At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting shopfitting projects from start to finish, ensuring quality and efficiency.
- Company: Join a stable, family-run contractor with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Earn up to £60,000, enjoy 25 days holiday, and receive a company vehicle.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make your mark on diverse projects across London and the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail fit-out and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
An established shopfitting and interior fit-out contractor is looking for a commercially aware Project Manager to take ownership of fast-paced retail, hospitality and commercial fit-out projects. This is a varied, hands-on position combining project delivery with estimating and quantity surveying responsibilities. You will manage projects from the initial enquiry, pricing and pre-construction stages through procurement, site delivery, commercial control and final completion. The role would suit someone who understands how fast-turnaround fit-out projects operate and can confidently manage clients, subcontractors, budgets and programmes without relying on a large support structure. You will be based from the Croydon office when not visiting sites, with regular travel required across London, the Southeast and occasionally other UK locations.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Managing projects from initial pricing and pre-construction through to completion and handover
- Reviewing architectural drawings, construction information and project specifications
- Producing estimates, take-offs, cost plans, quotations and procurement schedules
- Preparing and managing project budgets, valuations, applications and commercial reports
- Identifying, pricing and agreeing variations
- Procuring and managing subcontractors, suppliers, labour and materials
- Developing and maintaining project programmes
- Monitoring costs, progress, quality and profitability throughout delivery
- Attending site meetings and maintaining regular communication with clients and project teams
- Resolving programme, design, procurement and commercial issues before they affect delivery
- Ensuring projects meet health and safety, quality and client requirements
- Managing final accounts and supporting a smooth project close-out
What We’re Looking For
- Direct experience delivering shopfitting, retail fit-out, hospitality fit-out or fast-track commercial interior projects is essential.
- Full project ownership from pricing or pre-construction through to handover
- Strong commercial awareness alongside practical project management ability
- Experience preparing estimates, take-offs and project costings
- Knowledge of valuations, variations, applications, cost control and final accounts
- Experience managing multi-trade subcontractors and suppliers
- The ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications
- Confidence managing budgets, programmes, procurement and site delivery
- Strong client communication and stakeholder management skills
- The ability to manage several live projects and competing deadlines
- A proactive, organised and solutions-focused approach
- A full UK driving licence
- Willingness to travel regularly for site visits and project delivery
Experience gained solely within residential construction, social housing, drylining or a single specialist subcontract package is unlikely to provide the breadth required unless you have also managed complete, multi-trade fit-out projects. A qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or Project Management would be beneficial but is not essential where equivalent experience can be demonstrated.
The Projects
- Retail
- Restaurants and hospitality
- Commercial interiors
- Office fit-out and refurbishment
- Leisure and customer-facing premises
Projects can involve demanding programmes, live trading environments and multiple subcontract packages, so the ability to make decisions quickly and maintain control of both delivery and cost is important.
Why Join?
This is an opportunity to join a stable, family-run contractor where your contribution will be visible and valued. The company offers:
- Salary of up to £60,000, depending on experience
- Company vehicle
- Pension contribution
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
- Varied projects across London and the UK
- Long-term career progression
- A supportive and collaborative working environment
- The autonomy to manage projects and influence how they are delivered
Location and Travel
Applicants should live within a practical commuting distance of Croydon, South London. Regular office attendance is required when you are not visiting project sites. Travel is a fundamental part of the position. Most projects are located across London and the Southeast, although nationwide travel will also be required when necessary.
Shopfitting Project Manager employer: Optima Site Solutions Ltd
Voneus is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and uncapped commission structure that allows Field Sales Representatives to thrive financially while enjoying the benefits of a company car and comprehensive training. With a strong focus on employee growth and a supportive work culture, team members are encouraged to develop their skills and advance their careers in a rapidly expanding sector. Located in Cumbria, this role provides the unique opportunity to represent a forward-thinking brand while engaging with the local community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shopfitting Project Manager
✨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 Optima Site Solutions Ltd, 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 Shopfitting Project Manager at Optima Site Solutions Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Shopfitting Project Manager
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 Optima Site Solutions Ltd
✨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!