Position: Project Manager – Shopfitting / Commercial Fitouts
About the role
We're a shopfitting and commercial fitout company delivering full end-to-end builds. We have an in-house carpentry team and an experienced Site Manager who runs day-to-day site operations and leads our carpenters.
You'll manage projects from award to completion — owning programme, cost control, procurement coordination, subcontractor management, client/consultant communication, variations, and reporting, while working closely with the Site Manager to keep site running efficiently.
Reporting to
Construction Manager
Works closely with
Site Manager and other Project Manager (daily), in-house carpenters, subcontractors, suppliers, clients, designers, landlords/centre management, building surveyors/certifiers.
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Key responsibilities
1) Programme & delivery management
* Build and maintain detailed project schedules (including lead times, approvals, site constraints, and out-of-hours works).
* Set milestones and keep all parties accountable (designers, suppliers, trades, consultants, client).
* Run weekly planning with the Site Manager (2–4 week lookahead) and remove roadblocks before they hit site.
* Coordinate access, inductions, permits, shutdowns, deliveries, hoisting, and centre/landlord requirements where relevant.
* Coordinate trade sequencing and site readiness (materials on site, areas clear, permits/approvals in place).
* Drive practical completion, defects management, and smooth handover (close-out documentation as required).
2) Cost control & commercial management
* Maintain budgets and cost-to-complete forecasts within our internal project management system.
* Track commitments, invoices, and variations to protect margin.
* Prepare/issue variation notices and pricing; keep variation registers updated.
* Identify risks early (scope gaps, design changes, delays, site conditions) and implement mitigation plans.
* Support progress claims and internal project financial reporting.
3) Procurement & subcontractor coordination
* Create and manage procurement schedules aligned to the programme (long lead items first).
* Request and review quotes, confirm lead times, issue scope packages, and coordinate purchase orders/subcontracts.
* Ensure correct information is issued to suppliers/trades (drawings, RFIs, finishes, joinery details, specs).
* Confirm delivery dates, booking-in requirements, and quality checks on arrival.
4) Stakeholder & client management
* Be the main point of contact for the client and designer (unless otherwise agreed).
* Run project meetings, issue minutes, track actions, and follow up.
* Liaise with engineers/certifiers/surveyors as needed for approvals and compliance.
* Maintain a professional, solutions-focused approach — no surprises.
5) Quality, safety, and compliance
* Ensure project documentation is in place (SWMS, insurances, inductions, permits, site-specific requirements).
* Monitor quality standards: checklists, hold points, defect prevention, and trade sign-offs.
* Coordinate required inspections and compliance milestones (fire, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc. where applicable).
* Escalate issues early and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
6) Documentation & systems
* Manage RFIs, site instructions, drawing registers, and document control.
* Keep project records clean: emails, approvals, change tracking, photos, meeting minutes.
* Use our internal project management program daily for scheduling updates, costing updates, procurement tracking, and reporting.
7) Out-of-hours / night shift coordination
* Night shift may be required at times to set trades up for success (access coordination, area handovers, shutdowns, logistics, or staging works).
* Ensure out-of-hours works are planned, compliant, and aligned with the programme.
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What success looks like (KPIs)
* Projects delivered on time, on budget, and to a high finish standard.
* Schedules are realistic, updated weekly, and communicated clearly.
* Variations identified early, priced quickly, and approved in writing.
* Strong margin protection through forecasting and proactive risk management.
* Smooth collaboration with the Site Manager (minimal downtime on site).
* High client satisfaction and repeat work.
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Required experience & attributes
* Proven experience delivering shopfitting / commercial fitouts (or similar fast-paced interior builds).
* Strong scheduling ability (can build and manage a programme end-to-end).
* Confident coordinating multiple trades, subcontractors, and suppliers.
* Commercial mindset: understands budgets, cost-to-complete, and variation control.
* Excellent communication: client-facing, calm under pressure, clear in writing and verbally.
* Organised and disciplined with documentation and follow-up.
* Willingness to work occasional out-of-hours/night shift when required by the project.
Preferred (nice to have)
* Trade background (carpentry) or construction management qualification.
* Experience with tenancy/centre management rules, after-hours works, and live environments.
* Comfortable adopting new systems/software quickly (we use our own internal program).
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What we offer
* Competitive salary + super (based on experience)
* Vehicle allowance
* Laptop provided
* Supportive team with an experienced Site Manager and in-house carpenters
* Performance Bonus: A completion bonus may be paid when a project is delivered on or before the agreed Practical Completion date and the client signs the Handover / Practical Completion form (with no major outstanding defects). Bonus amount to be confirmed per project.
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Work conditions
* Full-time role, based in: Dandenong
* Projects across: Metro Melbourne / VIC / etc.
* Occasional night shift / out-of-hours work as required by project programme
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Application questions
What fitouts have you delivered end-to-end? (budget, duration, scope)
* What scheduling tools or methods do you use?
* How do you manage variations and client approvals?
* What's your approach to weekly planning with a Site Manager?
* You will be asked how you managed and problem solved projects you've worked on in the pass.