Project Manager

There is flexibility around location of successful candidate (and will require travel to centres at times regardless of location)

Kip Happy Stays is an exciting leader in the pet care industry with a national network of 27 facilities. Each facility embodies the Kip Happy Stays high standard of luxury pet care, which prioritises the welfare and enrichment of pet guests.

As a Project Manager at Kip, you will deliver new store projects that align with our "pet first design" philosophy. You will collaborate with key stakeholders to manage project timelines, budgets, and compliance, ensuring all new locations reflect our values.

To be successful in this role you will have experience in project management, preferably in retail or hospitality development, and have an understanding of the design development and planning phases for construction building projects.

This position will initially be on a 12 month contract.

• Collaborate with Internal Teams: Partner with Directors, National Operations Manager, Boarding Development Manager, Facilities Manager, and centre leadership teams to design and deliver new facilities that uphold our "pet first design" principles.
• Site Assessment & Evaluation: Coordinate and evaluate site Investigation reports, assessing service availability, and conducting geotechnical and contamination assessments for optimal facility placement.
• Regulatory Compliance: Liaise with governing authorities during the approval and development process, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations while maintaining Kip Happy Stays' standards.
• Project Documentation & Compliance: Oversee the development of project documentation, adhering to internal procedures and departmental processes while ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Tender Process Management: Supervise the tender process, including evaluating and appointing contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers to guarantee high-quality, value-driven partnerships.
• Construction Oversight: Manage the construction phase, keeping stakeholders such as Directors, the National Operations Manager, the Boarding Development Manager, the Facilities Manager, and centre leadership informed through regular site meetings and formal status reports.
• Project Delivery: Ensure that all construction projects are delivered on time and within budget, prioritising the welfare and enrichment of guests.
• Handover Coordination: Facilitate the project handover process, ensuring the operations team receives comprehensive guidance on the operation and maintenance of all new facilities.
• Ad Hoc Requests: Handle and action ad hoc building requests from key stakeholders efficiently to ensure the continued welfare of guests and seamless operations.

Education & Professional Experience:

• Experienced Architect, Engineer, or Project Manager
• Strong understanding of Australian Construction Building codes and Australian Standards
• Knowledgeable in construction staging, programming, and site safety execution
• Exposure to a franchise business model with a well-known brand

Skills & Competencies:

• Ability to capture and influence business owners (franchise or small)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proven experience in project management, preferably in retail or hospitality development
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
• Detail-oriented with exceptional organisational skills

Join Kip Happy Stays to help shape innovative luxury pet care environments that delight both pets and their owners!