At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-end construction projects from planning to handover, ensuring timelines and budgets are met.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at a leading global retail brand focused on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant team in Zürich, surrounded by culture and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the retail industry while working on exciting projects across Europe.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in project management with expertise in retail construction and stakeholder management.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
The Lead - Construction Project Manager will report to the Senior Lead - Construction, on the Real Estate and Development team. You will orchestrate the end-to-end delivery of high-end DTC and B2B stores, showrooms and workplaces. Your strategic impact lies in predicting and safeguarding aggressive opening timelines (Time) and strictly predicting and controlling budgets (Cost) while championing operational excellence during a phase of internal transformation.
Your Mission
- Lead End-to-End Retail Deployments: Manage the execution of high-end DTC, B2B, SR and WP construction projects from initial planning to handover, ensuring absolute adherence to tight opening schedules and budget.
- Enforce Phase Separation: Maintain a strict boundary between the Design Phase (collaborating with internal designers to secure early sign-offs) and the Construction Phase to eliminate late-stage changes that impact delivery.
- Manage External PMs & Vendors: Supervise outsourced Project Managers, General Contractors and many other vendors, serving as the ultimate decision-maker for change orders, timelines, and budgets.
- Champion Cost & Time Control: Act as the key financial and schedule forecaster for your projects, evaluating every on-site challenge through the lens of Time and Cost. Quality is given for granted.
- Drive Internal Stakeholder Satisfaction: Partner closely with internal clients to keep them highly engaged, proactively aligned, and enthusiastic about the construction process and improvement.
- Steer Process Optimization: Contribute actively to our ongoing organizational change by structuring scalable workflows, standardized reporting, and post-project feedback loops.
Your story
- Proven Retail Construction Track Record: 10+ years of project management experience delivering premium commercial spaces or flagship retail stores (experience in high-end fit-outs is highly valued).
- Mastery of Time & Cost Forecasting: Demonstrated expertise in rigorous scheduling (e.g., Critical Path Method), budget estimation, and proactive risk management under compressed timelines.
- External Vendor Leadership: Strong experience in sourcing, steering, and holding external PM firms, architects, and general contractors accountable to strict KPIs.
- Stakeholder Management & Empathy: Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to educate, influence, and build trusting relationships with demanding internal business clients.
- Structured & Process-Oriented: A logical mindset capable of establishing clear project milestones, "freeze dates" for design, and structured change-management protocols.
- Academic & Language Credentials: Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, or Project Management. Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of other languages spoken in the EMEA region is highly appreciated.
About the Team
You will join the EMEA Construction team that deeply values the exceptional work accomplished by its members so far. As we enter a refinement phase, we are committed to giving full credit to those who built this department’s success, while strategically complementing their strength with external professionals of recognized expertise. By blending our solid internal foundation with fresh, high-value industry knowledge, we are ready to elevate our retail expansion to the next level.
On is a place that is centered around growth and progress. We offer an environment designed to give people the tools to develop holistically – to stay active, to learn, explore and innovate. Our distinctive approach combines a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere, with access to personal self-care for both physical and mental well-being, so each person is led by purpose.
On is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a work environment that is fair and inclusive, where all decisions related to recruitment, advancement, and retention are free of discrimination.
We want to set everyone up for success, so here’s the lowdown on how we hire. Our process is a two-way street – bringing you into our culture, while helping us learn how you think. Our full process can last about eight weeks from application to offer, because we care about getting it right.
Lead - Construction Project Management employer: ON.com LLC
At On, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for the Lead - Construction Project Management role in our vibrant Zürich West hub. Our work culture fosters growth and innovation, offering employees ample opportunities for professional development while ensuring a supportive environment that prioritises both physical and mental well-being. With a commitment to inclusivity and a focus on operational excellence, we empower our team members to thrive as they contribute to high-end retail projects in one of the world's most dynamic cities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead - Construction Project Management
✨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 ON.com LLC, 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 Lead - Construction Project Management at ON.com LLC.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead - Construction Project Management
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 ON.com LLC
✨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!
