ABOUT THE ROLE

We have a fantastic opportunity to join the Waitrose Design and Construction team, as we embark on an unprecedented period of investment over the next few years to deliver both new space and major upgrades to the existing property estate, as part of our exciting plan to open 100 new stores over the next 4 years, and renovate a further 150 supermarkets.

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Salary - £55,400 - £88,500.

Contract type - We have two permanent positions available. 

Working pattern/flexible working - This is a hybrid working role, therefore your time will primarily be split between working from home and the London/Bracknell Head Office. However, there will also be an expectation to visit other locations as the need arises.

Location - This role can be based at either our Pimlico, London Head Office or Bracknell campus. Due to the amount of nationwide travel that will be required for this role, a full UK driving license is required and an essential use business car will be provided.

Please note, internally this role is known as ‘Construction Programme Manager’.

Key responsibilities

We are looking for two collaborative individuals to oversee the effective delivery of retail and non-retail construction projects, ensuring exemplary customer focus throughout. Key responsibilities include working closely with internal stakeholders, developing cost-effective solutions, coordinating design teams, and overseeing project delivery in alignment with key stage gates. 

You will also take on the role of Employer’s Agent or Contract Administrator as needed, oversee and supervise construction projects or programs of work with strategic risk profiles, and exceed all Key Performance Indicators autonomously under Property leadership.

If you have experience with negotiating, managing tenant specifications, and ensuring compliance with technical documents, this role is for you. Join us in leading internal and external consultant teams to develop efficient solutions aligned with Design and Construction goals. 

Ready to take on this dynamic role? Apply now and be part of a team delivering excellence in project management and construction delivery!
 

Essential skills/experience you’ll need

Membership, or actively working towards membership, of the RICS or CIOB.

Degree qualified (or equivalent) in a Construction or Project Management related subject or suitable experience of managing construction within a retail/supermarket environment from feasibility through to delivery.

Comprehensive knowledge of the planning process and the negotiation of developers shell specifications and agreements for lease and experience of delivering projects in a formal Employers Agent or Contractor Administrator role in addition to a Retail Construction project manager role.

Experience managing a team consisting of internal and external resources, and 3rd party suppliers.

A full UK driving license.

Desirable skills/experience you may have

Chartered Surveyor or MSc level qualification in relevant discipline or suitable experience of managing construction within a retail/supermarket environment

Degree qualified (or equivalent) in a Construction or Project Management related subject

Experience building, managing and influencing diverse relationships across a business

Experience operating in a challenging organisational environment with a requirement to balance differing priorities and demands

In-depth knowledge of retail development, with a high degree of customer understanding

 

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Closing Date:

February 27, 2025

Pay:

£55,400.00 - £88,500.00 Annual

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hours of Work:

35

Job Level:

Partnership Level 6

Where You'll Be Working:

London Central Office, 1 Drummond Gate, London, , SW1V 2QQ

ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP

We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us.  

We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose.   

As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect. 

We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we’re free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective. 

As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.  

Important points to note:  

It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.

We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants.  

We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.