Job Introduction
As we continue our mission to make people and nature happy through chocolate, we're looking for an experienced Retail Construction Project Manager to join our Property & Facilities team on a permanent basis.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about retail environments and understands that every successful store opening starts long before the doors open. We're looking for someone who thrives on delivering exceptional retail spaces, enjoys working closely with Retail Operations, and takes pride in creating stores that provide an outstanding customer and colleague experience.
You'll be responsible for delivering new store openings, refurbishments and capital projects across our UK retail estate, ensuring every project is completed safely, on time, within budget and to the premium standards our customers expect.
Working closely with our Property, Retail Operations and Facilities teams, you'll manage projects from initial concept through to handover, ensuring our retail teams are fully prepared to open and trade successfully from day one.
As well as a competitive salary and a range of company benefits, you’ll receive 50% discount on all products, and a 70% discount for you and your guests when you stay at our Rabot Estate hideaway on the paradise island of Saint Lucia.
Here at Hotel Chocolat, we've adopted hybrid working. This means you’ll join us on site for two days a week (dependant on project work), and for the other three days you can work from wherever you like! The on-site location for this role is our support office, ‘Mint House’, in Royston, Hertfordshire. Our home from the very beginning, it’s just off the A505 and 10 minutes’ walk from Royston train station, with direct rail links to London King’s Cross.
As our Retail Construction Project Manager, you'll take ownership of multiple retail projects across the UK, balancing programme, cost, quality and stakeholder expectations.
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Lead cross-functional teams through every stage of a project, from concept to store handover.
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Build strong partnerships with Retail Operations to ensure stores are operationally ready for opening.
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Manage architects, designers, M&E consultants, contractors and external suppliers.
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Develop positive relationships with landlords and managing agents.
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Provide regular project updates to the Head of Property & Facilities and key stakeholders.
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Influence decisions that balance commercial objectives with the Hotel Chocolat customer experience and brand standards.
Strategic
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Develop project programmes aligned with retail trading calendars and store opening plans.
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Identify project risks early and implement practical solutions.
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Drive value engineering opportunities without compromising quality or customer experience.
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Support capital planning and future retail expansion programmes.
Delivery
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Manage contractor tender processes and recommend appointments.
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Oversee CapEx budgets, project costs, variations and payment approvals.
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Carry out regular site visits and chair progress meetings.
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Ensure CDM compliance and safe working practices throughout every project.
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Manage practical completion, snagging and defect resolution.
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Maintain accurate project plans, trackers and reporting.
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New stores opening on schedule.
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Refurbishments completed with minimal disruption to trading.
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Projects delivered within agreed budgets.
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Excellent feedback from Retail Operations and internal stakeholders.
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High-quality retail environments that reflect the Hotel Chocolat brand.
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Zero reportable health and safety incidents.
You'll be someone who genuinely enjoys working within retail and understands what makes a successful store.
You'll bring:
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At least 5 years' experience managing retail construction projects.
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Proven experience delivering multiple store openings and refurbishments simultaneously.
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A strong understanding of retail fit-outs, M&E services and commercial cost management.
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A degree in Construction Management, Project Management or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
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Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
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The ability to build trusted relationships with both operational and technical teams.
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A proactive approach with strong planning and problem-solving skills.
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A willingness to travel nationally to support projects across our retail estate.
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Experience working within a multi-site retail business.
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A passion for creating exceptional retail environments and customer experiences.
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Knowledge of premium retail brands or hospitality-led environments.
About Us
We’re not just a chocolate company; we’re a family of chocolate lovers. From luxury gifts to our iconic Velvetiser™ and beyond, we’ve built a brand that’s all about crafting moments of indulgence. Our journey began as a humble mint company, but we soon found our passion for cacao and never looked back. Today, we’re proud to operate over 150 stores across the UK and continue to grow across categories, channels, and territories.
Patience, passion, and purpose drive everything we do – just like the perfect cacao pod, our success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of hard work, innovation, and the shared dedication of our customers, colleagues, farmers, and suppliers.
To learn more about who we are and our People Pledge to equality, diversity, and inclusion, visit: hotelchocolat.com/uk/engaged-ethics/our-people.html
