Jake Bowman

Responsible for the end-to-end delivery of construction and refurbishment projects across David Jones' national store network, including new developments, capital upgrades, and minor works in both trading and non-trading environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead planning, tendering, procurement, and contract administration for construction projects up to $20 million in value.
• Oversee site delivery, contractor performance, and safety compliance, including live environment works and interstate site management.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders including retail operations, VM, property, and IT to ensure alignment of design, function, and business objectives.
• Manage statutory approvals, design coordination, and construction quality processes to meet operational and compliance requirements.
• Administer D&C contracts as both Principal and Superintendent, including variations, EOTs, and claims.
• Conduct tender analysis and make award recommendations in line with project and commercial objectives.
• Ensure on-time, within-budget delivery while upholding safety, quality, and customer experience standards.
• Lead the coordination and delivery of branded retail tenant fitouts, managing design approvals, installation, and integration with the base build program.

Key Achievements

• Successfully delivered multiple high-value refurbishments within live trading environments, minimising disruption and maintaining safety.
• Drove improvements to tender evaluation and contract award processes, achieving stronger cost outcomes and supplier accountability.
• Built strong relationships with consultants, contractors, and authorities, supporting streamlined project delivery and approvals.
• Mentored junior team members and supported consistency in delivery through process refinement and knowledge sharing.

As a Project Manager within the Business Initiatives team, I delivered a range of strategic projects designed to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer experience, and optimise store environments across the national network.

Key Responsibilities:

• Managed end-to-end delivery of minor capital works, infrastructure upgrades, and business-led improvement initiatives across multiple sites simultaneously.
• Developed project scopes, business cases, cost estimates, and delivery schedules aligned to strategic objectives.
• Coordinated cross-functional teams across operations, property, IT, VM, and food services to implement solutions.
• Oversaw consultant procurement, cost planning, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment with broader transformation goals.
• Delivered projects within live retail environments with minimal trade disruption, while upholding safety, compliance, and customer outcomes.
• Ensured all projects were delivered in accordance with company frameworks, policies, and safety standards.

Key Achievements:

• Delivered infrastructure and operational upgrades across multiple store locations under tight timelines and resource constraints.
• Supported national transformation programs with a focus on operational efficiency, cost optimisation, and space utilisation.
• Strengthened governance, reporting, and cost-tracking processes across business-driven capital projects.
• Collaborated with internal teams to build repeatable delivery models, supporting greater consistency and project transparency.

Delivered new store concepts, refurbishments, and food retail projects across the David Jones network, bridging store operations, property, and development teams. Acted as subject matter expert for food-related projects, supporting the evolution of retail formats and national store rollouts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Led end-to-end delivery of food retail projects and business-led initiatives, including feasibility analysis, project scoping, budgeting, procurement, and site coordination.
• Developed and managed project plans, staging programs, and activity schedules to ensure delivery within agreed timeframes and budgets.
• Constructed business cases and cost plans to support strategic proposals and capital investment.
• Interpreted architectural and construction documentation to ensure buildability, functionality, and compliance with regulatory and OH&S standards.
• Coordinated contractors, trades, suppliers, and internal stakeholders across visual merchandising, operations, food services, and IT.
• Oversaw procurement and installation of equipment, fixtures, and fittings, ensuring readiness for trade.
• Managed project administration, reporting, risk management, and stakeholder communication across multiple sites.

Key Achievements:

• Delivered the South Yarra standalone Food Store (2019) and the Malvern hybrid Food format (2018), the first of its kind in the business.
• Contributed to the design and planning of the Sydney CBD Flagship Food Hall refurbishment.
• Played a key role in developing operational blueprints for future food retail and café formats.
• Established repeatable project delivery processes for multi-site rollouts, aligned with commercial objectives and operational needs.
  

Supported the delivery of new store developments and major refurbishments across Victoria as part of Coles' national store renewal program. Played a key role in planning, coordination, and stakeholder engagement to ensure safe, timely, and customer-focused project outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Developed and implemented detailed staging plans, fitout programs, and rollout strategies for store renewals, upgrades, and new openings.
• Contributed to business case development, investment approval processes, and project risk evaluations.
• Coordinated trades, suppliers, and internal teams across site readiness, equipment procurement, planogram implementation, and installation.
• Reviewed architectural and technical documentation to ensure compliance and buildability.
• Ensured adherence to OH&S, organisational standards, and regulatory requirements while promoting a strong on-site safety culture.
• Worked closely with store teams and senior stakeholders to minimise disruption to customers and operations during project delivery.
• Led project reporting, site briefings, and post-investment reviews while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
• Supported onboarding and coaching of new team members as a senior team member.

Key Achievements:

• Successfully delivered 2 new store openings and 2 new concept stores, including Elizabeth St (Melbourne) and Coburg North.
• Contributed to the implementation of a 4-week fitout program model (down from 6–8 weeks) for new store rollouts.
• Key driver of a customer disruption and dissatisfaction pilot at Victoria Gardens, improving customer impact strategies.
• Recognised as a senior and experienced contributor in a high-performing national delivery team.

Responsibilities:

• Developed and implemented operational and training plans for new store openings and refurbishments within the Fresh Produce department.
• Reviewed store layouts and documentation to ensure departments were set up for operational success and compliance.
• Engaged directly with store teams and management to identify and drive process improvements and innovation adoption.
• Delivered tailored training programs to store teams, ensuring consistent knowledge transfer and sustained operational standards.
• Created and maintained detailed transition reference documents to support smooth project handovers.

Key Achievements:

• Supported the successful opening of 3 new stores (including 1 superstore) and launched 12+ refurbishments across Victoria.
• Prepared over 15 store teams for major transitions, focusing on training effectiveness, safety readiness, and soft handovers.
• Acted as a subject matter expert for Fresh Produce operational queries, contributing to strategic innovation trials.
• Strengthened cross-functional collaboration between operations, training, and project teams to ensure seamless implementation.

Progressive roles across multiple Victorian supermarket sites, focused on delivering exceptional customer service, driving commercial outcomes and sales growth, and leading teams to achieve operational excellence in a fast-paced retail environment.

Responsibilities:

• Delivered excellent customer service and ensured high standards in fresh produce presentation and stock management.
• Managed perishable inventory and conducted financial analysis to meet department targets and reduce waste.
• Maintained compliance with food safety regulations and supported team coaching and training initiatives.
• Assisted with merchandising, stock control, and led junior team members when required.
• Completed the Retail Leaders Management Traineeship Program, building leadership and operational skills.
• Supported major store projects including refurbishments and the BiLo-to-Coles rebranding transition.

Key Achievements:

• Successfully managed the Fresh Produce department through a significant store refurbishment.
• Played an active role in the BiLo rebrand conversion to Coles.
• Took on caretaker department lead duties early in career, demonstrating leadership potential.
• Balanced work with completion of secondary and tertiary studies.