Project Manager - Retail Fit Outs & Store Development

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and delivery‑focused Project Manager – Retail Fit‑Outs & Store Development to lead the planning and execution of new store openings and refurbishments across our retail network.

In this role, you'll take ownership of projects from approval through to handover, ensuring each store is delivered in line with approved plans, brand standards, safety requirements, timelines, and budgets. You will manage multiple stakeholders, coordinate trades in live retail environments, and ensure all compliance, documentation, and permit requirements are met.

This is a hands‑on role suited to someone who thrives in fast‑paced environments, takes pride in structured project delivery, and brings a solutions‑focused mindset to complex retail construction projects.

About You

You are a confident and organised Project Manager with strong experience delivering construction and fit‑out projects, ideally within retail or shopping centre environments. You bring a strong commercial mindset, excellent attention to detail, and a proactive approach to managing risk, cost, and time.

You collaborate naturally with architects, builders, shopfitters, trades, landlords, and internal stakeholders, and you're comfortable managing multiple sites simultaneously. You communicate clearly, document thoroughly, and take ownership of outcomes — even when projects become complex or time‑sensitive.

You enjoy balancing planning with on‑site execution and bring structure, accountability, and calm decision‑making to every project you manage.

Your Day Will Consist Of

• Preparing new stores in line with approved plans and agreed specifications
• Delivering projects to agreed schedules and budgets, including cost and time efficiencies with supporting documentation
• Developing and maintaining detailed project plans to track progress and milestones
• Coordinating shopfitters, flooring contractors, electrical contractors, and other trades during fit‑out
• Issuing tenders, assessing supplier quotations, and raising purchase orders
• Managing approved variations, issuing defect lists, and maintaining detailed project file notes
• Liaising closely with architects, builders, project managers, landlords, and building certifiers throughout delivery
• Organising and submitting council building permits and coordinating required inspections
• Ensuring all compliance documentation is obtained, including permits and engineer certifications
• Proactively identifying risks and escalating issues, delays, or concerns to management
• Keeping internal stakeholders informed of project progress, delays, or challenges
• Maintaining and developing a reliable and high‑performing supplier and shopfitter base
• Managing stakeholder relationships to ensure smooth project delivery in live retail environments

You Will Have

Experience

• 5+ years' experience in Project or Construction Site Management, preferably within a live retail environment
• Proven experience managing multiple sites concurrently
• Strong experience delivering projects to tight timelines and budgets
• Demonstrated ability to manage contractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders

Technical & Professional Skills

• Strong commercial knowledge of the construction industry and retail shopping centre developments
• Proven budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting capability
• Strong understanding of zoning, planning requirements, and building codes
• Excellent documentation, reporting, and record‑keeping skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Conflict resolution and negotiation capability
• Experience implementing and managing construction safety systems

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Construction or Project Management
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Desirable

• Retail store opening and refurbishment management experience
• Understanding of retail operations
• CAD or Revit exposure
• Microsoft Project experience
• Experience using project management platforms such as Procore or Aconex

Why Work for Us?

• A supportive, collaborative project team — we work hard and support each other
• The opportunity to deliver projects for a well‑known Australian retail brand
• Real exposure to end‑to‑end store delivery across a national footprint
• Generous staff discounts
• Access to the Sonder Employee Assistance Program
• Clear career development opportunities in a growing business
• A culture built on our TEAM&I values, where people are supported, trusted, and encouraged to grow
• The opportunity to directly shape the store environments experienced by thousands of customers

At Best & Less, our stores play a vital role in helping Australian families look and feel their best at great value. As Project Manager, you'll help bring those stores to life — safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.