At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting retail design projects and shape Watchfinder's global expansion.
- Company: Join the premier pre-owned watch specialist, Watchfinder & Co.
- Benefits: Enjoy personal development opportunities and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and gain exposure to senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-growing company with international reach.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in project management or retail design; strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Since Watchfinder & Co. was first founded in 2002, it has grown to become the premier resource from which to buy and sell premium pre-owned watches. With thousands of watches available from more than 50 brands, including Rolex, Omega, IWC and more, plus boutiques across the UK and a manufacturer certified service centre, Watchfinder has established itself as the top pre-owned watch specialist.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE AN IMPACT?
As Watchfinder’s Store Design, Planning & Construction 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 AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and advanced Microsoft Office Suite knowledge. Professional fluency in English, French is a plus. Strong commercial awareness, proven negotiation skills, and construction cost expertise.
- Soft Skills: Creative, solution-oriented, and passionate about 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 further opportunities in the future.
YOUR INTERVIEW JOURNEY
Our aim is to provide you a transparent interview process from the moment you apply for the role. It is important for us that you get to know us to ensure the role aligns to your future career objectives. We provide all candidates with open-door access to key people across the business so they can discuss opportunities, get a feel for our culture, and better understand how they can make an impact and be part of Watchfinder’s exciting trajectory. Recognising we are all different, if you need us to adapt the process, please get in touch via recruitment@Watchfinder.co.uk.
1st Stage – After your application has been selected, our Talent team will reach out to you within two weeks to conduct an introductory call.
2nd Stage – Video / in-person interview with the Senior Manager Commercial Operations to understand your skills and experience in more detail.
3rd Stage – Video / in-person case interview with Senior Manager Commercial Operations and a Store Design & Planning SME to assess your problem solving and technical skills.
4th Stage – Video / in-person interview with the Director of Commercial Operations & HRBP for the area.
Co & Retail Design Project Manager employer: Watchfinder & Co
At Watchfinder & Co., we pride ourselves on being a premier employer in the horology industry, offering a vibrant work culture where passion for watches meets professional growth. Our Kings Hill Service Centre is home to a dedicated team that values collaboration and meticulous attention to detail, supported by generous benefits including healthcare packages and employee discounts. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that encourages continuous learning and provides clear pathways for career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Co & Retail Design 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 Watchfinder & Co, 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 Co & Retail Design Project Manager at Watchfinder & Co.
We think you need these skills to ace Co & Retail Design 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 Watchfinder & Co
✨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!
