Project Manager, Operations Manager

Overview

Home. There's no place like it. And there's no feeling like helping people create the joy of feeling truly  Dunelm, that's what we do. We're the UK's number one choice for homewares because we make home life lovelier for our customers. And the caring and encouraging culture we've created makes this a place you'll feel right at home too.

We are the UK's Number One homewares retailer offering over 100,000 products building a consumer-focused total retail business that delights customers through our multichannel operation.

We are determined in our plans to increase further expansion of the business to more customers, shopping more frequently, with more choice, enhanced digital and physical services, and new capabilities to innovate and operate at pace in a fast-changing landscape. In developing the business for the long-term benefit of our customers, we are investing in our supply chain, stores and technology to improve the customer proposition as we progress.

We're part of the Instore Experience team – side by side with Store Experience, Pausa, ME, POS, and Store Format. Together, we're the people behind how our shops feel – and our team's job is to bring it all together in our new stores and refits.

From beautiful product displays to thoughtful layouts and seamless customer service, we take the best of what we've learned and build it into every new space. We're all about creating an experience that's as enjoyable for our colleagues as it is for our customers.

Things move fast here – no two days are the same. With every new project comes a chance to learn, grow and make it even better than the last. If you like a bit of variety, you'll feel right at home.

We work hand-in-hand with the Development team, I&A, Store Operations and our Store and Regional Coaches – it's a real team effort.

The role will involve preparation of scope of works, AutoCAD drawings, tender documentation, detailed analysis and agreement of tender costs, financial account and purchase ledger management and preparation and agreement of detailed programmes. Ensure that adherence to Building Regulations and HSE guidelines are compiled and auditable on completion of each project.

• Visiting sites with the Senior Project Manager or Head of Development to understand the full scope of each project.
• Creating feasibility drawings and discussion plans so we can review ideas, check costs, and make sure everything meets local and statutory requirements before board approval.
• Working with specialist consultants and contractors to pull together detailed plans and specifications for the overall design and tender package.
• Collaborating closely with the New Store and Refit Merchandising team to agree on phasing and handover timings – and keeping store and area coaches in the loop.
• Producing working drawings and submitting them to local authorities or approved inspectors to get the green light.
• Preparing drawings for contractors, managing tenders, and reviewing returns to make sure costs are fair and reflect the project requirements.
• Pulling together Capex submissions with finance teams and the Head of Instore Experience to confirm payback criteria before board approval.
• Liaising with contractors – both successful and unsuccessful – and arranging pre-start meetings with the winning team.
• Raising and tracking purchase orders so the ledger stays accurate and up to dateli>
• Visiting sites regularly (at least twice a week) to check progress, quality, and organisation — and making sure everything stays on programme.
• Submitting weekly health and safety and photographic progress reports.
• Handing over completed sections to the merchandising team on time, with all fixtures and fittings ready to go.
• Ensuring handovers are snag‑free — and resolving any issues quickly if they pop up.
• Producing H&S and O&M handover packs with the consultant and training store managers on any new equipment.
• Agreeing final accounts with suppliers within four weeks of handover and submitting all H&S O&M files within 12 weeks, including signage and approvals.

• Confidence with AutoCAD, Excel and…