Project Manager

Overview

At Dunelm, we’re the UK’s number one choice for homewares because we make home life lovelier for our customers. 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.

About the New Stores and Refit Team

We’re part of the Instore 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 refits. We’re all about creating an experience that’s as enjoyable for our colleagues as it is for our customers.

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.
• 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 Instore Experience to confirm payback criteria before board approval.
• Liaising with contractors 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 to check progress, quality, and organisation.
• 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.

What we’ll look for in you:

• Confidence with AutoCAD, Excel and other Microsoft packages.
• A practical problem-solver who can think laterally and resolve issues on-site while keeping everything compliant.
• Awareness of sustainability and environmental impact.
• Ability to plan refurbishments in a way that minimises disruption for customers.
• Strong organisational skills to produce detailed programmes of work and keep contractors and suppliers on schedule.

D&I statement

Dunelm is committed to becoming an inclusive business that is representative of our customers and locations. We recognise the value in diversity and welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, religion, disability, gender or sexual identity, socio-economic background or education.

Our commitment to you

Accessibility allows everyone to have an equitable chance when applying and showing off their potential. Should you need it, we have an accessibility tool available to support you when you’re completing your application.

Work your way

We want our colleagues to feel at home wherever they work, so that they are comfortable and can be their best selves.

Wellbeing is more than just a buzzword here. From our Wellbeing Buddies and Mental Health First Aid training to our progressive parental leave, menopause policies and Colleague Support Fund, we’re committed to supporting our colleagues in every area - and at every stage - of their lives.

Where you’ll be working: Watermead, Pontylue Way, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE7 1AD