the development phase.
• Ensure all development plans align with lease, purchase, and easement agreements. Support Legal and Real Estate in contract negotiation by identifying site-specific risks and conditions.
• Maintain accurate documentation, schedules, and progress reports in designated project management platforms (e.g., Smartsheet, Procore, etc.).

 

What We’re Looking For

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field required.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in commercial or retail development project management.
• Familiarity with permitting and development processes in North & South Carolina strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of site design, civil engineering, and entitlement workflows.
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills with a knack for problem solving and relationship management.
• Experience with project management software and tools (Smartsheet, MS Project, Procore, etc.).
• Authorization to work in the U.S. (visa sponsorship or C2C opportunities not available at this time).
• Willing to submit to a pre-employment background check and driving record check in accordance with local, state, and federal laws.
• Driver’s license and ability to maintain a clean driving record, utilizing personal vehicle for travel to across operating areas with a focus on North Carolina with mileage reimbursement through our vehicle reimbursement program.

An ideal candidate will also have

• Previous experience managing fuel-related developments or c-store portfolios.

Availability and Travel  

• This hybrid role complies with our company’s hybrid schedule. Our operating days and hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with expectation of office & field days being Tuesday through Thursday, reserving Monday and Friday as work-from-home.
• Occasionally, business needs may require periodic work obligations outside of core business hours such as city and/or county meetings.
• This role may require occasional travel, including overnight stays for training, conferences, or other events with reimbursement available for approved accommodations and/or expenses.
• This role requires utilization of your personal vehicle for travel; mileage reimbursement and/or vehicle reimbursement programs are offered by Wills Group accordingly.

ADA Compliance

The Wills Group is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering an inclusive workplace for individuals with disabilities. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we ensure that all qualified individuals are given the necessary accommodations to perform the essential functions of their roles.

We encourage open communication and collaboration to identify and implement reasonable accommodations that support the success of our employees while maintaining operational excellence. Reasonable accommodations can be discussed during the hiring process.

Why You Should Join Wills Group

As a thriving, family-owned, $1.5 billion company headquartered in scenic La Plata, Maryland, (a 45-minute commute from Washington, DC), we take pride in our strong presence across the Mid-Atlantic region. Featuring nearly 300 retail locations of our family of brands including Dash In, Splash In ECO Car Wash, and SMO Motor Fuels, we are shaping the future of convenience retailing, fuels marketing, and commercial real estate. 

Since 1926, our work-hard, play-hard mentality propels us to serve the communities that have supported us throughout the years. Keeping lives in motion is more than our mission--it's our way of life! We're dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace new possibilities and chart their own paths to success. Discover the fulfillment of working alongside passionate professionals, where your ideas are valued, and your potential is nurtured. Become part of something bigger when you join the Wills Group!

Benefits and Perks

Embark on a rewarding journey where your growth, future, and well-being take center stage! As a certified Great Place to Work™, the Wills Group understands today's professionals desire meaningful careers with a culture that's as authentic as possible. We pride ourselves in fostering an environment that supports your overall development.

Look forward to joining a company that celebrates your wins whether big or small. You can count on us to provide industry-leading total rewards packages that include a range of benefits and perks that contribute to your overall well-being:

• Financial Well-being: Employer 401(k) match (currently at 7%), health savings plan, and financial planning.   
• Physical Well-being: Comprehensive health, vision, and dental plans tailored to meet the needs of our people and their families, even their pets!  
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick, personal, community engagement, and parental leave for new parents.   
• Work/Life Balance: Hybrid and flexible work environment, Employee Assistance Program, travel assistance, family life planning.
• Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy discounts on theme parks, Broadway shows, concerts, travel, shopping, dining, and wellness services. 
• Education and Development Opportunities: 100% tuition reimbursement to support our team’s education goals, robust development programs, and certificate program assistance (up to 100% employer-paid).  
• Competitive Salary: Competitive pay matched to DC Metro area. 

 

Wills Group does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies in response to the Wills Group careers page or a Wills Group social media post. Wills Group will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee relating to these unsolicited resumes. Wills Group explicitly reserves the right to hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Wills Group.

 

Wills Group is an equal opportunity employer. Wills Group does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need. #HQ #LI-TWGI