Lead Property Project Manager

Responsible for leading the delivery of property projects across all store locations, ensuring projects are planned, managed and delivered using best-practice project management methodologies and aligned to business standards for scope, cost, programme, quality and operational requirements. The Lead Project Manager will oversee a portfolio of property projects, providing direction, governance, reporting and delivery support to project teams while ensuring effective collaboration with internal stakeholders, contractors and external partners. The role will also play a key part in supporting the Director in developing a high-performing project team, driving capability, succession planning and consistent leadership standards across the function

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

This role is accountable for the successful coordination and oversight of a portfolio of property projects across multiple locations and divisions. The position provides leadership, coaching and operational direction to Project Managers and Senior Project Managers and cross-functional teams to ensure consistent project delivery standards, effective resource planning and clear project governance. The role is also responsible for supporting team development and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring individuals are equipped with the skills, tools and support required to deliver successfully and progress within their roles. Strong organisational, stakeholder management and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to manage competing priorities within a fast-paced retail environment.

Key Responsibilities Project & Portfolio Delivery

• Lead the successful delivery of property projects across all store locations through effective project governance and portfolio oversight
• Support and coordinate project teams to ensure projects are delivered consistently against agreed scope, budget, programme and quality standards
• Manage project prioritisation and resource planning in line with business requirements and operational demands
• Promote and embed best-practice project management processes, tools and ways of working across the project portfolio
• Oversee project forecasting, budgeting and financial tracking in alignment with the business five-year plan and capital expenditure requirements
• Review project feasibility, delivery strategies and programme risks to support informed decision-making
• Identify, upscale and support resolution of project risks, issues and dependencies
• Prepare and present accurate portfolio reporting, project updates and financial summaries for senior stakeholders and governance forums
• Collaborate with cross-functional business teams to drive decisions, align priorities and support successful project outcomes
• Build strong working relationships across departments and with external partners to support effective project delivery
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance project delivery performance, governance and operational efficiency
• 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
• 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

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance and support to Project Managers and wider project team members
• Foster a collaborative, accountable and high-performing team culture aligned to company values and behaviours
• Support the Director in developing team structures, succession planning and long-term capability development across the function
• Lead regular one-to-ones, project reviews and development conversations with team members to support performance and engagement
• Contribute to performance management processes including objective setting, development plans and ongoing feedback
• Identify training and development opportunities to strengthen project management capability and support career progression within the team
• Support recruitment activities, onboarding and integration of new team members where required
• Encourage knowledge sharing, collaboration and consistent delivery standards across the team
• Act as a mentor and escalation point for project managers, providing coaching and guidance on project delivery challenges and stakeholder management
• Support the Director in driving team engagement, retention and recognition initiatives

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven experience managing and overseeing multiple concurrent retail, construction, fit-out or capital projects within a fast-paced environment
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies, governance and portfolio reporting practices
• Ability to monitor and report on project status, budgets, risks and programme performance to senior stakeholders and leadership teams.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes under pressure
• Experience in project resource planning and coordinating delivery across multiple workstreams
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organisation
• Ability to build effective cross-functional relationships and collaborate with teams outside direct reporting lines
• Commercially aware with experience supporting budget management, forecasting and financial planning processes
• Proactive problem-solving skills with the confidence to challenge constructively and drive solutions
• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to respond effectively to changing business priorities
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on driving efficiencies and improving delivery standards
• Experience working alongside PMO functions and governance structures is desirable
• Mentor and support project managers and team members to drive capability development and consistent delivery standards

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