Contract / Project Manager (Fit-Out / Construction) in Worcester

Location: Malvern, Worcestershire

Salary Expectations: £40,000 - £55,000 Full-time

About the Business

With project schedules already busy through 2026 and into 2027, we are looking to further expand our team. Having recently bolstered our architectural/design desks, we are now seeking an experienced Project Manager. This role is to have distinct and complementary purposes alongside our established Site/Fit-Out Management team.

Established in 2004, we’re a successful and award-winning Retail/Commercial Design + Build team. Together, we’re the people behind how our client’s premises feel – and our team’s job is to bring it all together. From the design, build and re-fit of beautiful new stores and commercial spaces with thoughtful layouts, product displays and great customer experience, we take the best of what we’ve learned and build it into every project. We’re all about creating an experience that’s as enjoyable for our client colleagues as it is for their customers.

Purposeful design, collaborative integrity, enduring quality – these values live through everything we do. Without the collaboration, honesty and friendship between our teams, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We curate a world of beauty that’s ethical, inclusive – and importantly – good fun. We create commercial design that means business. We are Formadesign.

Role Overview

The role will involve an ability to work from drawings produced by the architectural design team and to then prepare scope of works, specification/tender documentation, detailed analysis and agreement of tender costs, financial account and purchase ledger management and preparation and agreement of detailed programmes. Ensure that Building Regulations and HSE guidelines are followed, compiled and auditable on completion of each project.

The Project Manager will work with the direction of the Managing Director to manage projects with internal teams and third parties that have been prioritised in the Forma portfolio. They are responsible for the effective delivery and governance of their projects ensuring these are managed, communicated, and documented to all stakeholders whilst collaboratively engaging relevant partners, delivery teams and business teams to support the success of those projects. The role requires someone with proven experience in an operational retail or commercial setting.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Be accountable for overall project success by owning the project end-to-end and supporting the Managing Director in delivering the business objectives.
• Positively engaging with customers to develop, grow and maintain relationships.
• Delivering high quality services and objectives, ensuring focus on strategy, coordination and meeting our Client requirements.
• Managing projects and/or programmes to deliver high quality services and deliverables in accordance with the business procedures.
• Administering contracts as a contract administrator, employer’s agent or project manager to manage scope, budget, timeline, risk & stakeholders.
• Meeting and presenting to clients, consultants, authorities & internal teams.
• Identifying new business development opportunities and driving growth across the business activities.
• Ability to support the Site Manager and ensure timely, high-quality project delivery.

Experience, Knowledge And Key Skills

• Sound project management and/or programme management experience post qualification - Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Construction or a related field preferred.
• Sound knowledge and practiced experience of project management techniques. Minimum 5 years’ experience in project management, ideally with premium high street and established national/global brand environments.
• Strong understanding of technical drawing reviews, construction details, and commercial project/shop-fitting processes.
• Clear understanding of legislation impacting on building contracts.
• Excellent communication skills - both oral and written.
• Methodical way of thinking and approach to work.
• Ability to absorb complex information and assess requirements readily.
• Excellent problem solving, negotiating, financial and numeracy skills.
• A high proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. An ability to open and read AutoCAD (or equivalent design software) will be necessary.
• Awareness of new sustainable materials, innovations, and digital solutions in design.

What you'll be doing

• A mix of being office based and visiting ‘live’ or ‘pre-start’ project sites with the Director, Site Manager or Architectural Design team to understand the full scope of each project.
• Working with feasibility drawings and discussion plans so we can review ideas, check costs, and ensure local and statutory compliance before client approval.
• Working with specialist consultants and contractors to pull together detailed plans and specifications for the overall design and specification/tender package.
• Collaborating closely with colleagues and client team to agree on phasing and handover timings.
• Signing off working drawings and submitting them to local authorities or approved inspectors to get the green light.
• Distributing drawings for contractors, managing tenders, and reviewing returns to make sure costs are fair and reflect the project requirements.
• Liaising with long-term and new contractors – both successful and unsuccessful – and arranging pre-start meetings with the appointed teams.
• Raising and tracking purchase orders along with the project co-ordination/admin desks so the accounts team stay informed and up to date.
• Visiting ‘live’ sites across the UK (at least twice a week) to check progress, quality, and organisation – and making sure everything stays on programme.
• Submitting weekly health and safety reports including photographic project progress.
• Handing over completed projects to the client team on time.
• Ensuring handovers are snag-free – and resolving any issues quickly if they pop up.
• Producing H&S and O&M handover packs alongside the coordination and admin desks.
• Agreeing final accounts with clients, contractors and suppliers within four weeks of handover and submitting all H&S O&M files, including signage and approvals, within 4 weeks.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary reflecting your experience and ability.
• Creative and collaborative open plan-working environment.
• A rewarding career.
• The opportunity to work on projects with leading global brands.
• Flexible approach to work/life balance.
• Support & training when required.
• Tea, coffee and essential biscuits & cake!
• Company Pension Scheme.
• Opportunities for learning, development & career advancement.

General

This in-person full-time role is office based but must have a mix of visiting ‘live’ or ‘pre-start’ project sites. Ability to reliably commute/relocate to Malvern, Worcestershire. Monday to Friday standard hours. Lovely semi-rural location with easy access by road (and rail) and "easy" commute from surrounding areas. This is a great opportunity for an experienced candidate to boost their career. If you’re interested and have the relevant essential experience please apply now, we’d love to hear from you.