Project Executive

• Fluent in English.
• A chartered construction industry professional (RICS, CIOB, RIBA,PMP etc.) with 5 years' experience in construction, refurbishment, programme and project management of significant work streams and projects developing, building and refurbishing properties. Alternatively, candidates with significant relevant experience working in the shopfit/retail industry will also be considered.
• Experience in a corporate client-based organisation or specialist consultancy or similar is highly desirable.
• Detailed and working knowledge of legal and contractual documents and mechanisms that support construction and development project management.
• Strong computer and IT literacy skills.
• A confident inspiring leader with charisma and credibility who is prepared to drive hard, challenge and develop teams and projects to deliver exceptional results.
• Ability to work on variant complexity and size of building projects managing internal and external relationships using influence and negotiation skills where required.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills. Able to articulate information clearly and concisely via meetings, presentations, reports and workshops to colleagues at all levels.
• Proven managerial experience with particular emphasis in dealing with change management and ambiguity.
• Ability to focus appropriately on projects' detail and/or the wider picture.
• Ability to build and maintain a strong awareness of the 'bigger picture' both in terms of industry knowledge (construction and retail) and own role within Primark.

The Project Executive will head up and be fully responsible for Construction and Development Projects which will deliver major refurbishment and refit initiatives for Primark within existing stores. Projects are likely to be in various stages of development and may be located in different geographical regions across Europe.

This role will focus on implementing projects and initiatives within existing stores, ranging from refits, refreshes and significant space change projects, through to implementing new food & beverage/licensed offer initiatives, ensuring seamless continuity of the portfolio.

Project Executive will manage external professional teams and will be required to lead and direct these teams to ensure that construction and development projects are designed and delivered on time within budget and to a high degree of quality and health & safety standards.

The role will require diligent liaison with internal stakeholders and to manage those relationships across the business in support of high-quality delivery and satisfactory stakeholder engagement.

Duties & Responsabilities

• Ensure that the projects within your control are delivered on time, within budget and to a high degree of quality and health and safety.
• Be responsible for the assembly of the Brief, Programme and Cost Plan for all projects within your control.
• Liaise with stakeholders, Head's of Construction, Construction & Feasibility Manager's as necessary to develop accurate feasibility plans.
• Manage and control overall spend against agreed budget taking up any variances with the appropriate stakeholders and project team members.
• Apply and ensure all adhere to project standards and project management disciplines.
• Develop strategic project objectives in conjunction with key stakeholders and translate these into project deliverables. Manage and report against these deliverables.
• Co-ordinate the development of project plans and take a high-level view of all the projects and initiatives under your control identifying interdependencies, gaps and anomalies.
• Manage progress of all projects through regular dialogue with project teams and stakeholders assessing the potential impact of change on these projects and also taking cognisance of the effect on the business thus ensuring change management is correctly dealt with.
• Address ambiguity across and within projects and identify where improvements can be made over current practice.
• Manage risk throughout the life of the project(s) ensuring these have been correctly identified and prioritised and managed.
• Troubleshoot problems/barriers encountered throughout the projects and bring these to a successful conclusion having secured the support of key stakeholders.
• Define responsibilities and make optimal use of the resources available to the projects.
• Identify the parties required to be involved and involve them in the evaluation of the projects success. Ensure the outcomes are communicated and that actions can be followed up.
• Build a network of contacts within peer group and across the business compiling a detailed knowledge of the structure and objectives of the different departments and stakeholders.
• Ability to represent Primark internally and externally to ensure Primark retains its innovative and leading-edge approach to development and construction delivery solutions.
• Ensure Primark's operating procedures and local building codes and regulations are fully complied with.
• Report on a regular basis to the Head of Construction on project progress, risks, issues and solutions.
• Monitor, review and undertake key performance reviews on all contractors and consultants.
• Build and lead strong cross-functional relationships, driving a "one team" approach across internal stakeholders, partners, and suppliers.
• Generate enthusiasm and commitment within the team and across Primark to shared outcomes engaging at every level across the Primark business to drive change.
• Build trust and credibility across Primark and develop strong internal networks and partnerships.

Given the fixed-term/maternity cover nature of this role, the ability to quickly assimilate an existing project portfolio and hit the ground running with minimal handover time is essential.

• Creates trusted relationship and collaborates across multi-functional teams and with line manager to successfully drive business objectives.
• Highly organised, possessing the ability to effectively prioritise.
• Excellent organising and planning skills with the ability to co-ordinate and manage multiple projects and Initiatives working to tight deadlines.
• Effective and persuasive presentation skills, including the ability to present complex information in an understandable manner to all areas of the business.
• Comfortable with complexity and ambiguity and confidently finding a new path or solution to problem solve in a changing environment.
• Proven ability in managing sensitive matters whilst ensuring all Primark information remains confidential to the business.
• Accuracy, attention to detail and a "can do" pro-active approach is essential.
• Be a collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal/communication skills, while demonstrating high levels of emotional intelligence and possess the ability to push back with professionalism.
• Operates with a high level of integrity, diplomacy, tact and professionalism.
• Ability to lead, influence and coach others.
• Sound judgement, unquestionable ethics and integrity with high degree of transparency and trust.