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- Tasks: Lead exciting projects for new store openings and renewals, ensuring a seamless customer experience.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Dunelm, focused on innovative retail solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working options, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Be part of a forward-thinking company that values creativity and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how customers experience our stores and drive continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and strong collaboration skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The department oversees every aspect of the in‑store experience, covering our full range of formats — from Lifestyle and Local to Superstores. This includes store design, space planning, planograms, POS and signage, as well as the delivery and management of all New Stores and Renewals.
While these are our core responsibilities, partnership is essential. We work closely with teams across the business to create a consistent, aligned experience for our customers. Key collaborators include Marketing, Store Operations, Continuous Improvement, Space Planning, Commercial, I&A, Finance and Store Development. We also support wider business objectives, playing an active role in cross‑functional projects and outcomes.
Staying connected to the industry is a crucial part of our work. The team continually monitors competitor activity and emerging trends — from product innovation and sustainability initiatives to planogram evolution, store formats and customer messaging.
A major output of the department is store format development. This spans everything from iterative improvements to full end‑to‑end launches of new departmental formats. Our work covers layout, customer flow, fixtures and fittings, planograms, signage and POS.
Ultimately, our goal is to ensure our stores are inspiring, easy to shop and set up for continued growth, creating a seamless, enjoyable experience for every customer who walks through our doors.
What you'll be doing:
- The purpose of the role is primarily to lead Dunelm’s programme of activity for both New Stores and Renewals.
- Expert knowledge of all Critical Paths that are required to deliver successful project launches.
- Full knowledge of all working practices, ranging from an expert in Health & Safety, administrative reporting and task.
- Collaborative relationship with all key business partners, particularly Store Development, contractors and operational leads i.e. Store Coaches, Regional Coaches.
- Continuous improvement should be an always on mindset, this will range from critical paths, partnering ME, space planning team to ensure maximising productivity and delivering an outstanding customer proposition.
- Manage Renewals on a daily basis ensuring that the agreed phasing and critical paths are on schedule and delivered to the expected standard.
- Regular communication with key business partners within ISE and externally to ensure that phasing and departments are launched on time.
- Ability to lead on all essential processes, ranging from stock management, ME implementation to Store Format.
- Build working relationship with two‑way communication to give feedback on store implementation, this could range from continuous improvement through to ME implementation.
Project Manager - New Stores & Renewals (Maternity Cover) in Leicester employer: Dunelm
Contact Detail:
Dunelm Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager - New Stores & Renewals (Maternity Cover) in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in project management or retail. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at a networking event or an interview, be ready to discuss specific projects you've managed. Highlight your experience with store formats and renewals to make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on industry trends! Keep an eye on what competitors are doing and any new innovations in store design or customer experience. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show that you're passionate about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. It shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out in the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager - New Stores & Renewals (Maternity Cover) in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Project Management Skills: Make sure to highlight your experience in managing projects, especially in retail or store environments. We want to see how you've successfully led projects from start to finish, so don’t hold back on the details!
Collaborate and Communicate: Since this role involves working closely with various teams, emphasise your collaborative skills. Share examples of how you've built relationships and communicated effectively with different stakeholders in past roles.
Focus on Continuous Improvement: We love a candidate who’s always looking to improve! Mention any initiatives you’ve taken to enhance processes or customer experiences in previous positions. Show us your mindset for continuous improvement!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you into our system. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dunelm
✨Know Your Project Management Basics
Brush up on your project management knowledge, especially around critical paths and health & safety regulations. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed similar projects in the past, as this will show your expertise and confidence.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires strong partnerships with various teams. Prepare examples of how you've worked collaboratively in previous roles, particularly with store development or operational leads. Highlight your communication skills and how you foster two-way feedback.
✨Stay Ahead of Industry Trends
Demonstrate your awareness of current trends in retail and store formats. Research competitors and be prepared to discuss innovative ideas that could enhance the in-store experience. This shows you're proactive and engaged with the industry.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Be ready to talk about how you've implemented continuous improvement strategies in your past projects. Share specific examples where your mindset led to enhanced productivity or customer satisfaction, aligning with the company's goals for growth.