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Writer's picturePAVE Global

Store Development Project Manager


Position Locations

Fort Lauderdale, Florida


Company Overview

The Watches of Switzerland Group is an International Retailer of world-leading luxury watch brands with a growing complement of luxury jewelry brands. The Watches of Switzerland Group provides clients with the finest selection of luxury timepieces from all of the major groups and independent brands together with an impressive presentation of smaller independent brands.


Job Purpose

The below provides a framework outlining the key capabilities, experience, and functional skills that will be expected of a Store Development Project Manager within Watches of Switzerland, US.

Using a five-stage delivery process, the Project Manager’s key accountability is to take the initial brief scope of the project and manage the production of the project-specific details throughout the process. At the end of each stage, the Project Manager will ensure the EVP signs off through the agreed process.

The Project Manager will be required to ensure all stakeholders are managed throughout the project duration from concept through to completion, managing their output and ensuring that all components of the project are delivered to the agreed cost timescales and quality. For clarity, it is the individual team’s accountability to deliver their part of the project, but the Project Manager is accountable for ensuring the overall project is delivered on time and to budget. It is the responsibility of the Project Manager to escalate any issues to the EVP of Store Development which could potentially affect their ability to deliver any project to the agreed criteria.

The role requires a tenacious approach to managing a project and getting the best from all our suppliers and consultants. The Project Manager will engage our external and internal teams in the preparation of ‘cost plans’ for each project, challenging the costs to achieve the best value on all projects. Value engineering where possible to achieve a budget while at the same time delivering high-quality stores for our store teams. During the scoping process, the manager will consider feedback from Regional Vice Presidents so any issues in store are dealt with during the project execution while being careful to keep within the agreed scope and budget.


Core Accountabilities

The Project Manager will be expected to manage external resources as required – ensuring the correct capability and skills are present in their project team to deliver the project. The external resources will be architectural firms, contractors, laborers, unions, and brand partners as required. The Project Manager will manage external suppliers’ technical output. Any performance issues would be escalated to EVP, Store Development.

The Project Manager is accountable for creating the project-specific program and issuing/updating this program as necessary and communicating the program to the EVP, Store Development. Any issues which could potentially alter the agreed program dates should be escalated. The Project Manager should take every opportunity to reduce program and sequence the program to keep the impact on our colleagues and our stores to a minimum.

The Project Manager is responsible for the preparation of project-specific costs for submission to the EVP.  Costs should be robust, accurate and include all the elements of the agreed scope. The Project Manager should ensure that all project variations are managed throughout the duration of the project – signed off on a weekly basis by EVP Store Development, and the ‘final account’ (less any retention) is signed off within 12 weeks from project completion.

The Project Manager is to manage their project team to deliver excellence in all store build-outs and renovations. This means delivering consistently complete, projects for handover to our retail teams on the agreed dates. The handover will include the maintenance team, Store Director and Vice President, and any other necessary stakeholders, in a formal ’sign off’ meeting. 

Specific Responsibilities
  • Meet with key stakeholders to understand the location, building and restrictions

  • Review operational set-up of the store including I.T. infrastructure, security, etc

  • Ensure all retail feedback is captured and updated to layout in advance of tender issue

  • Attend site to physically review layout 4,2,0 weeks out from handover

  • Review outstanding issues through to competition and arrange/gain approval for all follow-up visits with retail

  • Capture store design input with a focus on the client and retailer experience

  • Maintain effective retail focused communication – before, during and post completion of projects

  • Consistently use the New store & Refit design sign-off process

  • Managing relationships with key brand partners across the luxury watch sector

  • Develop/use of the store development Standard Detail document

  • Deliver multiple store development projects across retail stores

  • Manage multiple projects through external Project Managers

  • Managing relationships with key contractor and professional teams

  • Control and management of punch items through to timely completion

  • Conducting store development reviews post project completion

Essential Experience
  • Substantial construction project management track record gained through 5 – 7 years post qualification experience

  • First-hand experience of retail fit out construction industry and construction standards

  • Good understanding of legislation affecting retail projects

  • Experience of working to strict timescales and within budget

  • Ability to demonstrate strong strategic, analytical and budgetary management skills

  • Effective communication skills to communicate to all levels of the business

  • IT competence full M/S Office suit particularly M/S Project and Excel


Desirable Experience
  • Understanding of local authority /statutory application process


Personal Attributes
  • Excellent communication & interpersonal skills

  • Takes full accountability for their actions

  • Highly self-motivated and pro-active

  • Effective team builder

  • Able to deal effectively with ambiguity.

  • Highly competent with cross functional working

  • Professional approach and attitude

  • Excellent organizational skills

  • Dynamic and adaptable to change

  • Dedicated, reliable and responsible

  • Confident and robust

  • Takes ownership of problems

  • Works under own initiative

  • High customer focus

  • Ability to prioritize own workload, & work to deadlines

  • Strong team player

  • Excellent influencing skills

  • Excellent attention to detail

  • Confidentiality at the highest level


To Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to Chuck Sommers via email at csommers@thewosgroup.com


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