Job Title: Project Manager
Department: Operations
Location: Remote
Reports to: EVP of Operations and Organizational Development
Position Summary: University Gear Shop, a fast-growing company in the collegiate retail space, is seeking an experienced project manager to join our organization. The ideal candidate will collaboratively and proactively develop and lead quick-turn, site-based, multi-faceted retail store transition and fit-out projects and provide leadership to corporate based projects. This role requires strong organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication to collaborate with project stakeholders and ensure project success.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Project Planning and Execution
- Develop and manage project plans, timelines and budgets for corporate and retail store initiatives.
- Define and document project scope, objectives and desired outcome.
- Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure project milestones are met.
- Monitor project progress, identify risks, and propose solutions to mitigate potential challenges.
- Maintain project documentation, including project budgets, status reports, meeting notes, and risk assessments.
- Provide project updates to stakeholders as per demand and requirement.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and quality standards.
- Ensure all projects meet company standards and customer experience goals.
- Retail Store Transitions and Renovations
- Lead planning of new store transitions including scheduling, and execution while ensuring adherence to project timelines and budgets.
- Manage renovation planning for new and existing retail stores.
- Estimate, allocate and manage resource logistics.
- Negotiate with general contractors and sub-contractors for store fit-out projects to obtain best pricing balanced with quality materials.
- Source and manage site-based equipment, furnishings, fixtures, deliveries, and installations.
- Work with campus contacts on floorplans, electrical, internet and other schematics.
- Cross Functional Collaboration and Support
- Facilitate communication between teams, ensuring alignment of project objectives and deliverables.
- Support action planning and attainment of key deliverables for retail store management to deliver.
- Assist in process improvement initiatives and implementation of best practices.
- Use the right tools and techniques for efficient and successful project management.
- Other Duties
- Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
- Travel as necessary – up to 30% of time, including weekends and evenings.
Knowledge and Experience:
- 5+ years of experience in project coordination, project management, or similar role.
- 2+ years of retail experience preferred.
- Proficiency in project management software (e.g., ProjectManager, MS Project, Asana).
- Proficient in Microsoft Office products, particularly Excel.
- Familiarity with Agile, Scrum, or other project management methodologies is a plus.
Core Competencies:
- Understand the intricacies of a retail operation and business model.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work effectively.
- Active listening and outstanding interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
- Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills.
- Technologically proficient.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- High sense of urgency and willingness to take initiative.
- Independently motivated with the ability to contribute to a collaborative team.
- Results driven.
- Adapts to changing work environments, work priorities and organizational needs.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, communications, computer science, or related field preferred. Experience will be considered in lieu of degree.