Construction Project Director

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JOB TITLE:                                                Construction Project Director

DEPARTMENT NAME:                             Worldwide Studio Tours & Retail - International Development

LOCATION:                                                Shanghai, PRC

REPORTS TO:                                            Senior Vice President, International Development; and

                                                                     Vice President, Shanghai Project Lead                 

Position Overview

Warner Bros. Discovery is a powerful portfolio of iconic entertainment, news, and sports brands. We bring people, technology, and the world's best storytellers together to drive culture and meaningful connection. We believe the enduring power of stories can open our eyes to the world, to each other, and to new and different perspectives.

Following the success of both the Warner Bros. Studio Tours in London and Hollywood, Warner Bros. Worldwide Tours and Retail division (WWT&R) continues to build on its track record of introducing compelling visitor experience into new markets that deliver high levels of visitor engagement, exceptional customer service and innovative experiences.

The latest addition to WWT&R's portfolio is Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, which opened in summer 2023 and is home to authentic sets, props and costumes from the eight Harry Potter films. Visitors are invited to discover ‘behind-the- scenes’ secrets of film production and see how the books were brought to life on-screen. With the chance to explore Diagon Alley, enter the Great Hall, appear in a moving portrait and even ride on a broomstick, visitors experience the magic of filmmaking firsthand. Since opening, the Studio Tour in Tokyo has joined to the Studio Tours in London and Hollywood in achieving market leading visitor reviews and is consistently sold out.

In addition to shops within the Studio Tours in London and Hollywood, WWT&R's portfolio also includes experiential retail at Harry Potter New York and the Platform 9 ¾ shops at Kings Cross station in London with a roll-out of more retail to follow.

The Role

As part of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD)’s plans to expand the WWT&R Business, we are working on the development of a Studio Tour in Shanghai. The Studio Tour will be owned and operated in a joint venture partnership with a local State Owned Enterprise which will be responsible for the construction of the Studio Tour Building which will, in turn, form the center-piece of the redevelopment of an existing Park (the Project). WWT&R will be responsible for the design, procurement and delivery of the fit out of the Building including the exhibition spaces together with ancillary retail and Food & Beverage spaces and also the subsequent operation of the Studio Tour.

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Project Manager to work on the construction of the Studio Tour from inception to completion, ensuring it is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.  This role requires strong leadership, exceptional project management skills, and a deep understanding of both construction and themed attraction industries.  The role is predominantly site-based in Shanghai.

Key Duties

• Ensure the Project’s compliance with WWT&R’s objectives, governance and design standards. Ensure WWT&R’s requirements and expectations are met throughout the Project.

• Provide Project coordination with WBD’s local partner, architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders. Act as the primary point of contact between WWT&R’s Senior Management and Project stakeholders on construction matters.

• Working closely with the SVP, International Development and the VP, Project Lead, assist in the definition of Project scope and objectives, involving all relevant stakeholders and ensuring technical feasibility.

• Review and advise on budget, programme/schedule, and risk management arrangements.

• Monitor expenses and implement cost-saving measures, ensuring financial efficiency without compromising quality.

• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards.

• Work closely with WBD’s local partner and manage any issues that arise during construction.

• Compile & develop the Project programme/schedule to monitor, track and report on progress. Highlight to WBD Senior Management, the Project Team and Contractors/Vendors any critical dates to be adhered to and any corrective action.

• Familiarise, monitor, and report on planning & statutory authority application processes, solutions and outcomes.

• Prepare and issue the Project Execution Plan (PEP) and keep it up-to-date throughout the Project to reflect progress. The PEP should include roles and responsibilities of the Client, the Developer, the respective professional teams, the contractors and specialist subcontractors and suppliers.  Prepare and maintain a Project Directory.  Provide weekly dashboard reports.

• Assist in the development of consultants’ scopes and briefs and manage their performance.

• Coordinate and track design processes.

• Provide/arrange for information in a timely manner to appropriate parties in order that they may progress work committed under their scope of service.

• Assist in the arrangement of insurance and warranties.

• Liaise with Strategic Sourcing Department and advise on the Procurement Strategy for the Project.

• Establish and organise project control systems including communication & reporting procedures with WBD Senior Management, Operational Team, Design Team and Construction Team.

• Oversee all construction activities to ensure they meet the highest quality standards.

• Conduct regular site inspections and address any deficiencies promptly with the Developer or contractors.

• Ensure that satisfactory health and safety procedures are in place.

• Ensure all environmental impacts are correctly covered by the construction team.

• Monitor budget and change management process.

• Oversee and ensure successful pre-commissioning and commissioning stage.

• Collaborate and plan for the maintenance period. Ensure delivery of information pertinent to planning of facilities management. Ensure all project documentation is completed and handed over upon project completion.

• Assist in the delivery of the maintenance programme and staff training, where applicable.

• Assist in feedback monitoring and post-completion review (construction only).

• Liaise with WWT&R’s Operational team throughout the Project.

• Delegate project tasks based on junior staff members’ individual strengths, skill sets and experience levels.  Provide guidance, support, and training to team members as needed.

• Familiarisation with lease documentation and ensure all relative processes are followed during the project duration.

• Use and continually develop leadership skills.

• Attend conferences and training as required to maintain proficiency.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Candidate Profile

• Previously held a senior post in a new opening project for a multi-national corporation in the Chinese market – ideally in a visitor attraction/venue/retail market.

• Proven communication skills, project coordination and management and ability to report on status to all levels of WWT&R.

• Excellent leadership, communication and inter-personal skills.

• Ability to problem solve, seek solutions and drive decision making.

• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and capable of working on own initiative/projects.

• Able to effectively prioritise workload, work under pressure and constantly manage and deliver change.

• Work both alone and as part of a team with a flexible approach.

Education/Qualifications

• Degree or Chartership in Construction Management or a related field. 

• Professional working fluency in English & Mandarin.  Spoken and written.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in construction project management, preferably in large-scale commercial or themed attractions.

• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex projects on time and within budget.

• Strong knowledge of construction processes, materials, and legal regulations.

• Proficiency in project management software and tools.

Company Background

Warner Bros. Discovery, a premier global media and entertainment company, offers audiences the world's most differentiated and complete portfolio of content, brands and franchises across television, film, streaming and gaming.

Available in more than 220 countries and territories and 50 languages, Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs, and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products, including Discovery Channel, discovery+, CNN, DC, Eurosport, HBO, HBO Max, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others.]

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of our society and the world around us. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, disability or any other category protected by law.

Note: This job description is a general guideline of duties and responsibilities and is not intended to be exhaustive. WBD reserves the right to modify this job description at any time.

How We Get Things Done…

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.

Championing Inclusion at WBD

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