At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead diverse construction projects, ensuring they meet customer needs and operational efficiency.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned business, home to John Lewis and Waitrose.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and nationwide travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in retail construction while driving innovation and efficiency.
- Qualifications: Degree in Construction or Project Management and experience in retail construction.
The predicted salary is between 10000 - 90000 £ per year.
We have a fantastic opportunity to join the Waitrose Design and Construction team, as a Construction Programme Manager. In this role you will lead the end-to-end delivery of diverse retail and non-retail construction projects, ensuring they are completed successfully with a strong focus on customer needs and operational efficiency. Operating with autonomy under Property leadership, you will collaborate with internal stakeholders to define briefs, oversee the external supply chain to develop robust technical designs, and provide cost-effective solutions in line with key stage gates. You will also manage a portfolio of construction projects, acting as an Employer’s Agent or Contract Administrator. You will negotiate tenant specifications, ensure strict compliance with lease agreements and landlord requirements, and deliver excellence against Key Performance Indicators while driving innovation to reduce CAPEX throughout the project lifecycle.
At a glance
- Expected salary - up to £75,000, depending on experience
- Contract type - This position is a Permanent contract
- Working pattern/flexible working - The Partnership has adopted a hybrid working approach, meaning you'll be able to work a mixture between the office and home based upon your personal needs whilst balancing the needs of the business. There will also be an expectation to visit other locations as the need arises
- Location - This role is Mobile, requiring nationwide travel. A full UK driving license is desirable and an essential user business car can be provided
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver end-to-end programmes, managing external teams to meet cost, time, and quality parameters.
- Manage complex projects within financial budgets, including contract administration and commercial oversight.
- Ensure all projects meet legal, statutory, and Construction Health & Safety compliance standards.
- Lead stakeholder engagement, team collaboration, and cross-functional working throughout the programme lifecycle.
- Document and manage risks while implementing mitigation strategies.
- Drive innovation to improve resource efficiency and reduce CAPEX.
- Conduct due diligence on consultants and category specialists to ensure performance.
- Manage project changes effectively to maintain quality and standards.
Essential skills/experience you’ll need
- Membership, or actively working towards membership, of the RICS or CIOB
- Degree qualified (or equivalent) in a Construction or Project Management related subject or suitable experience of managing construction within a retail/supermarket environment from feasibility through to delivery
- Comprehensive knowledge of the planning process and the negotiation of developers shell specifications and agreements for lease and experience of delivering projects in a formal Employers Agent or Contractor Administrator role in addition to a Retail Construction project manager role
- Experience managing a team consisting of internal and external resources, and 3rd party suppliers
Desirable skills/experience you may have
- Chartered Surveyor or MSc level qualification in relevant discipline or suitable experience of managing construction within a retail/supermarket environment
- Degree qualified (or equivalent) in a Construction or Project Management related subject
- Experience building, managing and influencing diverse relationships across a business
- Experience operating in a challenging organisational environment with a requirement to balance differing priorities and demands
- In-depth knowledge of retail development, with a high degree of customer understanding
- A full UK driving license
Closing Date September 1, 2026
Pay £59,100.00 - £90,000.00 Annual
Contract Type Permanent
Hours of Work 35
Job Level Partnership Level 6
Where You'll Be Working Mobile Worker, Doncastle Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 8YA
Construction Programme Manager in Bracknell employer: John Lewis plc
John Lewis plc is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture at The Odney Hotel in the picturesque setting of Cookham, Berkshire. Employees benefit from competitive pay, flexible part-time hours, and opportunities for growth within a renowned company known for its commitment to customer service excellence. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and fosters a rewarding career in hospitality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Programme Manager in Bracknell
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like John Lewis plc, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Construction Programme Manager at John Lewis plc.
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Programme Manager in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis plc
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
