Property Project Manager

About us:

Our mission is to deliver joy in every shop, through unbeatable choice, unrivalled service, and reassuringly good value. We’re also on a mission to empower our business with smart technology; we’ve recently launched our AI Academy, providing a tailored AI learning journey for every colleague.

We’re Ocado Retail, a market-leading joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S, and the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket, ocado. Not only is Ocado the only place to shop a full range of M&S food online, but it’s also the home to the widest online supermarket range in the UK and a champion of small, independent brands. We’re also the brains behind Zoom by Ocado, our same-day grocery delivery service.

About the team and the role:

Our new Property Project Manager will join our growing Design & Construction (D&C) team. The D&C team plays a pivotal role in helping Ocado Retail reach its growth targets by enabling capacity across the network through the efficient and effective delivery of new sites across our nationwide portfolio.

Reporting directly to the Design & Construction Lead, you will take the lead on a variety of your own development projects. The primary focus of this role will be to work on the rollout of new ‘Spoke’ facilities; our c.60kft2 last-mile delivery centres. These schemes will be delivered either as Build-To-Suit schemes, first-fit out of new, or refurbs to existing. Alongside the Spoke programme, you will manage lifecycle works across our existing UK portfolio (Refurbishments, PV, EV, Dilaps work, etc.) alongside capacity expansion projects (multi-deck car parking, internal remodelling, etc).

You will be responsible for driving project programmes, holding full financial accountability for the D&C elements of your schemes, whilst taking ownership of the standard documentation and ensuring effective capture of project outputs. As part of the role, the successful candidate will demonstrate an appetite to deliver continual improvement and project efficiencies throughout the project lifecycle.

Stakeholder management is vital to this role, so exceptional organisation, communication and presentation skills are key. You will equally need to demonstrate technical competency through the various stages of design and development (RIBA), backed by strong knowledge of Building Regulations, Planning, and Contract Management (JCT D&B).

What you’ll do:

• End-to-End Delivery: Lead the full lifecycle of property development projects, from front-end feasibility, through to design, planning, construction, and successful handover to our Operators.

• Commercial & Financial Control: Take full financial accountability for the D&C elements of your schemes, including budget management, scope management, cost reporting alongside robust preparation and administration of JCT Design & Build contracts.

• Stakeholder Management: Act as the key lynchpin between numerous internal stakeholder teams, external consultants, contractors and local authorities, ensuring clear communication and alignment at all times.

• Continuous Improvement: Take ownership of standard project documentation, proactively identifying and implementing process efficiencies to elevate how the D&C team delivers projects.

Who you are:

• Experienced professional: 5+ years of proven Property Project Management experience. A strong preference will be given to candidates with a client-side background or those from a consultancy acting in a client-representative capacity.

• Sector experience: Broad cross-sector experience, with a track record of delivering projects valued at £1m–£5m or more. Experience in the Industrial and Logistics sector, or a relevant sector, is highly desirable.

• Qualified: Professionally qualified in the field (MRICS, MCIOB, MAPM) or holding a relevant Construction/Property-related degree.

• Technically astute: Demonstrable, hands-on experience structuring and administering JCT contracts (specifically with D&B elements), alongside a strong track record of navigating the UK’s various legislative systems and regulatory bodies (Building Control, Planning, etc).

• A natural leader: Strong personnel management and leadership capabilities, coupled with highly developed reporting and analytical skills.

• Travel: You will hold a full UK driving licence and have the flexibility to travel nationally to oversee site operations.

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. You’ll also be part of our AI Academy, a dedicated learning journey designed to empower every colleague with the smart technology skills of the future.

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.