Watchfinder & Co. Store Design, Planning & Construction Project Manager
- Location
- West MallingEnglandUK
- Employment
- Full-Time
- Seniority
- Mid-Level
- Posted
- Jul 21, 2026
About Watchfinder & Co.
Founded in 2002, Watchfinder & Co. has grown from a pioneering online specialist into a leading global destination for pre-owned luxury watches, combining horological expertise with a modern, customer-focused retail model. As part of Richemont, the company offers employees the agility of a digital-first business alongside the standards and international reach of one of the world’s foremost luxury groups. Its teams work across authentication, watchmaking, technology, retail, operations and client advisory, united by a commitment to trust, craftsmanship and exceptional service. Watchfinder & Co. provides a dynamic environment for professionals passionate about luxury, innovation and the enduring value of fine timepieces.
Watchfinder seeks Store Design, Planning & Construction Project Manager in West Malling, UK to lead global retail expansion and store development projects.
Role & Responsibilities
- Coordinate design development from concept to construction documentation, ensuring consistency with Watchfinder's Retail Bluebook and brand identity standards
- Manage external design specialists, architects, and consultants throughout project lifecycle
- Lead projects from investment validation through construction and close-out, developing and controlling budgets, CAPEX, and construction planning
- Drive tendering, technical evaluations, commercial negotiations, and contract awards for all external suppliers including architects, millworkers, and local consultants
- Validate architectural proposals and shop drawings from external partners, ensuring adherence with Watchfinder's design principles and Richemont guidelines
- Manage all construction phases, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery to Watchfinder's quality and operational sustainability standards
- Collaborate with internal project stream leads across Marketing, Retail, Merchandising, and Commercial Operations to optimize retail experience and operational efficiency
- Coordinate maintenance and post-opening programs, including snagging, retrofit projects, and minor works
- Create and implement a business-as-usual maintenance management framework and governance structure
- Identify and mitigate project risks, manage financial reporting, and lead progress reporting across different cadences and audiences
- Act as the primary headquarters interface for all markets regarding boutique construction and maintenance
- Support ad-hoc operational issues and cross-functional improvement or exploratory projects
Qualifications
- 4+ years of experience in Construction Project Management or Store Design & Planning function
- Proven track record of delivering international retail projects with solid understanding of design, store planning, and construction processes
- Experience managing external partners such as architects, quantity surveyors, general contractors, and millworkers
- Strong knowledge of procurement and tender management, commercial negotiations, and budget maintenance
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite
- Advanced Microsoft Office Suite knowledge
- Professional fluency in English; French language proficiency is advantageous
Skills
Experience
4+ years of experience in construction project management or retail store design and planning, with a demonstrated track record of successfully delivering international retail projects. Proven expertise in managing external partners including architects, quantity surveyors, general contractors, and millworkers. Strong experience in procurement, tender management, commercial negotiations, and budget control in a retail or hospitality environment.
Education
Not specified; relevant qualifications in project management, architecture, construction management, or interior design are implied but not explicitly required.
Workplace
This position is based in West Malling, England, UK, within easy reach of London.
Culture
Watchfinder & Co. fosters a dynamic, detail-driven culture where expertise in pre-owned luxury watches is paired with a modern, customer-centric retail mindset. As an employer, it offers a collaborative environment that values authenticity, technical knowledge, and entrepreneurial agility within the wider luxury watch ecosystem.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.
Frequently Asked Questions
The luxury industry is characterised by a diverse and nuanced nomenclature. Esteemed houses frequently employ proprietary terminology, and even within a single organisation like Watchfinder & Co., titles may vary across global markets to reflect local conventions. To ensure absolute clarity, Cerulean assigns a standardised, industry-coherent canonical title to every listing. However, it is worth noting that this role is functionally synonymous with «Retail Project Manager», «Store Development Manager», «Retail Construction Manager», «Design & Construction Coordinator», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.