Commercial Operations & Retail Design Project Manager

Commercial Operations & Retail Design Project Manager

Watchfinder

Kings Hill, KEN, GB

Permanent

Since Watchfinder & Co. was first founded in 2002, it has grown to become the premier resource from which to buy and sell premium pre-owned watches. With thousands of watches available from more than 50 brands, including Rolex, Omega, IWC and more, plus boutiques across the UK and a manufacturer certified service centre, Watchfinder has established itself as the top pre-owned watch specialist.

The commercial operations team here at Watchfinder takes care of all operational duties across our global retail footprint ensuring that there is always a flawless experience for our customers and build memorable moments that last.

The project manager supports the commercial team by implementing sound project management practices to project manage improvement of existing and development of new improvements in our retail networks based on the business needs. This could include new store openings, refurbishments and commercial ‘pop-up’ opportunities within our Retail Networks.

How will you make an impact?

New retail store openings and store refurbishments

1. The Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing and managing the retail projects from lease, heads of terms right through to completion globally.
2. Work cross-functionally with all Watchfinder HQ to understand operations and aesthetic needs.
3. Build & develop a project roadmap in line with the strategic direction of the commercial organization. This would include project planning, Governance structure and a schedule of activities to be completed by stream leaders to complete the retail opening or refurbishment project in due course.
4. Outline and manage initiative schedule from brief development through to handover and implementation.
5. Coordinate construction projects with general contractor and architects.
6. Creation and presentation of weekly status reports, including risks and issues and potential escalations.
7. Collaborate with project stream leaders and ensure they have all relevant information available to deliver on their actions.
8. Act as the key interface and single point of contact internally with the steering committee and externally with suppliers.
9. Maintain Capex budget tracking and monitoring.
10. Collaborate with FP&A to closely monitor projects budgets, costs and WIP.

Other global commercial projects

1. Create the retail store design catalogue and maintain its update.
2. Lead other commercial projects such as pop-up openings and wholesale partners integration.
3. Lead the creation and maintenance of retail facilities requests for international markets.
4. Lead projects such as implementation of traffic counters.
5. Support markets for ad-hoc operational issues and coordinate with stakeholders in HQ to provide solutions.
6. Support to Director of commercial operations and CCO for any other project requests.

How will you experience success with us?

1. Experience of working in retail project management within the architectural, commercial retail projects space or product development industries, including experience with new retail openings and retail operations projects.
2. Knowledge of Project Management best practices such as tools or documentation to plan, prioritize, coordinate, and manage projects effectively and efficiently.
3. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Required to work effectively with a wide range of specialisms across HQ functions and at all levels.
4. Experience meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
5. Self-starter who is comfortable working in an individual contributor role.
6. Ability to plan and prioritize multiple activities and juggle priorities effectively.
7. Proven ability to control & plan project budgets.
8. Problem solver: can provide solutions when problems arise and seek to understand the root cause of the problem to implement long-term solutions.
9. Ability to use PowerPoint and Excel to formalize project plans and updates and budgets.

As a significant member of the Watchfinder community, you are also part of a much bigger family at Richemont. We strongly believe in internal development, mobility and offering various opportunities to enhance both your personal and professional development. You will have the opportunity for your voice to be heard, drive change, and make a real impact from day one. This is a fast-growing company, going through an exciting period of change from a UK centric business to an international company, giving you the opportunity to gain experience and further opportunities in the future.

Your Interview Journey

Our aim is to provide you a transparent interview process from the moment you apply for the role. It is important for us that you get to know us to ensure the role aligns to your future career objectives. We provide all candidates with open-door access to key people across the business so they can discuss opportunities, get a feel for our culture, and better understand how they can make an impact and be part of Watchfinder’s exciting trajectory.

1st Stage– After your application has been selected, our Talent team will reach out to you within two weeks to conduct an introductory call.

2nd Stage– Video/in-person interview with the Director of Commercial operations to understand your skills and experience in more detail.

3rd Stage– Case study set to present back, followed by an interview with the Director of Commercial Operations & HRBP for the area.