As we continue our mission to make people and nature happy through chocolate, we’re looking for a Construction Project Manager to join our Property & Facilities team on a permanent basis. As a Construction Project Manager you will be responsible for the delivery of all construction projects nationwide, managing contractor tendering processes, project timelines, onsite build activities and the smooth transition of completed projects to our retail teams. Working closely within the property team, you will oversee new construction projects from inception to handover, ensuring every site is delivered on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards. You will be a key point of contact for external contractors, consultants and H&S advisors, managing relationships and keeping clear lines of communication open throughout the build timeline. In addition, on a day to day basis you will review project progress, track key milestones, conduct site visits and proactively deal with risks and issues if they arise.
Responsibilities
* Lead cross‑functional project teams from concept through to handover.
* Manage architects, M&E consultants, cost consultants and principal contractors.
* Partner closely with Retail Operations to ensure operational readiness at handover.
* Provide clear and structured reporting to Head of Property & Facilities.
* Build collaborative landlord and managing agent relationships.
* Influence stakeholders to balance commercial return with brand integrity.
* Develop robust project programmes aligned to trading calendars and launch campaigns.
* Identify and mitigate programme, cost and design risks early.
* Lead value engineering initiatives without compromising quality.
* Support pipeline planning and capital forecasting.
* Prepare and issue tender documentation and analyse contractor returns.
* Negotiate and recommend contractor appointments.
* Manage CapEx budgets, variations and payment certifications.
* Conduct regular site inspections and chair progress meetings.
* Oversee CDM compliance and ensure safe working practices.
* Manage snagging, practical completion and defect resolution.
* Maintain project trackers and reporting dashboards.
* On‑time store openings aligned to launch schedules.
* CapEx delivery within agreed tolerance.
* Minimal post‑opening defects (12‑month benchmark).
* Zero reportable safety incidents.
* Stakeholder satisfaction across Retail and Executive teams.
Qualifications
* Minimum 5 years project management experience within retail construction.
* Experience delivering multiple concurrent store projects.
* Strong M&E understanding and commercial cost control skills.
* Degree qualified in Construction/Project Management or equivalent.
* Proven track record of delivering projects safely, on time, on budget and to premium brand standards.
Benefits
* Competitive salary.
* A range of company benefits.
* 50% discount on all products.
* 70% discount for yourself and your guests when staying at the Rabot Estate hideaway in Saint Lucia.
Here at Hotel Chocolat, we’ve adopted hybrid working. This means you will join us on site for two days a week (dependent 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. It is just off the A505 and 10 minutes’ walk from Royston train station, with direct rail links to London King’s Cross.
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