Position Locations
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Company Overview
The Watches of Switzerland Group is an International Retailer of world-leading luxury watch brands with a growing complement of luxury jewelry brands. The Watches of Switzerland Group provides clients with the finest selection of luxury timepieces from all of the major groups and independent brands together with an impressive presentation of smaller independent brands.
Job Purpose
The below provides a framework outlining the key capabilities, experience, and functional skills that will be expected of a Store Development Project Manager within Watches of Switzerland, US.
Using a five-stage delivery process, the Project Manager’s key accountability is to take the initial brief scope of the project and manage the production of the project-specific details throughout the process. At the end of each stage, the Project Manager will ensure the EVP signs off through the agreed process.
The Project Manager will be required to ensure all stakeholders are managed throughout the project duration from concept through to completion, managing their output and ensuring that all components of the project are delivered to the agreed cost timescales and quality. For clarity, it is the individual team’s accountability to deliver their part of the project, but the Project Manager is accountable for ensuring the overall project is delivered on time and to budget. It is the responsibility of the Project Manager to escalate any issues to the EVP of Store Development which could potentially affect their ability to deliver any project to the agreed criteria.
The role requires a tenacious approach to managing a project and getting the best from all our suppliers and consultants. The Project Manager will engage our external and internal teams in the preparation of ‘cost plans’ for each project, challenging the costs to achieve the best value on all projects. Value engineering where possible to achieve a budget while at the same time delivering high-quality stores for our store teams. During the scoping process, the manager will consider feedback from Regional Vice Presidents so any issues in store are dealt with during the project execution while being careful to keep within the agreed scope and budget.
Core Accountabilities
The Project Manager will be expected to manage external resources as required – ensuring the correct capability and skills are present in their project team to deliver the project. The external resources will be architectural firms, contractors, laborers, unions, and brand partners as required. The Project Manager will manage external suppliers’ technical output. Any performance issues would be escalated to EVP, Store Development.
The Project Manager is accountable for creating the project-specific program and issuing/updating this program as necessary and communicating the program to the EVP, Store Development. Any issues which could potentially alter the agreed program dates should be escalated. The Project Manager should take every opportunity to reduce program and sequence the program to keep the impact on our colleagues and our stores to a minimum.
The Project Manager is responsible for the preparation of project-specific costs for submission to the EVP. Costs should be robust, accurate and include all the elements of the agreed scope. The Project Manager should ensure that all project variations are managed throughout the duration of the project – signed off on a weekly basis by EVP Store Development, and the ‘final account’ (less any retention) is signed off within 12 weeks from project completion.
The Project Manager is to manage their project team to deliver excellence in all store build-outs and renovations. This means delivering consistently complete, projects for handover to our retail teams on the agreed dates. The handover will include the maintenance team, Store Director and Vice President, and any other necessary stakeholders, in a formal ’sign off’ meeting.
Specific Responsibilities
Meet with key stakeholders to understand the location, building and restrictions
Review operational set-up of the store including I.T. infrastructure, security, etc
Ensure all retail feedback is captured and updated to layout in advance of tender issue
Attend site to physically review layout 4,2,0 weeks out from handover
Review outstanding issues through to competition and arrange/gain approval for all follow-up visits with retail
Capture store design input with a focus on the client and retailer experience
Maintain effective retail focused communication – before, during and post completion of projects
Consistently use the New store & Refit design sign-off process
Managing relationships with key brand partners across the luxury watch sector
Develop/use of the store development Standard Detail document
Deliver multiple store development projects across retail stores
Manage multiple projects through external Project Managers
Managing relationships with key contractor and professional teams
Control and management of punch items through to timely completion
Conducting store development reviews post project completion
Essential Experience
Substantial construction project management track record gained through 5 – 7 years post qualification experience
First-hand experience of retail fit out construction industry and construction standards
Good understanding of legislation affecting retail projects
Experience of working to strict timescales and within budget
Ability to demonstrate strong strategic, analytical and budgetary management skills
Effective communication skills to communicate to all levels of the business
IT competence full M/S Office suit particularly M/S Project and Excel
Desirable Experience
Understanding of local authority /statutory application process
Personal Attributes
Excellent communication & interpersonal skills
Takes full accountability for their actions
Highly self-motivated and pro-active
Effective team builder
Able to deal effectively with ambiguity.
Highly competent with cross functional working
Professional approach and attitude
Excellent organizational skills
Dynamic and adaptable to change
Dedicated, reliable and responsible
Confident and robust
Takes ownership of problems
Works under own initiative
High customer focus
Ability to prioritize own workload, & work to deadlines
Strong team player
Excellent influencing skills
Excellent attention to detail
Confidentiality at the highest level
To Apply
Please send your resume and cover letter to Chuck Sommers via email at csommers@thewosgroup.com