Head of Projects

The Company:

Our client is a well established and leading consumer orientated Catering and Hospitality business providing a variety of facilities and accommodation. A number of popular franchised brands are located at their sites and they also have a number of their own brand offerings.

The business has been at the forefront of innovation in the sector, pioneering the introduction of High Street brands and developing strong, successful partnerships with their Franchisors.

The business was acquired earlier this year by one of the largest investors in the UK who are supporting current initiatives as well as investing further in their sites, facilities and partnerships with a number of UK’s most popular brands.

The Position:

The Head of Projects will primarily be responsible for managing the end to end delivery of infrastructure, Capital investment and refurbishment projects from conception through to completion for our clients.

Reporting to the Property Development Director in this pivotal newly created role, the Head of Projects will manage a wide range of Stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of a c£15m annual capital budget across multiple projects within tight timescales, adhering to all legislative compliance and Franchise approvals. A Development Coordinator will be a direct report.

The key responsibilities for the role are split out below into each of our clients core Factors.

Communication Responsibilities

Deliver high level of communication, negotiation and influencing whether that be with internal stakeholders or suppliers to ensure that all initiatives are delivered within budget and to plan. Utilise strong written and verbal communication skills when presenting to investors, the Board and company wide. Ensure communication is comprehensive and well planned with direct and indirect team to share the vision for the future and ensure delivery to objectives.

Problem Solving Responsibilities

Able to problem solve in order to understand challenges relating to our clients property and estates. Able to analyse and break down complex problems, using experience, skills and technical knowledge in order to support decision making. Use established methods to identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency and minimise costs/maximise revenues. Lead the integration of agreed solutions.

Leadership Responsibilities

Give clear direction, guidance and support to others to ensure the team delivers against objectives and goals. High level of motivation and optimism even when faced with setbacks and significant challenges. Implement and set the leadership tone for the team. Manage a variety of internal and external stakeholders including but not limited to, franchisors, tenants, landlords and external governing bodies. Lead and direct contractors and suppliers to ensure end to end management of projects to ensure they are deployed and managed within set parameters and budget. Manage contractors/suppliers to deliver against all specifications ensuring franchisor specifications are adhered to.

Autonomy and Decision Making Responsibilities
Significant autonomy for decision making with regular interactions with the Board in relation to large investments. Utilise expertise to make informed decisions at all times.

Other Job holder Responsibilities

New Unit Development Meet the requirements of the business development strategy for implementation of new units or Developments including extensions and redevelopments. Work through the end to end process from conception to handover. Manage tight timescales against a set budget and deadlines. Ensure all development is compliant with franchisor requirements where necessary. Ensure new developments comply with statutory, insurance and energy efficiency requirements. Unit Refurbishment Meet the requirements of agreed company refurbishments plans. Meet timescales and budgets as set out in the refurbishment plan. Work with minimal disruption to the day to day operation. Ensure all development is compliant with franchisor requirements where necessary. Ensure all refurbishments comply with statutory, insurance and energy efficiency requirements. Stakeholder Management Maintaining ongoing relationships with Area and Site Directors, ensuring all projects are delivered on time and on budget within minimal site disruption. Work with the Heads of Functions to ensure the capital development delivery of their functional business plans Ensure compliance and approval with all legislative bodies, franchisors, CDM regulations and all health and safety requirements. Support the broader Property team. Spans of Control One direct report, Property team of 3 others managing repairs and maintenance The role will interface with a high numbers of contractors, suppliers, landlords, legislative bodies and franchisors Management and review of company development budget. Accountability for all sites within our clients network. Multiple project control to achieve a tight development window from November to April National area of influence

Experience

Must have advanced specialist knowledge. Construction management experience including the development and maintenance of catering establishments. Detail focused with an ability to convey projects effectively and manage multiple stakeholders. Experience of working in live customer facing environments, delivery to required specifications with minimal disruption to the customer. Large scale complex project management experience. Complex supplier/contractor management and negotiation. Ability to influence at Board level and take a long term strategic view of maintenance and development.

The Candidate Specification:

Candidates are likely to be performing a similar client side role within a Catering/Hospitality, Hotel, Retail or Franchisee led environment.

The ideal Candidate:

• Are likely to have Project Management, Construction, Building Surveying or Quantity Surveying qualifications.
• Must have a minimum of five years relevant experience of managing new and refurbishment projects.
• Should ideally have some exposure to Civils – vehicle parking, building construction and services provision etc.
• Have an interest in technology digitisation and potential Electric Vehicle Infrastructure enabling.
• Should demonstrate an interest and exposure to energy efficiency, carbon zero and sustainability improvements etc.
• Must have the ability to manage all projects from inception to completion and deliver them to strict time, cost and quality parameters.
• Must be able to work effectively on their own and as part of a team.
• Must have the ability to manage, motivate and inspire multi-disciplinary external teams as well as work closely with internal Stakeholders.
• Should be technically astute and commercially aware with a strong cost and delivery focus.
• Must be familiar with all Statutory and Health & Safety Legislation and requirements etc.
• Have excellent presentation and communication skills at all levels.
• Have good IT skills.

The Location:

One/two days a week in our clients Head Office with the remainder working on site/from home.

The Salary & Supporting Benefits:

Attractive base salary, Car/Car Allowance, Bonus, Private Health Cover, Pension, Life Assurance and 25 days holiday.

The above are principal elements in an attractive and comprehensive package reflecting our client’s determination to appoint a first class candidate.

It is our policy to practice equal opportunities in recruitment and selection for all candidates.

We have a responsibility to avoid unlawful discrimination.