Project and Design Manager

Working Arrangements: Hybrid Working, 3 days per week office based - travel to stores will be required.
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Who are we?
For over 30 years, we¿ve travelled, we¿ve laughed, we¿ve grown. We believe life is for living and more fun with those we love. Our purpose is to bring style and positivity to our customers lives through the clothes we make, the things we do and the values we have.
We are Made for Life. Considered style. Trusted quality. Sustainably sourced. Proud to be a B Corp¿.
Equality and inclusion isn¿t an aspiration but the standard. We promote and drive equality within our workforce to ignite an inclusive foundation for us all to build from and truly connect with our customers, colleagues, and communities alike. You play a key part in creating an environment free from prejudice, racism, sexism, harassment, bullying and any other form of marginalisation in our workplaces.
Role Summary

• It will be the job holders responsibility to manage the delivery of projects (new stores, relocations, refits and closures) in line with expected programme dates, cost budgets and brand standards.


• To oversee all project related activities from initial scoping / design and budgeting through the construction phase to post opening close-out.


• This position includes responsibility for co-ordinating store design and updating of brand standards as briefed by the business.


• To improve processes and find new and innovative ways of enhancing the Fat Face property portfolio whilst enhancing value and achieving savings wherever possible.


• The role will cover the entire estate both in the UK, Ireland, US and Canada.


• To support the Head of Property and support in leading the team in their absence


Role Responsibilities

• Assess the condition and landlord works required for new sites, including negotiation of specifications for inclusion in lease agreements


• Responsible for all aspects of producing project cost schedules for capex authorisation and responsible for delivery in line with approved budgets


• Co-ordination of all construction / design processes from initial feasibility through to project completion


• Management of all contractors / consultants (including external design resource) involved in construction activities


• Provide expert advice on all aspects of construction and repair for the proposed and existing Fat Face portfolio.


• Advise on dilapidation/repair issues and cost estimates in relation to closures


• Oversee Tender contracts where appropriate, reviewing and challenging costs in order to negotiate savings and deliver best value on all projects.


• Review existing processes or resources to identify and implement creative new ways of working, revised design / brand standards or sourcing from alternative suppliers which reduces costs and enables the business to carry out construction more effectively and more economically.


• Oversee the appointment of contractors / consultants and procurement of direct supply shopfitting components as required.


• Manage the external design resource, contribute to store design reviews and ensure all stores / projects are delivered to required standards., Internal:

Head of Property
Directors (CEO / FD / Stores Director)
Store Development, Maintenance and Estates Team
Finance Team
Retail Operations
Brand Team
External:
Contractors
Suppliers
Designer / Architect and other consultants
Service Providers
Landlords
Accountable Resources

• Responsible for all contracts relating to new store, refit or closure projects.


• Responsible for all cost budgets relating to new stores, refits and closures.


• Responsible for review and updating of Design / Brand Standards for stores.
  
  The principle requirement is extensive experience as a project manager, preferably for a quality brand retailer or similar operator, with a strong track record of successfully delivering projects to programme, within budget and to a high standard.


• A relevant technical qualification would be an advantage although experience may override


• Comprehensive knowledge of shopfitting / construction processes and legal / statutory compliance requirements


• Experience of operating in international markets is preferred, to ideally include the US and Canada.


• Role Competencies


• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise/manage multiple projects.


• Confident communicator with ability to build effective internal relationships at all levels and externally with suppliers.


• Proactive / problem solver who takes ownership to resolve issues


• Management of direct reports (2 co-ordinators) and external consultants/contractors


• Numerical ¿ strong skills in the preparation of project budgets, and monitoring of costs and invoices.


• Enjoys working within a small department and actively promotes team spirit


• A good understanding of Microsoft Projects, or equivalent, as well as Excel and PowerPoint.
  
  FatFace Benefits:


• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays


• Perkbox our online platform to use from day one (this includes amazing online discounts, home workouts, wellbeing content, popular brand discounts e.c.t)


• THRIVE ¿ Our learning management system- access from day one with 1000¿s of pieces of learning


• Dental Insurance (employee funded)


• Pension scheme


• EAP support around the clock- UNUM/Retail Trust/ Fashion Textiles Support


• Critical illness/Death in service for Salaried staff


• Sick pay allowances


• O2 phone discount


• Eye Tests/contributions to glasses


• Sabbatical leave in line with service


• Enhanced Family Friendly polices i.e. Maternity Leave


• Refer a friend scheme