At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting construction projects from start to finish, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
- Company: Join Hotel Chocolat, a brand dedicated to happiness through chocolate.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous product discounts, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Work from our Royston office and enjoy a vibrant team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a creative environment while managing diverse projects.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in retail construction project management and strong cost control skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
As we continue our mission to make people and nature happy through chocolate, we’re looking for a Construction Project Manager to join our Property & Facilities team on a permanent basis. As a Construction Project Manager you will be responsible for the delivery of all construction projects nationwide, managing contractor tendering processes, project timelines, onsite build activities and the smooth transition of completed projects to our retail teams. Working closely within the property team, you will oversee new construction projects from inception to handover, ensuring every site is delivered on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards. You will be a key point of contact for external contractors, consultants and H&S advisors, managing relationships and keeping clear lines of communication open throughout the build timeline. In addition, on a day to day basis you will review project progress, track key milestones, conduct site visits and proactively deal with risks and issues if they arise.
Responsibilities
- Lead cross‑functional project teams from concept through to handover.
- Manage architects, M&E consultants, cost consultants and principal contractors.
- Partner closely with Retail Operations to ensure operational readiness at handover.
- Provide clear and structured reporting to Head of Property & Facilities.
- Build collaborative landlord and managing agent relationships.
- Influence stakeholders to balance commercial return with brand integrity.
- Develop robust project programmes aligned to trading calendars and launch campaigns.
- Identify and mitigate programme, cost and design risks early.
- Lead value engineering initiatives without compromising quality.
- Support pipeline planning and capital forecasting.
- Prepare and issue tender documentation and analyse contractor returns.
- Negotiate and recommend contractor appointments.
- Manage CapEx budgets, variations and payment certifications.
- Conduct regular site inspections and chair progress meetings.
- Oversee CDM compliance and ensure safe working practices.
- Manage snagging, practical completion and defect resolution.
- Maintain project trackers and reporting dashboards.
- On‑time store openings aligned to launch schedules.
- CapEx delivery within agreed tolerance.
- Minimal post‑opening defects (12‑month benchmark).
- Zero reportable safety incidents.
- Stakeholder satisfaction across Retail and Executive teams.
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years project management experience within retail construction.
- Experience delivering multiple concurrent store projects.
- Strong M&E understanding and commercial cost control skills.
- Degree qualified in Construction/Project Management or equivalent.
- Proven track record of delivering projects safely, on time, on budget and to premium brand standards.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- A range of company benefits.
- 50% discount on all products.
- 70% discount for yourself and your guests when staying at the Rabot Estate hideaway in Saint Lucia.
- Hybrid working: two days on site and three days remote.
The on‑site location for this role is our support office, ‘Mint House’, in Royston, Hertfordshire. It is just off the A505 and 10 minutes’ walk from Royston train station, with direct rail links to London King’s Cross.
Construction Project Manager employer: Hotel Chocolat
At Hotel Chocolat, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Construction Project Manager based in our Royston support office, you will enjoy the benefits of hybrid working, competitive salary, and generous product discounts, all while contributing to our mission of making people and nature happy through chocolate. With ample opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to quality and safety, you'll find a rewarding environment where your expertise is valued and your projects are celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Project Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and retail sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your project management skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past projects, highlighting your role in managing timelines, budgets, and quality standards. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like us at Hotel Chocolat. Express your interest in potential opportunities and share how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and challenges. Tailor your responses to show how your skills can help them achieve their goals. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Construction Project Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Construction Project Manager role. Highlight your project management experience, especially in retail construction, and showcase any relevant qualifications or achievements that align with our mission.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of past projects you've managed, focusing on how you delivered them on time and within budget while maintaining quality standards.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be managing relationships with contractors and stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect how you would communicate on the job.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hotel Chocolat
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the construction projects you've managed in the past. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the outcomes. This will show your potential employer that you have the hands-on experience they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Construction Project Manager, you'll need to manage relationships with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with contractors, consultants, and retail teams in previous roles. Highlight any instances where your communication skills led to successful project outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Construction projects often come with unexpected issues. Think of specific examples where you identified risks early and implemented solutions. Discuss how you maintained project timelines and budgets while ensuring quality standards were met. This will illustrate your proactive approach to project management.
✨Align with Their Values
Research the company’s mission to make people and nature happy through chocolate. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs, especially in terms of sustainability and quality. Showing that you resonate with their ethos can set you apart from other candidates.