Project Manager - IKEA Expansion

Job description / Role

Al-Futtaim's Retail Division holds a stable of world class brands operating in buoyant markets with huge growth prospects. Some of our brands are Marks & Spencer, Toys R Us, and IKEA as well as Robinsons with a range of smaller brands selected for their appeal to the markets in which we operate. We currently operate our Retail outlets across the Middle East and in South East Asia.

We have enjoyed phenomenal success throughout the UAE, Egypt and GCC countries. We are in the final stages of outline planning for massive growth and need to prepare for the next phase of this program. The successful candidate will be responsible & accountable for the following:

* The Project leader for the store establishment co-ordinates the planning and build up of all store areas.
* You are responsible to secure all time plans and budgets for the store establishment project.
* You sign and place all orders regarding store equipment.
* You hand over the completed building at the time of store opening after which the store management takes over full responsibility to operate the store.
* You secure that all stores are built according to the IKEA Concept as described in the manuals from Inter IKEA Systems B.V.

Main Tasks:

* Manage the project management group except the management functions that report to the retail manager.
* Follow up and manage the establishment costs on an ongoing basis, ensuring that proposed solutions are of the correct standard and the most cost efficient solutions in all areas of the store.
* Compile and follow up the establishment project time plan updating all members of the franchisee and Inter IKEA Systems Project organisation.
* Co-ordinate the timing of the construction and fit out activities with the construction project leader during the commercial build up.
* Updating the Project Checklist at the agreed Project update meetings and providing updated status reports on the project to the Project Leader from Inter IKEA Systems and the Retail Manager.
* Taking the overall responsibility for the compilation and results of the commercial brief, the commercial plans and the commercial build up.
* Check the store equipment order made by the Com & In Manager and place the order with the relevant suppliers. IKEA has a central organisation for all store equipment. This organisation is called IMS and they co ordinate the selection of store equipment.
* Ensure that the members of the store management team are educated and trained with regards to their tasks in the store establishment project.
* Carry out follow-up and evaluation of the pre-project activities, project activities and the store.
* You work closely together with the construction manager.
* You secure that you live up to local legislation.

Requirements

General retailing experience

* Must have project management experience from build up of retail properties.
* Must have detailed know how of the IKEA concept and IKEA architecture standards in order to implement the IKEA concept.
* Education from technical school construction or similar background.
* Must be computer literate.

Communication skills

* Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Must be able to share knowledge and learning.
* Must be able to build working relationships.
* Must be able to speak and understand English.

Leadership skills

* Must have proven leadership abilities and lead by example.

About the Company

Established in the 1930's, the Al-Futtaim Group initially operated as a trading enterprise. Rapid development throughout the 1940's and 50's saw it establish itself regionally as an integrated commercial, industrial and services organisation, positioning itself one of the leading business houses in the lower Gulf region. Today, it operates collectively over 40 companies bearing the Al-Futtaim name, dominates many market segments in the UAE, and has expanded its sphere of operation to include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Egypt.

The Group comprises a diverse range of strategically positioned operating subsidiaries and associate companies, structured to give the Al-Futtaim Group the flexibility and versatility to keep ahead of local competition while keeping pace with the ever-evolving global business scenario. The Groups continued investment in world-class systems technology is clear evidence of its commitment to maintain leading edge performance and service delivery.

The success of the Al-Futtaim Group can be attributed to a business approach that combines the ability to change with the traditional values of integrity, service and social responsibility that define its core business philosophy. This, linked with the Groups belief in decentralisation, gives the heads of the operating companies a high degree of functional autonomy and authority, providing the Group with essential flexibility, and individual employees a clearly defined work culture and sense of responsibility.