Senior Design Manager

Please review the responsibilities and requirements carefully to ensure you have the skills and experience for this role. We will be looking for transferable skills and unfortunately if this is not identifiable in your application, we will not be able to progress your application further.

Abit about the role

This is a critical role for an experienced Property Senior Project Manager in developing the Selfridges brand and built environment. They will be responsible for the delivery of Property projects compliant with relevant legislation, ensuring delivery that is true to the brief and agreed plans, while taking a key role in leading and developing the wider project team. Extensive property project management skills and knowledge are critical for this job, but the team member must also have strong stakeholder management and team management skills capable of managing PMs and working with all internal and external customers. The role liaises with people from all areas and levels of the business, as well as external service providers and local authorities, and is the primary point of contact for all capital, brand refresh and construction projects.

Managing Projects

• Manage a portfolio of complex projects that span one or multiple business divisions, locations and stores in line with Building Regulations, Health & Safety legislation & CDM Regulations through the RIBA design process
• Full project life cycle ownership: successful project delivery will include full implementation from initiation to completion for a number of large and medium projects simultaneously. Particular focus on preparation of project strategies and development of robust budgets
• Manage all aspects of multiple related projects to ensure the overall project delivery is aligned to H&S, CDM and Building Control and directly supports the achievement of other projects and strategic objectives.
• Work creatively and analytically in a problem-solving environment demonstrating teamwork, innovation and excellence
• Prepare estimates and detailed project plans for all phases of the project
• Procure adequate resources to achieve project objectives in planned timeframes
• Provide status reporting regarding project milestones, deliverables, risks, issues and contingency plans, communicating across all levels of the business
• Participate and/or drive feasibility studies, supplier selections and proposals for evaluation by appropriate key stakeholders
• Assist in dispute resolution and negotiation if required
• Effectively manage costs through the application of formal financial controls with full cost accountability
• Ensure project compliance with requirements of legislation and/or external authorities
• Ensure internal design approvals and financial sanctions are obtained at appropriate stages
• Encourage design innovation and creativity with a key focus on sustainability
• Develop creative solutions to drive cost effectiveness across projects
• Develop and deliver progress reports, proposals and presentations to various audiences, including project team, sponsors and key stakeholders up to Exec level
• Develop and follow internal audit and governance procedures for the management of projects

Managing Teams

• Provide management and leadership for project team by building and motivating team members to meet project goals, delivering their responsibilities, project milestones and objectives
• Advocate the importance of project delivery in line with Building Regulations, H&S legislation, Fire & Life Safety legislation and asbestos management procedures.
• Participate in establishing practices, templates, policies, tools and partnerships to develop these capabilities for the business
• Support with the management of the day-to-day activities and resources of the team
• Monitor staff performance and complete performance reviews
• Monitor, track and control outcomes to resolve issues, conflicts and address team performance
• Coach, mentor, motivate and supervise project team
• Support in the effective management of team resources and appropriate use of Consultant resources
• Monitor delivery of the teams roles and responsibilities

Communication

• Execute the communication plan for all projects
• Communicate effectively both internally and externally at all levels
• Seek feedback and respond constructively to criticism
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with colleagues and external parties

Maintain The Security, Health And Safety Of The Working Environment

• Minimise risks to health and safety of colleagues in the office and on site
• Ensure self and team are fully conversant with Building Regulations, H&S legislation, fire strategies and emergency procedures
• Ensure compliance with CDM Regulations on all projects
• Ensure contractual compliance and legal governance for all projects

Business Goals And Brand Values

• Encourage and promote an understanding of the Selfridges brand values within Selfridges as well as amongst external consultants and contractors
• Promote Selfridges business goals in relation to project activities

Abit about you

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Advanced project management skills in medium and large sized projects in a luxury retail environment
• Knowledge of Building Regulations, F&LS legislation & RIBA design process
• Strong leadership, diplomatic and motivational skills including the ability to lead up, across and down multiple divisions of the business
• Strong experience presenting to executive sponsors and demonstrated communication skills; both written and oral with technical and non-technical staff and all levels of management
• Flexible with proven ability to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines through analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Proven ability to work creatively and analytically in a problem-solving environment demonstrating teamwork, innovation and excellence
• Ability to build and maintain relationships by influencing business leaders by establishing credibility, solving problems, building consensus and achieving objectives
• Understanding of retail operations and passion for brand development
• Excellent leadership, communication (written, verbal and presentation) and interpersonal skills
• Self-motivated, decisive, with the ability to adapt to change and competing demands
• Drive to research best practices within and outside the business to establish benchmark data and strive for continuous process improvement to deliver results
• Experience leading, motivating and managing various project team sizes, including internal and external resources, while holding team accountable for performance
• Demonstrate decisiveness in resolving business problems, making decisions and identifying priorities