Project Manager - New Stores & Renewals (Maternity Cover)

Overview

The department oversees every aspect of the in‑store experience, covering our full range of formats — from Lifestyle and Local to Superstores. This includes store design, space planning, planograms, POS and signage, as well as the delivery and management of all New Stores and Renewals.

While these are our core responsibilities, partnership is essential. We work closely with teams across the business to create a consistent, aligned experience for our customers. Key collaborators include Marketing, Store Operations, Continuous Improvement, Space Planning, Commercial, I&A, Finance and Store Development. We also support wider business objectives, playing an active role in cross‑functional projects and outcomes.

Staying connected to the industry is a crucial part of our work. The team continually monitors competitor activity and emerging trends — from product innovation and sustainability initiatives to planogram evolution, store formats and customer messaging.

A major output of the department is store format development. This spans everything from iterative improvements to full end‑to‑end launches of new departmental formats. Our work covers layout, customer flow, fixtures and fittings, planograms, signage and POS.

Ultimately, our goal is to ensure our stores are inspiring, easy to shop and set up for continued growth, creating a seamless, enjoyable experience for every customer who walks through our doors.

What you'll be doing

The purpose of the role is primarily to lead Dunelm’s programme of activity for both New Stores and Renewals: -

Expert knowledge of all Critical Paths that are required to deliver successful project launches. Full knowledge of all working practices, ranging from an expert in Health & Safety, administrative reporting and task. Collaborative relationship with all key business partners, particularly Store Development, contractors and operational leads i.e. Store Coaches, Regional Coaches. Continuous improvement should be an always on mindset, this will range from critical paths, partnering ME, space planning team to ensure maximising productivity and delivering an outstanding customer proposition. Manage Renewals on a daily basis ensuring that the agreed phasing and critical paths are on schedule and delivered to the expected standard. Regular communication with key business partners within ISE and externally to ensure that phasing and departments are launched on time. Ability to lead on all essential processes, ranging from stock management, ME implementation to Store Format. Build working relationship with two-way communication to give feedback on store implementation, this could range from continuous improvement through to ME implementation. Complete all tasks that ensure a safe working environment and ensure all necessary practices are in place. Deliver performance obligations, particularly focussed on Opex and sales disruption. Manage all projects with a ‘Customer First’ mindset, mitigating the disturbance to ensure that the customer proposition is to the levels required. Lead support colleagues ensuring they are operating in a safe environment, are engaged and are representative of Dunelm’s brand. Make recommendations for future projects based on Renewal analysis.

What we'll look for in you

Proven experience working on the New Stores and Renewals programme, with strong knowledge of all processes, critical paths and ways of working. Responsible for delivering the full project scope to a high standard, building strong relationships with key stakeholders and maintaining a continuous improvement mindset. Provide regular updates to Senior Project Managers and the Senior Manager for New Stores & Renewals. Act as a functional expert, offering effective leadership and partnering with multiple business areas, supported by strong industry and retail development knowledge. Manage projects across the full Dunelm estate, requiring nationwide travel. Stay close to each project, including regularly staying away from home for up to five nights per week for the duration of the project.