Manager, Store Planning Cost & Operations - EMEA

Position Overview

The Cost & Operations Manager, is based Paris but will be required to work throughout the EMEA region. This position will report into the EMEA Director Store Planning, and work in conjunction with the NY Based Real Estate, Store Planning & Store Design teams.

This is a new position will be responsible of managing all construction financials. Pre-contract estimation, cashflow, procurement relationships with EMEA based vendors, GC contracts & cost reporting. Core requirements & major responsibilities include managing pre-contract & post-contract construction works across all Store Planning projects from new stores, relocations, renovations, expansions & closures. This role will require an in depth knowledge of EMEA wide construction & show knowledge of contacts throughout the region.

The role will also run central on setting up a Store Planning reporting platform for all projects. Management of this reporting software will be their responsibility and encompass tasks from real estate mapping to facilities management.

In addition to Store Planning & Real Estate tasks, this position is to be an integral part of the local EMEA team. Over the coming years there will be multiple projects in which Tiffany & Co. is set out to achieve its business goals and this position will be integral to this. Responsibilities will be to manage project implementation through the various stages of planning, execution, monitoring/control and closure to ensure we deliver on-time, within scope and within budget. Lead Flagship renovations. Set up strategic relationships with direct vendors. Defining new processes for greater project efficiency. Driving improvements in sector construction software.

Responsibilities:

EMEA Wide - Standards & Best Practices:

• Set up and design new cost estimation & reporting tools
• Set cost KPI's with EMEA Director and track closely on a quarterly basis.
• Develop and foster a design and business acumen accounting for regional context, clientele, and practices
• Oversee and coordinate with project PM's / Architects / Engineers
• Work closely with the Architecture teams and be able to suggest best practices with from a technical standpoint.
• Liaise with Store Design and project A&E team to ensure timely completion and coordination of construction documents that will be issued to approved construction managers/general contractors and vendors for pricing/bid.     

Pre-contract & Procurement:

• Prepare Long Range Planning packs for potential projects
• Prepare feasibility studies
• Prepare measured cost plans / Schedules of work
• Analyze tenders and reporting thereon
• Preparation of contract documents
• Continue to drive competitive bidding, contract administration and project related legal and financial controls; monitor to ensure compliance by all regions. Evaluate and propose modifications to ensure optimal performance.
• Continue to improve the qualification process and standards for project related: consultants, vendors, and construction service providers; monitor to ensure compliance of quality, budget and schedule. Continually evaluate and propose modifications to ensure optimal performance.
• Regularly visit completed projects with members of Central Store Design, Procurement, and Store Planning to perform post-opening project audits. Identify areas of needed improvement and institute changes to implement improvements in project development, project delivery, materials and assemblies.
• Support Store Design with their on-going research and development programs. In collaboration with Store Design and Procurement, identify and support the prototyping of project components.
• Work in conjunction with the Director on potential future projects and prepare studies to help determine individual project nuances.

Post Contract:

• Undertaking post contract services including valuations, cost reports & final accounts.
• Manage & oversee construction projects by contractors and vendors to ensure compliance with construction documents, design, schedule, budget, Tiffany and Company standards, local code compliance, local safety and health compliance. This includes periodic travel to and from for project locations to monitor and report on progress and project closeouts. This required travel is based on project schedules. Establish and maintain weekly project status and coordinate conference calls.
• Regularly visit completed projects with members of Central Store Design, Procurement, and Store Planning to perform post-opening project audits. Identify areas of needed improvement and institute changes to implement improvements in project development, project delivery, materials and assemblies.
• Qualify vendors and assist local management teams with vendor contract administration. Work to develop and implement strategies to locally procure materials and labor in support of all project requirements to reduce overall costs. Develop a strategic network of locally based maintenance vendors and contractors to support our property maintenance requirements.

Finance & Operations:

• Manage annual spend of between $20m-$40m.
• Work closely with internal finance & accounting teams
• Set Capex targets and consistency drive Value Engineering result s.
• Work closely with the Store Planning Director to set up a new management platform.

Requirements:

• Ideally have 10+ years working in the industry / sector.
• Construction degree or Quantity Surveying
• Computer Skills - PlanGrid / AutoCAD / Microsoft Project / SharePoint
• Ability to manage a construction team, project stakeholders (internal & external)
• Ability to be design & detail oriented with highest standards of expectations at all phases of work
• Analytical project management skills
• Possess a strong sense of ownership & responsibility
• Possess excellent and innovative problem-solving skills
• Posses an proactive attitude. Ask the questions before they're asked.
• KPI driven, be able to develop & track against annual KPI' result.   
• Can demonstrate skills in value engineering, measuring and cost control techniques
• Can manage time effectively
• Is a strong communicator with the ability to liaise with stakeholders at various levels.
• Proactive mindset to further push new construction innovations & software
• Eye on standardization for Global adoption
• Fluent in French and English
• Able to travel frequently across EMEA