Design Project Manager

Project Manager – Projects | South & East

Position Overview

We are looking for an experienced and hands-on Project Manager – Projects to manage end-to-end retail store development and execution across the South and East regions.

The role will be responsible for driving projects from design and drawing coordination through execution, completion and final store handover, ensuring projects are delivered within the defined TAT, budget, quality and brand standards.

The position requires extensive travel across the assigned regions and strong coordination with internal teams, landlords, contractors, suppliers and other project stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

1. End-to-End Project Management

• Take complete ownership of assigned store projects from project initiation to final handover.
• Develop and maintain project schedules in line with the approved store opening TAT.
• Coordinate all project activities to ensure timely completion of stores.
• Monitor project progress against agreed milestones and proactively identify potential delays.
• Develop recovery plans for projects at risk of missing timelines.
• Ensure timely completion of snagging, rectification and final handover.

2. Site Execution & Project Monitoring

• Regularly visit project sites across South and East India to monitor progress and execution.
• Ensure work is executed as per approved drawings, specifications, BOQ and brand standards.
• Monitor civil, interiors, electrical, HVAC, signage, flooring, furniture and other project-related works.
• Coordinate with contractors and vendors for day-to-day execution.
• Identify site issues and ensure timely resolution.
• Conduct quality checks at critical stages of construction and fit-out.
• Maintain site reports, project trackers, photographs and action trackers.

3. Drawing & Design Understanding

• Understand and interpret architectural, interior design, MEP and execution drawings.
• Review drawings before and during execution and identify discrepancies or practical execution challenges.
• Coordinate with the Design team for design clarifications and revisions.
• Ensure site execution is aligned with the latest approved drawings.
• Identify opportunities to improve design execution, constructability and project efficiency.

4. Regional Vendor & Supplier Development

• Identify and develop reliable regional contractors, suppliers and service providers across South and East India.
• Build a strong regional vendor network for categories such as:
• Civil & interior works
• Electrical
• HVAC
• Furniture & fixtures
• Signage
• Flooring
• Glass & glazing
• Painting
• Other specialist works
• Evaluate vendors based on quality, capability, capacity, pricing and project performance.
• Support vendor negotiations and commercial evaluations.
• Develop alternate vendors to reduce dependency and project risks.
• Maintain an updated regional vendor database.

5. Cost & Commercial Management

• Monitor project costs against approved budgets.
• Review vendor quotations, BOQs and variations.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimisation without compromising quality or brand standards.
• Control additional works and avoid unnecessary cost escalation.
• Coordinate with Procurement and Finance teams for commercial closures and vendor payments.

6. Stakeholder Management

• Coordinate closely with Design, Procurement, VM, Operations, Finance and other internal teams.
• Liaise with landlords and mall management teams wherever applicable.
• Manage contractors, suppliers and consultants throughout project execution.
• Ensure clear communication of project priorities, timelines, dependencies and risks.
• Escalate critical issues to the leadership team with recommended solutions.

7. Project Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate project trackers for all assigned stores.
• Provide regular project status updates covering:
• Overall progress
• TAT
• Critical milestones
• Risks and dependencies
• Cost status
• Vendor status
• Snags
• Handover readiness
• Maintain proper project documentation from initiation through handover.
• Ensure all project closure and handover documents are completed.

Key Performance Indicators

• 90%+ stores completed within approved TAT.
• Projects delivered within approved budget and quality standards.
• Timely identification and resolution of project risks.
• Development of a strong regional supplier/vendor network.
• Reduction in project delays caused by vendor availability or sourcing constraints.
• Effective drawing interpretation and coordination with Design.
• Minimal rework and execution-related snags.
• Timely closure of all handover requirements.
• Effective site monitoring across the South and East regions.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong project management and execution skills.
• Good understanding of retail store fit-out and construction.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, interior and MEP drawings.
• Strong knowledge of construction materials, finishes and execution methodologies.
• Vendor identification, negotiation and management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• Good understanding of project schedules, BOQs and cost control.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to independently manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong ownership and ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Willingness to undertake extensive travel across South and East India.

Experience & Qualification

Experience:

• 6–10 years of relevant experience in retail projects, interior fit-outs, construction or project management.
• Experience in managing multiple retail stores/projects will be preferred.
• Experience handling projects across multiple cities/regions will be an advantage.

Qualification:

• Degree/Diploma in Architecture, Interior Design, Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline.

Role Requirements

• Location: South / East Region
• Travel: Extensive travel across assigned regions
• Function: Projects
• Role: Project Manager