At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting shop development projects from budgeting to completion across the UK.
- Company: Join Waterstones, a beloved bookshop chain dedicated to providing an exceptional customer experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a friendly team environment, excellent discounts, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic culture that values creativity and customer satisfaction in a historic setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management, supplier negotiation, and building compliance is essential.
- Other info: Willingness to travel across the UK for site visits is required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Shop Development Project Manager
Permanent
Based in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds or Birmingham
We are looking for a Shop Development Project Manager to join our friendly and dynamic team here at Waterstones. This is a varied and exciting role where you will be responsible for the planning, management and implementation of shop development and capital investment projects across our store estate.
We have 320 shops in towns and cities across the UK and Ireland, so you will need to be prepared to travel across the country to our locations when needed. Our shops are as varied as the books we sell, some of them are in buildings which are of historic or architectural interest so someone with an experience of a diverse property portfolio would be advantageous.
What you will be doing
- Manage projects through the full lifecycle from initial budgeting to close out and handover into business as usual.
- Budget management, tracking and reporting. Working closely with finance teams.
- Produce project and programme timelines and supporting documentation.
- Administer orders and payments ensuring compliance to the company policies and Coda finance system.
- Tender and manage procurement of related services and goods such as contractors, joinery supply, lighting supply, flooring supply, building control consultants etc.
- External and internal communications, produce updates to enable stakeholders to manage their workload and timelines.
- Supply chain management to ensure direct supply items are ordered and available on time.
- Feedback into the overall process to aid on-going development of best practice, cost management and procurement.
- Ensure all work carried out is compliant; CDM, H&S, Planning, Building Control etc.
What we need from you
- Proven management of external suppliers and contractors and demonstrate influencing and interpersonal skills.
- Experience of procuring related goods and services and managing the consequential supply chain.
- Experience of tendering, negotiating and management through schedule of rates
- Client-side experience, preferably with a national retailer.
- Demonstrable experience of delivering multiple projects simultaneously.
- Understanding and experience of related building compliance; CDM, H&S, building control, asbestos awareness etc.
- Ability to interpret AutoCAD plans.
- Building surveying and AutoCAD drawing experience advantageous.
Person Profile
- Ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels in the organisation, building cross functional working relationships.
- Self-starter and self-motivated, capable of working in a fast-paced entrepreneurial can-do culture.
- Take ownership of own technical development to keep up with current compliance and technical innovations.
- Excellent detailed project management skills.
- Ability to plan and prioritise own activity and follow up on agreed and objective working approach to problem solving.
- Ability to work as part of a team and aid the output from other departments.
Why work for Waterstones
At Waterstones, everything we do is about our customers, and we work hard to provide them with the best possible shopping experience, one that will make them want to visit time and time again. We strive to consistently deliver fantastic customer service, whether recommending a book or a gift, keeping our shops beautifully stocked, helping out in our lovely Café W’s, or keeping the wheels turning efficiently behind the scenes. Working with us, you will get to use your expertise and enthusiasm to bring to our customers the irreplaceable pleasures of a good bookshop (including a virtual one).
In return, you will be working in a role that can make a real difference to Waterstones, work in a friendly and dynamic team and get to benefit from our excellent discount in shops and waterstones.com.
If you have the relevant essential experience and you are interested, we would love to hear from you.
Shop Development Project Manager employer: Waterstones
Contact Detail:
Waterstones Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Shop Development Project Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific project management methodologies that are commonly used in retail environments. Understanding frameworks like Agile or PRINCE2 can give you an edge in discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the retail and property development sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who may have insights or opportunities related to shop development.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Waterstones' current projects and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their recent developments and challenges will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the company during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with compliance and safety regulations in detail. Given the importance of CDM, H&S, and building control in this role, showcasing your expertise in these areas will be crucial.
We think you need these skills to ace Shop Development Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Shop Development Project Manager position. Make sure you understand the responsibilities and requirements, especially regarding project management and compliance.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in managing projects, working with suppliers, and understanding building compliance. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention your experience with diverse property portfolios and your ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasize skills such as budget management, procurement, and project lifecycle management. Make sure to mention any experience with AutoCAD and building surveying if applicable.
How to prepare for a job interview at Waterstones
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience managing projects through their full lifecycle. Highlight specific examples where you successfully handled budgeting, timelines, and stakeholder communication.
✨Demonstrate Your Supplier Management Experience
Talk about your experience with external suppliers and contractors. Provide examples of how you've influenced and built relationships with them to ensure project success.
✨Understand Compliance and Regulations
Familiarize yourself with relevant building compliance standards such as CDM, H&S, and building control. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past projects.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since the role requires effective communication across various levels, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to give examples of how you've built cross-functional relationships in previous roles.