Lead Project Manager (Property)

Selfridges; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Selfridges is seeking a Lead Project Manager to deliver a portfolio of property projects across store locations in the UK. You will lead governance, oversee delivery, and collaborate with internal teams, contractors and external partners.

You will coach Project Managers, drive capability, and align projects with the five-year plan, capital expenditure, and safety standards. This role requires strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration to ensure consistent delivery.

Qualifications

• Experience leading multiple concurrent property/retail projects.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies, governance and portfolio reporting.
• Ability to report on status, budgets and risks to senior stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Experience with cross-functional collaboration and external partners.
• Desirable exposure to PMO governance and assurance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the successful delivery of property projects across all store locations with strong governance.
• Coordinate project teams to deliver against scope, budget, programme and quality.
• Manage prioritisation and resource planning in line with business needs.
• Embed best-practice project management processes and tooling.
• Oversee forecasting, budgeting and financial tracking aligned to plans.
• Review feasibility, delivery strategies and programme risks for decisions.
• Identify and resolve risks, issues and dependencies.
• Prepare portfolio reporting and updates for senior stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align priorities and outcomes.
• Build relationships with external partners to support delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement in delivery standards and governance.
• Minimise health and safety risks for colleagues on site and in offices.
• Ensure compliance with Building Regulations, H&S, CDM and legal governance.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Budgeting & financial planning

Risk management

Team development & coaching

Communication

PMO governance

Job description

Job Introduction 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

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, escalation 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

Selfridges