Junior Project Manager (Store Development)

MUJI Retail (Australia); City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

Performance-Based Rewards

Exclusive Staff and Family Discounts

Flexible Hybrid Work Options

Career Progression Opportunities

Ongoing Learning and Development

Wellbeing Support

Job summary

MUJI Retail Australia is seeking a Junior Project Manager to join our Store Development team. You will help bring our retail spaces to life, managing store openings, expansions, and renovations with a focus on simplicity and sustainability.

You will coordinate with architects, contractors and landlords, maintain budgets, track milestones and ensure compliance with MUJI design standards and local codes. A collaborative, growth-minded role in Melbourne region.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Project Management, Construction Management, Architecture, Interior Design, or related discipline.
• 2–4 years of experience in retail fit-outs, construction project support, tenancy coordination or facilities management.
• Hands-on experience with trades, main contractors and landlord delivery managers.
• Ability to read floor plans and architectural drawings and understand lease fit-out guides.
• Experience with maintenance routines in retail or hospitality settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of new store openings, expansions, and minor renovations from design review to handover.
• Serve as primary contact for store development projects and coordinate stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain project timelines and budgets, track milestones, risks and corrective actions.
• Prepare POs, review invoices, and approve payments.
• Coordinate project meetings, agendas, minutes and action tracking.
• Collaborate with architects, contractors, landlords and vendors to meet requirements and budget.
• Monitor site quality, ensure MUJI design standards, and verify code compliance.
• Lead defect inspections pre-opening and coordinate post-opening rectifications.
• Oversee facilities tasks and align with store development projects.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Organisational skills

Problem solving

Reading drawings

Regulatory knowledge

Quality and safety

Willingness to learn

Education

Diploma or Degree in Project Management/Construction/Architecture/Interior Design

Job description

Introduction:

Founded in Japan in 1980 and established in Australia in 2013, MUJI is a global brand dedicated to quality and environmental sustainability. We focus on contributing to a simple, pleasant life and society by creating products that can be used universally by customers who value simplicity and beauty. This commitment defines our path forward, and we invite you to join us as we work together toward a more sustainable and thoughtful future.

Our Values and Benefits

Our foundation is built on four core values: kindness, innovation, simplicity and sustainability. In the spirit of Kaizen, we foster a culture of continuous improvement, where we consistently refine our processes and empower our people to grow with the business. To support this, we offer:

• Competitive Pay: We offer attractive and competitive pay that consistently match or exceed market rates, providing financial peace of mind and consistency.
• Attractive Performance-Based Rewards: We recognise excellence through our annual performance incentives program where eligible employees can earn a discretionary bonus of up to 15% depending on their role, individual achievements and company performance.
• Exclusive Staff and Family Discounts: Access employee and family discounts on our product range, making it easier to integrate a simpler and more sustainable lifestyle into your own home.
• Flexible Hybrid Work Options: For eligible roles, we offer a hybrid work environment with 2 days to work from home each week, promoting flexibility and ensuring an ideal work/life balance.
• Career Progression Opportunities: We prioritise promoting from within, offering clear career pathways and progression opportunities for team members who want to grow their career with us.
• Ongoing Learning and Development: In the spirit of Kaizen, we empower our people to seek out learning opportunities. Whether it’s a new skill, certification or short course, we'll back you all the way because your growth fuels ours.
• Wellbeing Support: We are with you through life's up and down. Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is one of the ways we invest in your wellbeing - offering you and your loved ones 24/7 access to free and confidential counselling, coaching, and practical support whenever life happens.

Description:

The Role

As a Junior Project Manager in our Store Development team, you will play a hands-on role in bringing our retail spaces to life. Guided by our core philosophy of simplicity and purpose, you will help create functional, well-designed, and sustainable retail environments across our network. From new store builds and budget tracking to daily facilities upkeep, you will collaborate with key internal and external partners to ensure our spaces run smoothly, safely, and on schedule. Your main responsibilities will include:

• Assisting in end-to-end delivery of new store openings, managing expansions, and minor renovation works from initial design review through to handover
• Act as the primary point of contact for all store development projects, ensuring effective communication and collaboration among project stakeholders
• Develop and maintain project timeline and project budget, including:
• Tracking project milestones, identifying potential delays and risks
• Communicating and implementing corrective actions as needed
• Assist in tracking project expenditures against allocated budgets
• Prepare purchase orders (POs), review contractor invoices against delivered work, and submit for payment approval
• Coordinate and facilitate project meetings, including preparing agendas, documenting meeting minutes, and following up on action items
• Collaborate with architects, contractors, landlords and vendors to ensure compliance with project requirements, regulations, and budgetary constraints
• Coordinate with internal departments to ensure smooth project implementation
• Maintain quality standards by conducting regular site visits, monitor contractor progress, ensure alignment with approved MUJI design standards, adherence to design specifications and project requirements and verify compliance with local building codes and shopping centre guidelines
• Lead defect inspection process prior to store opening and coordinate post-opening rectification works in a timely manner
• Manage day to day facilities related tasks and ensure they align with the store development projects
• Coordinate with landlords and shopping centre’s facility management teams to address any operational or maintenance requirements during the project lifecycle
• Collaborate with the Head of Store Development to identify and implement improvements to existing store facilities

This is an exciting time to join our growing company, as we further expand our presence in Australia. Teamwork, collaboration, and a continuous improvement mindset are at the forefront of our core values.

Skills and Experience

• Qualification (Diploma or Degree) in Project Management, Construction Management, Architecture, Interior Design, or a related discipline
• 2-4 years of experience in retail fit-outs, construction project support, tenancy coordination, or commercial facilities management
• Direct hands-on experience dealing with trades, main contractors, and landlord retail delivery managers
• Working knowledge of retail construction phases, reading floor plans/architectural drawings, and understanding lease fit-out guides
• Demonstrated experience managing reactive and preventative maintenance routines in a retail or hospitality environment
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
• Detail-oriented mindset with exceptional organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to read and interpret design drawings and documentation
• Knowledge of construction and building codes, regulations, and best practices
• Strong commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction
• Willingness to learn, take initiative, and work collaboratively with various stakeholders
• A strong growth mindset and commitment to continuous improvement, with an ability to adapt to organisational changes