Construction Manager France (Civil Engineering)

EssilorLuxottica · Créteil

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EssilorLuxottica is entering an important phase in the development and transformation of its workplaces in France, with significant projects ahead, including the development and delivery of our future Paris Headquarters.

Reporting to the Construction Director France, the Construction Projects & Workplace Manager will play a key role in delivering high-standard construction, refurbishment and workplace projects across France. The role combines hands-on project management, strong site presence, design sensitivity, technical understanding, stakeholder coordination and execution excellence. This is a highly operational position: the successful candidate is expected to be regularly present on construction sites, actively following works on the ground, challenging contractors, monitoring quality and progress, identifying issues early and ensuring that decisions are translated into effective execution. The role is not designed as a remote or desk-based project coordination position.

The successful candidate will take ownership of projects from early definition and development through design, authorizations, construction and handover, ensuring high standards of quality, aesthetics, functionality, timing and cost. A key focus will be the development and delivery of the future Paris Headquarters, including the significant construction, fit-out and workplace transformation works associated with the new environment. The role will contribute from the early development and design stages through authorizations, procurement and execution, working closely with architects, consultants, contractors and internal stakeholders to ensure the highest standards of architectural quality, technical performance, execution and attention to detail. Beyond the Headquarters project, the role will contribute to the broader evolution of EssilorLuxottica's sites in France, participating in reflections on site development opportunities, feasibility, authorization and planning phases, project definition and the synthesis of complex technical, financial and design information.

The role will act as a strong owner-side interface with architects, engineers, consultants and construction companies, coordinating and challenging external partners while maintaining direct visibility of what is happening on site. The ability to move effectively between strategic discussions, technical details and day-to-day construction realities will be essential. This is a role with strong growth potential. The successful candidate will progressively develop broader responsibilities, leadership capabilities and team management experience, with the ambition to evolve towards a Head of Construction Projects position over the coming years.

Key Responsibilities

1. Construction & Workplace Projects

Lead and coordinate construction, fit-out, refurbishment and workplace transformation projects across France.
Manage projects from early definition and feasibility through design, authorizations, procurement, construction and handover.
Maintain a strong and regular physical presence on construction sites, following progress, quality, coordination, safety and execution first-hand.
Work directly with contractors and construction companies to monitor works, challenge performance, resolve issues and ensure compliance with agreed standards.
Anticipate site issues and take proactive action rather than relying solely on reporting and formal project reviews.
Ensure that quality, design intent, functionality, cost and schedule are maintained throughout execution.
Take a leading role in the construction and fit-out works associated with the future Paris Headquarters.

2. Design, Development & Project Definition

Contribute to early-stage site assessments, feasibility studies, programming and project definition.
Participate in reflections on the future development and transformation of other EssilorLuxottica sites in France.
Coordinate planning, permitting, regulatory and authorization processes.
Translate business and workplace requirements into clear project briefs and actionable solutions.
Synthesize technical, financial, operational and design information to support decision-making.
Ensure that architectural ambition is translated into technically robust and executable solutions.

3. Owner-Side & Contractor Management

Act as a strong owner-side representative throughout project development and execution.
Coordinate and challenge architects, engineers, consultants, contractors and construction companies.
Establish constructive but demanding relationships with external partners.
Lead site meetings and ensure that actions, decisions and commitments are effectively followed through.
Maintain direct visibility of project progress and intervene quickly when quality, cost, schedule or execution are at risk.
Escalate issues appropriately while remaining focused on practical solutions and delivery.

4. Operational Integration & Workplace Transformation

Work closely with Facilities, Maintenance and Workplace Experience teams to ensure that projects are operationally relevant and sustainable.
Involve operational teams early enough in the project process to anticipate maintenance, safety, usability and operational requirements.
Ensure effective commissioning, testing and handover.
Contribute to the development of more technological, flexible, high-quality and user-oriented workplaces in France.

5. Team & Organizational Development

Lead and develop the local project team, progressively building capabilities and autonomy.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, technical excellence and hands-on execution.
Develop strong synergies with Maintenance, Facilities and Workplace Experience teams.
Progressively broaden leadership responsibilities in preparation for a future Head of Construction Projects position.

Candidate Profile

Master's degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline.
Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in Construction, architecture managing large scale projects.
Proven experience managing projects from concept through construction and handover.
Strong hands-on construction experience and demonstrated ability to operate effectively on active construction sites.
Comfortable spending significant time on site and engaging directly with contractors, construction teams and technical partners.
Strong architectural and aesthetic sensitivity, with a genuine interest in materials, finishes, proportions, details and overall design quality.
Demonstrated ability to maintain high standards while working under pressure and managing multiple interfaces simultaneously.
Strong experience working with architects, consultants, engineers and construction companies.
Excellent project organization, anticipation, problem-solving and synthesis skills.
Pragmatic, proactive and solution-oriented, with the ability to move from strategic thinking to very detailed operational follow-up.
Strong owner-side mindset: able to coordinate, challenge and make things happen without losing sight of the overall project ambition.
Leadership potential and ambition to progressively develop towards a Head of Construction Projects role.
Fluent French and English; Italian would be a significant advantage.

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