Description
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Project Manager to join our Store Design and Visual Merchandising team within Travel Retail Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMA). In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing the successful delivery of retail store projects across multiple brands, ensuring that all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and according to the highest quality standards. You will partner closely with key internal stakeholders, including the Finance, IP (Indirect Procurement), and FVM (Field Visual Merchandising) teams, and external vendors such as shop fitters, to ensure project success. This is a highly collaborative and cross-functional role that requires strong project management skills, financial acumen, and the ability to navigate complex workflows. This role reports to the Store Design & Visual Merchandising Director and is a hybrid role located in our London head office 3 days per week with the opportunity to work from home 2 days per week.
Key Responsibilities
1. Cost Management Process for Project Lifespan
o Drive Profitability and Savings: Collaborate with the IP team to maximize profitability and achieve CAPEX savings on each project by optimizing costs while maintaining quality.
o RFQ Management: Own the Request for Quotation (RFQ) process for all new locations, partnering with the IP team to gather bids and ensure compliance with budget and project requirements.
o Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and improve project management processes, including project tracking, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) number allocation, cost-sharing, and re-billing procedures.
o Cost Estimation and Approval: Work closely with the Finance team to provide accurate cost estimates for new projects, ensuring that budgets are approved prior to project commencement.
o Invoice Management: Oversee project-specific invoices to ensure all project costs are tracked, budgets are adhered to, and that projects are closed successfully in collaboration with the Finance Department.
2. Project Timeline Overview for Sites & Brands in Renewals
o Planning & Feasibility: Assist the SDVM (Store Development and Visual Merchandising) Director with planning and feasibility studies as needed for store renewals and new site development.
o Timeline Development: Develop detailed timelines for each project, working across multiple locations and brands. Maintain an up-to-date tracker of all ongoing projects to ensure alignment with TRWW (Travel Retail Worldwide) Project Management processes.
o Speed to Market: Collaborate with stakeholders to identify opportunities to reduce the time to market for each project, ensuring efficient execution without compromising quality.
o Task Completion Management: Drive the completion of tasks in line with the timeline, coordinating with the Multi-Functional Team (MFT) and ensuring key deliverables are met.
o Obstacles & Risk Visibility: Monitor and highlight potential obstacles or delays, providing visibility to relevant teams and identifying the responsible party for resolution.
o Project Stage Closures: Ensure clear communication regarding the closure of various stages of the project to ensure all deliverables are finalized on time.
o Final Project Execution: Work closely with the FVM team to ensure final execution of the project aligns with the original plans, timelines, and budgets.
3. Risk Management for All Projects
o Project Briefing: Establish a clear, comprehensive quality briefing for the SDVM group (including TRWW) for new flagship projects. This includes retailer guidelines, site constraints, ELC (Estée Lauder Companies) design differences, and existing site conditions (photos, MOB% etc.).
o Site Survey & Analysis: Drive the shop fitter site survey process and ensure thorough site analysis to identify potential risks early in the project.
o Early Engagement with Retailers: Ensure early engagement with retailers or new site studies to mitigate any potential issues before they affect project timelines.
o Store Design Briefing: Provide the store design team with the necessary brief and information for new locations, ensuring alignment with project objectives.
o Negotiation & Clarification: Initiate and manage communication with retailers regarding site-specific clarifications and negotiations for improved project conditions where necessary.
4. Qualification & Appointment of Shop Fitters for Locations, Brands & Renovations
o Shop Fitter Pool Development: Establish and maintain a pool of qualified, brand-educated shop fitters for new store builds and renovations, ensuring they understand ELC’s standards and brand values.
o Shop Fitter Engagement: Actively drive the recruitment and engagement of new shop fitters, encouraging them to be excited about participating in Estée Lauder Travel Retail (TR) brand projects.
o Communication Bridge: Foster strong communication channels with shop fitters to ensure seamless collaboration and the successful completion of store projects.
o Demand & Supply Review: Regularly review the demand for shop fitters across all regions and ensure supply is matched with project requirements.
Qualifications
Experience:
* Substantial experience in Project Management, ideally within retail, construction, or store planning.
* Proven track record in managing CAPEX and OPEX projects, including cost management, budgeting, and risk mitigation.
Education:
* Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management, or a related field.
Skills & Competencies:
* Strong understanding of project management methodologies, including timeline management, risk management, and cost control.
* Proficient in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Wrike or similar tools).
* Exceptional organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
* Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to engage with internal teams and external vendors effectively.
* Strong financial acumen and experience managing project budgets.
* Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage competing priorities.
* Familiarity with store design and construction processes, including working with shop fitters, retailers, and suppliers.
* Experience in the retail, luxury, or travel retail industries is a significant advantage.
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