Shop Development Project Manager
Shop Development Project Manager

Shop Development Project Manager

Warrington Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage shop development projects from budgeting to completion across the UK.
  • Company: Join Waterstones, a beloved bookshop chain dedicated to exceptional customer experiences.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a friendly team, 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.

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 ongoing 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

Waterstones is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture that values creativity and collaboration. As a Shop Development Project Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects across our diverse store estate while enjoying excellent employee benefits, including generous discounts and professional growth opportunities. Based in key cities like Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, or Birmingham, you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing the customer experience in our beloved bookshops.
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Contact Detail:

Waterstones Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Shop Development Project Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Waterstones' store portfolio and their unique characteristics. Understanding the diversity of their shops will help you demonstrate your ability to manage projects in varied environments during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the retail and project management sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who may have insights into the role or the company culture at Waterstones.

✨Tip Number 3

Brush up on your knowledge of building compliance regulations, especially CDM and H&S. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence but also show your commitment to safety and compliance in project management.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your experience with managing suppliers and contractors. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in procurement and supply chain management, as this is crucial for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Shop Development Project Manager

Project Management
Budget Management
Stakeholder Communication
Supply Chain Management
Procurement and Tendering
Building Compliance Knowledge (CDM, H&S, Building Control)
AutoCAD Interpretation
Interpersonal Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Time Management
Team Collaboration
Attention to Detail
Self-Motivation
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in project management, particularly in retail or similar environments. Emphasise your skills in budget management, supplier negotiation, and compliance with building regulations.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention specific projects you've managed that align with the responsibilities of the Shop Development Project Manager position at Waterstones.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your experience with AutoCAD, project management tools, and any relevant certifications. This will demonstrate your technical capabilities and understanding of the role's requirements.

Showcase Communication Abilities: Since the role requires effective communication with various stakeholders, provide examples of how you've successfully managed relationships and communicated project updates in previous roles.

How to prepare for a job interview at Waterstones

✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills

Be prepared to discuss your experience managing projects from start to finish. Highlight specific examples where you successfully managed budgets, timelines, and stakeholder communications, as these are crucial for the role.

✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Compliance

Familiarise yourself with relevant compliance standards such as CDM, H&S, and building control. Be ready to explain how you've ensured compliance in past projects, as this will show your understanding of the industry's requirements.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Since the role involves interpreting AutoCAD plans, brush up on your technical knowledge. You might be asked to discuss your experience with building surveying or how you approach reading and understanding technical drawings.

✨Emphasise Your Interpersonal Skills

The ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders is key. Prepare examples that demonstrate your influencing skills and how you've built cross-functional relationships in previous roles.

Shop Development Project Manager
Waterstones
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  • Shop Development Project Manager

    Warrington
    Full-Time
    36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-06-06

  • W

    Waterstones

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