JOB DESCRIPTION
Position: Project Manager
Department: Retail Operations / Projects
Location: Saudi Arabia Reports To: Head of Retail / Country Manager
Job Purpose: The Retail Store Project Manager will be responsible for planning, managing, and delivering retail store projects from concept through completion and handover to Retail Operations.
The role will oversee new store openings, store renovations, relocations, expansions, refurbishments, and other retail projects, ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within approved budgets, and in accordance with company standards, mall requirements, approved designs, and applicable Saudi regulations.
1. Key Responsibilities
Project Planning & Execution
- Lead end-to-end execution of retail store projects from initial planning to final handover.
- Develop detailed project plans, timelines, milestones, and execution schedules.
- Coordinate all project activities with internal departments and external stakeholders.
- Monitor project progress and ensure timely completion against agreed timelines.
- Identify project risks, delays, dependencies, and potential issues and implement corrective actions.
- Conduct regular project review meetings and provide progress updates to management.
Store Fit-Out & Construction
- Manage store fit-out, refurbishment, renovation, relocation, and expansion projects.
- Coordinate civil, electrical, HVAC, fire & safety, IT, signage, lighting, flooring, furniture, fixtures, and other project requirements.
- Review drawings, layouts, BOQs, specifications, and project documentation.
- Coordinate with consultants, contractors, suppliers, mall management, and relevant authorities.
- Ensure execution is in line with approved designs, brand standards, and technical specifications.
- Monitor site activities and ensure quality of workmanship and timely completion.
New Store Opening
- Lead the project plan for new store openings and ensure all pre-opening activities are completed on schedule.
- Coordinate with Retail, HR, IT, Finance, Marketing, Procurement, Logistics, Security, and other relevant teams.
- Ensure timely completion of store readiness activities, including fixtures, POS, IT infrastructure, CCTV, signage, inventory areas, customer service counters, and other operational requirements.
- Coordinate final snagging, testing, commissioning, and handover.
- Prepare and maintain a detailed Store Opening Readiness Checklist.
Budget & Cost Control
- Prepare project budgets and monitor expenditure against approved budgets.
- Review quotations, BOQs, variation orders, and contractor claims.
- Work closely with Procurement and Finance to ensure cost-effective project execution.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality, safety, or brand standards.
- Ensure all project-related purchases and contracts follow company approval procedures.
Vendor & Contractor Management
- Manage contractors, consultants, suppliers, and other project partners.
- Evaluate contractor performance against agreed scope, timelines, quality, and cost.
- Ensure contractors comply with company, mall, safety, and statutory requirements.
- Review and resolve project-related commercial and operational issues.
- Maintain proper project documentation, contracts, approvals, drawings, and completion records.
Mall & Authority Coordination
- Act as the key project contact with mall management and relevant external stakeholders.
- Coordinate approvals, permits, access requirements, working hours, fit-out guidelines, and handover requirements.
- Ensure compliance with mall regulations and applicable Saudi requirements.
- Coordinate inspections and approvals required before store opening or project completion.
Handover & Post-Opening
- Conduct final inspections and ensure all snags are closed before handover.
- Coordinate testing and commissioning of relevant systems and equipment.
- Prepare project completion and handover documentation.
- Ensure warranties, manuals, drawings, certificates, and other relevant documents are properly handed over.
- Monitor post-opening defects and coordinate rectification with contractors and suppliers.
2. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Projects delivered within approved timeline
- Projects delivered within approved budget
- Store opening readiness and on-time opening
- Project quality and snag closure
- Cost variance against approved budget
- Contractor/vendor performance
- Compliance with mall and statutory requirements
- Project documentation and handover completion
- Post-opening defect resolution
- Internal stakeholder satisfaction
3. Required Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
- 5-8 years of relevant project management experience, preferably within retail, shopping malls, hospitality, or commercial fit-out.
- Proven experience managing retail store fit-outs, renovations, relocations, or new store openings.
- Strong knowledge of construction, MEP, fit-out, retail fixtures, signage, and store infrastructure.
- Experience managing contractors, consultants, suppliers, and mall management.
- Strong project planning, budgeting, negotiation, and coordination skills.
- Proficiency in MS Project, Primavera, AutoCAD, Excel, or similar project management tools is an advantage.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Saudi/GCC retail project experience is preferred.
4. Core Competencies
- Project Management
- Planning & Execution
- Commercial & Cost Management
- Vendor Management
- Stakeholder Management
- Problem Solving
- Negotiation Skills
- Risk Management
- Decision Making
- Communication
- Attention to Detail
- Leadership & Accountability
5. Working Conditions
- Based primarily in Saudi Arabia with regular travel to stores and project sites.
- May require frequent travel within KSA depending on project locations.
- Flexible working hours may be required during critical project phases, mall fit-out periods, and store opening activities.
- Must be comfortable working in active construction and retail environments.