Job Description

About the Role

Lead and assume full accountability for the successful delivery of new store developments, refurbishments and extension projects from initial site assessment and project inception through to operational handover. Ensure all projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with SSP standards, statutory requirements, and Health & Safety legislation.

Provide strategic leadership throughout the project lifecycle, driving programme, cost, quality, and risk management to achieve business objectives and maximise value. Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, franchise and brand partners, contractors, consultants, landlords, and external stakeholders, ensuring clear governance, effective communication, and timely reporting of project progress, key milestones, risks, and opportunities.

What you'll be doing

• Lead and oversee the successful delivery of new store developments, refurbishments and extension projects across the SSP UK & Ireland estate, ensuring alignment with business objectives, brand standards and the SSP Development Process.
• Provide leadership and governance throughout the entire project lifecycle, from site identification and feasibility through design, procurement, construction, fit-out and operational handover, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.
• Act as the senior representative and principal point of contact for all project-related matters, managing relationships with internal stakeholders, franchise and brand partners, landlords, consultants, contractors and regulatory authorities, whilst safeguarding SSP's commercial and contractual interests.
• Lead the development, approval and management of project business cases, capital expenditure budgets and delivery programmes, ensuring robust financial control, accurate forecasting and effective management of project risks and opportunities.
• Drive commercial performance across the project portfolio through rigorous cost management, value engineering initiatives and continuous improvement activities, maximising return on investment whilst maintaining operational and brand requirements.
• Establish, appoint and lead high-performing project delivery teams, including consultants, contractors and specialist suppliers, ensuring effective procurement, governance, performance management and compliance with SSP procurement policies.
• Maintain comprehensive oversight of project performance, implementing effective controls for programme management, cost management, risk mitigation, quality assurance and change control to ensure the successful achievement of project objectives.
• Provide clear, accurate and timely reporting to senior leadership teams on project performance, key milestones, strategic risks, commercial outcomes and delivery progress.
• Ensure all projects are delivered in full compliance with applicable legislation, statutory requirements, franchise obligations, company policies and SSP operational, design and construction standards.
• Champion a culture of excellence in Construction Health & Safety, ensuring full compliance with CDM Regulations, health and safety legislation and SSP governance requirements, whilst promoting best practice and continuous improvement across all project activities.
• Lead project governance reviews, due diligence processes, stakeholder engagement forums and project audits to ensure effective decision-making, regulatory compliance and successful project delivery.
• Drive the adoption of project management best practice, systems, processes and reporting tools, creating consistency, transparency and operational excellence across the project function.

To be successful in this role you will need

Essential:

• Proven experience managing multiple capital projects simultaneously within a retail and hospitality, property Air and Rail environment.
• Demonstrable track record of delivering projects safely, on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Experience managing the full project lifecycle from feasibility and design through procurement, construction, fit-out and handover.
• Experience leading external consultants, contractors, suppliers and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong stakeholder management experience, including collaboration with operational teams, landlords, franchise partners and senior leadership teams.
• Experience managing project budgets, cost forecasting, change control and final account negotiations.
• Proven experience identifying and mitigating project risks while maintaining programme delivery.
• Sound understanding of construction processes, procurement routes and contract administration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional qualification or membership (RICS, CIOB, APM, Prince2 or equivalent) desirable but not essential.

Essential Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of construction project management methodologies and best practice.
• Working knowledge of CDM Regulations and UK Health & Safety legislation.
• Understanding of planning, building regulations and statutory approval processes.
• Knowledge of commercial cost control, budgeting and value engineering principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint and Project.

Essential Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional leadership and project management capabilities.
• Strong commercial and financial awareness.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent planning, organisation and prioritisation abilities.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work autonomously while managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Personal Attributes

• Results-driven with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Highly motivated with a proactive and solution-focused approach.
• Resilient and adaptable in a changing environment.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to build effective relationships.
• Passionate about delivering high-quality projects and continuous improvement.

Why Join SSP

At SSP, we’re passionate about creating places people want to be - whether that’s for our customers, our partners or our colleagues.When you join us, you’ll be part of a business where commercial thinking, collaboration and ownership really matter, and where your work can make a visible difference.

We Offer

• Employee discounts across our brands
• Friends and Family Discount App
• Award-winning training, apprenticeships and development programmes
• Health and wellbeing support
• Hybrid working with flexibility to support work–life balance
• An inclusive and diverse workplace, with employee networks and communities

Start the best part of the journey with us.

At SSP, we value diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects a wide range of backgrounds, skills and perspectives.