Vacancy NameSenior Project Associate Vacancy NoVN1202 Job TypePermanent LocationHatfield Job Details
Senior Project Associate
Contract type:Permanent
Location:Hatfield (Hybrid working - 3 days in the office)
Working hours per week:40 hours
Level:Manager
Application Closing Date:Thursday 22nd January 2026
About us
Our mission is to deliver joy in every shop, through unbeatable choice, unrivalled service, and reassuringly good value.
We’re Ocado Retail, a market-leading joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S, and the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket,. Not only is Ocado.com the only place to shop a full range of M&S food online, it’s also the home to the widest online supermarket range in the UK and champion of small, independent brands. We’re also the brains behind, our same-day grocery delivery service.
About the team and the role
We are looking for a Senior Project Associate to help us achieve the next stage of growth. This role will be pivotal in delivering successful project outcomes while ensuring responsible investments and effective resource management. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in managing cross-functional projects, with a proven ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders across the business. The focus is on development of our network of automated warehouses, which means there is a need for being comfortable with running projects in the built environment as well as understanding the main drivers of our profitable growth.
The Network Development and Property Team is broadly split into three areas: strategy, execution and real estate. The Senior Project Associate will be responsible for the on time and on budget delivery of projects. It supports and reports into a programme manager, but there is also responsibility for the on time and on budget delivery of projects.
What you’ll do
1. Project Delivery: Lead the execution of network development and property projects from initiation to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.
2. Performance Tracking: Monitor and track project performance against established budgets and timelines, implementing corrective actions as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with stakeholders across internal teams and external partners to ensure alignment and facilitate effective communication throughout the project lifecycle.
4. Investment Management: Work with the Investment Manager to evaluate project proposals and make recommendations to ensure investments align with organisational goals and sustainability practices.
5. Cross-Functional Leadership: Coordinate with various departments (e.g. Finance, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology, Operations) to drive project success and foster a culture of collaboration and accountability.
6. Reporting: Prepare and present regular updates and reports to the Senior Programme Manager and other key stakeholders, highlighting project progress, challenges, and achievements.
7. Process Improvement: Identify opportunities for process enhancements and contribute to best practices in project management to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
Key accountabilities
8. Delivery of capacity-related projects either directly or indirectly with the project teams plus additional property projects
9. Project coordination for building new CFC and spokes plus spoke expansion projects
10. Support the improvement of our van fleet across electrification initiatives through to rollout of new van technologies
11. Rollout of new technology into warehouses to increase efficiency
12. Track and report on the performance of investments to ensure adherence to business case and to agreed timelines
Who you are
13. Proven experience in project management, preferably in the built environment or real estate sectors.
14. Experience working with and leading projects across multiple teams and stakeholders with a strong track record of successful delivery.
15. Proficient in project management tools and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
16. Experience in ecommerce or retail, preferably grocery. Quick commerce or rapid delivery experience a bonus.
17. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
18. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
19. Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
20. Good financial acumen with a propensity towards responsible investments.
21. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, with a degree of independence
22. Exceptional organisational skills for effective planning and prioritisation
The role will play a key role in delivering responsible investments to enable growth and deliver increased structural profitability. The role requires a self-starter who is passionate about seeing the business grow, this person will be able to adapt to ensure we are taking all the best opportunities to drive the profitability growth of this exciting business.
What’s in it for you
By joining Ocado Retail, you’ll have the chance to experience life at the world’s largest online retailer, work with an amazing bunch of people who challenge what’s possible each day, and grow your skills and career in online retail.
If that’s not enough to tempt you, you’ll also get access to loads of great benefits to sweeten the deal. Here’s a taste of what we offer:
Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance with option to add your family, Digital GP appointments, market-leading family policies, mental health support, discounted gym memberships, dental insurance, and more.
Spend & Save: Annual bonus scheme split between personal and business objectives, recognition with reward platform, up to 7% matched pension contributions, 15% Ocado discount, 20% M&S discount, free breakfast every day in the office, electric vehicle leasing scheme, and free shuttle bus from Hatfield station to the office.
Never miss the moments that matter: Hybrid working, 26 days holiday plus 8 flexible bank holidays, options to buy extra holiday, 2 weeks work from anywhere, and lifestyle break opportunities.
Our Hiring Process
Lucky for us, we receive a high volume of applications and genuinely appreciate the time and effort invested by every candidate. To ensure a fair and thorough process, every application is reviewed by a member of our team. If your skills and experience are a strong match, a Talent Partner will contact you to discuss the role and guide you through the next steps of our hiring process.
Your Application and AI
In the spirit of innovation, we welcome you to use AI tools in your application, just as we use them in our own business at Ocado Retail. However, as you leverage this technology, please don't lose sight of the most important element: your unique self. Your experiences, passions, and personality are what truly set you apart. Ensure that your application still authentically conveys who you are and why you're a great fit for us.
Everyone’s welcome