At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting retail store design and construction projects globally.
- Company: Join Watchfinder, a fast-growing brand in the luxury retail sector.
- Benefits: Opportunities for personal growth, professional development, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for international exposure and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global retail expansion and shape customer experiences.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in project management with a flair for design and construction.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE AN IMPACT?
As Watchfinder’s Store Design, Planning & Construction Project Project Manager, you will play a key role in shaping the next phase of Watchfinder’s global retail expansion.
This is a foundational role within the business, responsible for helping define, build, and lead the store design and planning function as Watchfinder continues to refresh and grow its physical retail footprint internationally.
The role will lead the planning, design coordination, and delivery of retail store development projects across markets, ensuring every new opening, refurbishment, or store evolution reflects Watchfinder’s brand standards, commercial objectives, and customer experience ambitions.
Working at the heart of a high-growth and high-visibility function, this individual will be actively involved in building the framework, processes, and ways of working that will support Watchfinder’s long-term, sustainable retail expansion strategy.
This position offers significant exposure to senior stakeholders and cross-functional leadership teams, with responsibility for driving projects from concept through execution while balancing design quality, operational needs, timelines, and budgets.
The ideal candidate will bring a strong combination of project management expertise, retail design and space planning knowledge, construction coordination experience, and the ability to influence and collaborate across a global stakeholder network.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Store Design and Bluebook Management
- Coordinate design development from concept to construction documentation, ensuring consistency with Watchfinder’s Retail Bluebook and Brand identity.
- Manage external design specialists (Design agencies, architects and other consultants).
- Collaborate with Marketing, Retail, Merchandising and Commercial Operations teams to optimize retail experience and operational efficiency.
- Drive the continuous evolution of Watchfinder’s Retail Bluebook including retail concepts, design standards, and technical guidelines
Budgeting, Planning & Construction Project Management
- Lead projects from investment validation through construction and close-out, developing and controlling budgets, CAPEX and construction planning.
- Collaborate with internal project stream leads and ensure they have all relevant information available to deliver on their activities.
- Drive tendering, technical evaluations / levelling, commercial negotiations, and contract awards for all external suppliers required on the project – eg.
Architect of Record, Millworkers, Local Consultants etc.
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement to promote operational efficiency, value engineering and customer experience enhancement.
- Manage procurement, Purchase Orders, Change Orders, and project financial reporting.
- Partner with local project architects to coordinate permitting, landlord approvals, and local authority relations.
- Validate architectural proposals and shop drawings from external partners, ensuring adherence with Watchfinder’s design principles, Retail Bluebook and compliance with Richemont guidelines.
- Act as a key stakeholder with Group Procurement, Security, Real Estate, Legal, and external partners throughout the project.
- Manage all construction phases, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to Watchfinder’s quality and operational sustainability standards.
- Identify risks to project & budget and associated mitigation plans
- Lead project progress reporting across different cadences and audiences at Watchfinder
Maintenance
- Coordinate maintenance and post-opening programs, including snagging, retrofit projects, and minor works.
- Create a BAU maintenance management framework and governance structure.
- Act as the primary HQ interface for all markets for boutique construction and maintenance.
Other Transversal Projects
- Lead other retail, design and construction related ad-hoc improvement or exploratory projects.
- Support markets for ad-hoc operational issues and coordinate with stakeholders in HQ to provide solutions.
- Support Commercial Operations team and CCO for any other project requests.
HOW WILL YOU EXPERIENCE SUCCESS WITH US?
- 4+ years of experience in Construction Project Management or a Store Design & Planning function
- Proven track record of delivering international retail projects with a solid understanding of design, store planning and construction processes
- Experience in managing external partners such as Architects, Quantity Surveyors, General Contractors, Millworkers and other consultants
- Strong knowledge of procurement and tender management, commercial negotiations, and budget maintenance
Technical Competencies
- Exceptional problem solving, analytical, planning and project management skills.
- Outstanding communication, presentation, and stakeholder management abilities.
- Proficiency in Auto CAD, Sketch Up, Adobe Creative Suite, and advanced Microsoft Office Suite knowledge.
- Professional fluency in English, French is plus.
- Strong commercial awareness, proven negotiation skills, and construction cost expertise.
Soft Skills
- Creative, solution-oriented, and passionate retail environments.
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills, effective in multicultural teams.
- Agile, adaptable, and adept at managing changing priorities and complex stakeholder landscapes.
- Strong decision-maker with a high sense of ownership, accountability, and a results-oriented, continuous improvement mindset.
- Highly organized, proactive, and capable of simultaneously managing multiple strategic projects.
HOW DO WE KEEP YOU SMILING?
As a significant member of the Watchfinder community, you are also part of a much bigger family at Richemont.
We strongly believe in internal development, mobility and offering various opportunities to enhance both your personal and professional development.
You will have the opportunity for your voice to be heard, drive change, and make a real impact from day one.
This is a fast-growing company, going through an exciting period of change from a UK centric business to an international company.
Giving you the opportunity to gain experience and gain further opportunities in the future.
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Store Design, Planning & Construction Project Manager in West Malling employer: Richemont Iberia SL
At Watchfinder, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment where every team member can thrive. As an FP&A Analyst, you'll not only play a crucial role in our financial planning team but also have the opportunity to engage with diverse international entities, enhancing your professional growth. With a strong emphasis on personal development and a culture that values open communication, you'll find that your contributions are recognised and rewarded, making Watchfinder an exceptional place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Store Design, Planning & Construction Project Manager in West Malling
✨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 Richemont Iberia SL, 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 Store Design, Planning & Construction Project Manager at Richemont Iberia SL.
We think you need these skills to ace Store Design, Planning & Construction Project Manager in West Malling
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 Richemont Iberia SL
✨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!
