Store Development Project Manager in London

Home. There's no place like it. And there's no feeling like helping people create the joy of feeling truly at home. At Dunelm, that's what we do. We're the UK's number one choice for homewares because we make home life lovelier for our customers. The caring and encouraging culture we've created makes this a place you'll feel right at home too.

We are determined in our plans to increase further expansion of the business to more customers, shopping more frequently, with more choice, enhanced digital and physical services, and new capabilities to innovate and operate at pace in a fast‐changing landscape. In developing the business for the long‐term benefit of our customers, we are investing in our supply chain, stores and technology to improve the customer proposition as we progress.

About the New Stores and Refit: We're part of the In‐store Experience team – side by side with Store Experience, Pausa, ME, POS, and Store Format. Together, we're the people behind how our shops feel – and our team's job is to bring it all together in our new stores and refit. From beautiful product displays to thoughtful layouts and seamless customer service, we take the best of what we've learned and build it into every new space. We're all about creating an experience that's as enjoyable for our colleagues as it is for our customers.

Things move fast here – no two days are the same. With every new project comes a chance to learn, grow and make it even better than the last. If you like a bit of variety, you'll feel right at home. We work hand‐in‐hand with the Development team, I&A, Store Operations and our Store and Regional Coaches – it's a real team effort.

About the Role: The role will involve preparation of scope of works, AutoCAD drawings, tender documentation, detailed analysis and agreement of tender costs, financial account and purchase ledger management and preparation and agreement of detailed programmes. Ensure that adherence to Building Regulations and HSE guidelines are compiled and auditable on completion of each project.

What you'll be doing:

• Visiting sites with the Senior Project Manager or Head of Development to understand the full scope of each project.
• Creating feasibility drawings and discussion plans so we can review ideas, check costs, and make sure everything meets local and statutory requirements before board approval.
• Working with specialist consultants and contractors to pull together detailed plans and specifications for the overall design and tender package.
• Collaborating closely with the New Store and Refit Merchandising team to agree on phasing and handover timings – and keeping store and area coaches in the loop.
• Producing working drawings and submitting them to local authorities or approved inspectors to get the green light.
• Preparing drawings for contractors, managing tenders, and reviewing returns to make sure costs are fair and reflect the project requirements.
• Pulling together Capex submissions with finance teams and the Head of In‐store Experience to confirm payback criteria before board approval.
• Liaising with contractors – both successful and unsuccessful – and arranging pre‐start meetings with the winning team.
• Raising and tracking purchase orders so the ledger stays accurate and up to date.
• Visiting sites regularly (at least twice a week) to check progress, quality, and organisation – and making sure everything stays on programme.
• Submitting weekly health and safety and photographic progress reports.
• Handing over completed sections to the merchandising team on time, with all fixtures and fittings ready to go.
• Ensuring handovers are snag‐free – and resolving any issues quickly if they pop up.
• Producing H&S and O&M handover packs with the consultant and training store managers on any new equipment.
• Agreeing final accounts with suppliers within four weeks of handover and submitting all H&S O&M files within 12 weeks, including signage and approvals.

What we'll look for in you:

• Confidence with AutoCAD, Excel and other Microsoft packages – you'll be preparing and updating drawings and keeping cost control documentation accurate.
• A practical problem‐solver who can think laterally and resolve issues on‐site while keeping everything compliant.
• Awareness of sustainability and environmental impact – we take a long‐term view and want decisions that are right for the future.
• Ability to plan refurbishments in a way that minimises disruption for customers and keeps trading areas open as much as possible.
• Strong organisational skills to produce detailed programmes of work and keep contractors and suppliers on schedule.