Operational Senior Project Manager

This job is with Entain, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. We are Entain. Powered by our very own technology and building products that push boundaries, Entain is home to a global family of more than 30+ well-known brands and over 29,000 people, but we all play for the same team. When we win, we win together. Our vision is to be the world number one in betting, gaming and interactive entertainment by bringing moments of excitement into people's lives. We will achieve this through our focus on sustainability and growth, driving change in the fast-paced world of entertainment.

The Operational Senior Project Manager will be an integral member of the UK&I Programme Team, providing essential support to the Head of Projects & Communications in delivering a portfolio of retail store and operational projects across the UK&I division. Working closely with department heads, key business stakeholders and our central PMO function, they will ensure consistent governance, control, coordination, decision making and effective implementation of all projects within their remit. Projects will range in size and scope and will include new store openings, refits and refurbishments, store format changes, experiential in‑store initiatives, people-led change, operational efficiency and process improvement.

Critically, as well as overseeing the overall project delivery, you will have line management responsibilities for another Project Manager, overseeing their project governance, end-to-end delivery, support, training and wellbeing. You will be responsible for ensuring effective implementation of all projects by working closely with our Retail Operations and Internal Communications teams to deliver clear, concise and timely communications and engagement to all stakeholders, particularly store and field teams.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the delivery of large, complex retail store and experiential projects and strategic initiatives, working across cross-functional teams to drive alignment and execution.
• Provide leadership, direction and oversight to other Project Managers, ensuring delivery to agreed scope, timelines, budget and quality standards.
• Own the end-to-end planning and delivery of assigned elements of the UK&I portfolio, ensuring clear milestones, dependencies and delivery governance.
• Be accountable for the full project lifecycle (initiation, planning, execution and closure), in line with the agreed project governance framework.
• Develop robust business cases for change, including clear articulation of benefits, costs, risks and timelines, securing stakeholder alignment and funding approval where required.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including SMEs and senior leadership, to enable effective decision-making and delivery.
• Proactively identify, manage and escalate risks, issues and changes through the agreed governance forums, ensuring timely visibility to the PMO and UK Leadership Team.
• Embed strong governance and control practices across all projects, ensuring risks, issues and changes are effectively tracked, mitigated and reported.
• Ensure effective transition of project outcomes into BAU, including agreed handover to Retail Operations, benefit realisation tracking and post-implementation review against defined KPIs.
• Drive continuous improvement by reviewing programme and project performance, capturing lessons learned and embedding best practice across future retail delivery.

Other Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership, coaching and development to team members, driving high performance and supporting delivery against individual and team objectives.
• Foster a positive, inclusive and high-performing team culture, promoting collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Work in close partnership with the PMO to ensure projects are aligned to governance standards, delivery plans and wider business objectives.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with Retail Operations, Property, VM and People teams, ensuring alignment, clear prioritisation and timely delivery of initiatives.
• Establish strong cross-functional relationships across Retail Operations, Programme and Communications teams to enable effective planning, coordination and execution of all initiatives.
• Deputise for the Head of Projects & Communications as required, representing the function in senior forums and decision-making discussions.

Qualifications:

• Proven track record of delivering large, complex, high-profile retail or store-based projects, to agreed scope, timelines and budget.
• Strong project and programme management capability, with experience across planning, governance, risk management and delivery controls.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams, including both direct and matrix management.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing capability, with experience engaging and aligning senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences, including store and field teams.
• Proven ability to define business requirements and translate these into structured, deliverable plans using recognised project management methodologies.
• Highly organised with strong prioritisation and time management skills, able to operate effectively in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective cross-functional relationships quickly.
• Proactive risk and issue management capability, including the ability to anticipate challenges and develop effective mitigation and contingency plans.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and coach individuals, driving performance and supporting talent development.

Additional Information:

At Entain, we know that signing top players requires a great starting package, and plenty of support to inspire peak performance. Join us, and a competitive salary is just the beginning. Working for us in the UK, you can expect to receive great benefits like:

• Generous group bonus scheme.
• Hybrid working – 2 days in the office.
• Private medical insurance.
• Pension scheme – matched to 6%.
• Ability to buy and sell holiday.
• Free subscription to wellbeing app Unmind.
• Additional "It's Your Game" day off to use at either Christmas or New Year.
• Entain & Enhance days – 2 paid days off to focus on your professional or personal development.
• Share save scheme.

And outside of this, you'll have the chance to turn recognition from leaders and colleagues into amazing prizes. Join a winning team of talented people and be a part of an inclusive and supportive community where everyone is celebrated for being themselves. Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us. At Entain, we do what's right. It's one of our core values and that's why we're taking the lead when it comes to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive future - for our people, and the wider global sports betting and gaming sector. However you identify, our ambition is to ensure our people across the globe feel valued, respected and their individuality celebrated. We comply with all applicable recruitment regulations and employment laws in the jurisdictions where we operate, ensuring ethical and compliant hiring practices globally.