Design and Construction Manager

HARLI + HARPA; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous discounts

Career development

Supportive team

Job summary

HARLI + HARPA is seeking an experienced Design and Construction Manager to lead our Store Development program from concept through to opening. Based at our Support Centre in Hawthorn East, VIC, the role includes travel to store sites and project locations as required and ownership of store opening projects end-to-end.

You will lead the Store Development team, manage budgets and timelines, coordinate contractors, ensure safety compliance and alignment with brand standards.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent store development projects.
• Strong contract management and commercial acumen.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement across landlords, councils and internal teams.
• Solid budgeting and cost control experience.
• Able to read and interpret architectural/engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Own store opening projects end to end from feasibility to opening.
• Lead and manage the Store Development team with performance and development oversight.
• Coordinate shopfitters and contractors delivering store fit-outs.
• Oversee tender, procurement and contract administration for builders and consultants.
• Develop and maintain project programs and monitor site progress.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Budgeting

Project management

Education

Tertiary qualification in construction management or related field

Job description

We're looking for an experienced Design and Construction Manager to lead our Store Development program and take ownership of how HARLI + HARPA stores are designed, built and opened. Based at our Support Centre in Hawthorn East, VIC, with travel to store sites and project locations as required, you'll lead the Store Development team and own store opening projects end to end.

Key responsibilities

Own store opening projects end to end, from feasibility and design through to construction, fit-out and opening

Lead and manage the Store Development team, including performance, development and day-to-day direction

Select, coordinate and manage shopfitters and other contractors delivering store fit-outs

Engage and coordinate cross-functional stakeholders throughout the store opening process

Manage store development costings and keep expenditure in line with approved spend

Review and approve store design documentation, drawings and specifications

Oversee tender, procurement and contract administration for builders, contractors and consultants

Develop and maintain project programs to keep store openings on schedule

Monitor site progress through regular visits, ensuring compliance with approved plans, brand standards, building codes and safety legislation

Manage relationships with landlords, centre management, local councils and statutory authorities to secure approvals and permits

Identify and manage risks, defects and variations throughout construction, resolving issues as they arise

Ensure all store development work meets work health and safety obligations, including contractor inductions and site safety compliance

Report regularly on project status, budgets, timelines and risks to senior leadership

Continuously improve store development processes, templates and standard specifications

What we're looking for

Demonstrated experience in a Design and Construction Manager, Store Development Manager or similar role, ideally within a fast-paced retail environment

Proven experience managing multiple concurrent fit-out or construction projects from concept to completion

Strong working knowledge of construction methods, building codes, and relevant work health and safety legislation

Experience in managing and developing a team

Experience in managing the tender process for store builds

Experience in procurement for store fittings

Demonstrated ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings

Strong contract management, negotiation and commercial acumen, including managing builders, contractors and consultants

Sound budgeting and financial management skills

Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships across landlords, contractors and internal teams

Relevant tertiary qualification in construction management, architecture, engineering, project management or a related field (or equivalent industry experience)

Current driver’s licence and willingness to travel as required

What we offer

The opportunity to lead store development for a growing, ambitious brand

A collaborative, supportive team environment

Career development and progression opportunities

Generous discounts across the HARLI + HARPA range

About us

HARLI + HARPA is an Australian jewellery brand that creates unique and accessible keepsakes to style, stack, and adorn your self-expression. With a strong focus on customer experience, we strive to provide exceptional service and a unique shopping experience across our growing network of stores. As a dynamic, forward-thinking company, we are constantly seeking talented individuals to help us achieve our ambitious growth objectives.