Project Manager (Luxury Retail)

Project Manager — Luxury Retail Architecture

ML Projects is hiring a Project Manager to lead luxury retail fitouts from RIBA Stage 2 through handover. Projects run £350k to £2m+, for brands including Hermès, Givenchy, Canada Goose, ON Running, New Balance, and Foot Locker, across the UK and Europe.

The role

You will run multiple concurrent projects as the primary client contact, from design development through to store opening. The scope covers design coordination, statutory approvals, procurement, construction delivery, handover, and commissioning.

You will chair project and site meetings, appoint and manage specialist consultants (MEP, structural, fire, acoustic) prepare Bills of Quantities and run tender processes, track expenditure against CAPEX, and lead an internal team of two or three designers and coordinators.

The role sits at the point where design intent, budget, and programme have to be held together. When they conflict, you surface the conflict and the cost of each option — you do not resolve it silently.

What you will do

• Manage the full project lifecycle, RIBA Stages 2–7, from design development to handover.
• Serve as primary client contact for luxury brand representatives, property teams, and retail operations.
• Handle Building Control submissions and liaise with Approved Inspectors.
• Manage Licence to Alter applications with landlords and freeholders.
• Coordinate CDM compliance — F10 notifications, Construction Phase Plans, Health and Safety Files.
• Prepare BOQs, run tenders, appoint specialist consultants, and administer contracts.
• Track project expenditure against CAPEX budgets, flagging variations and maintaining forecasts.
• Lead internal design and coordination team members; mentor Project Coordinators.
• Manage handover including snagging, O&M documentation, commissioning certificates, and consent to trade.

Essential

• Three or more years managing luxury or premium retail fitouts in the UK.
• Direct experience leading projects through RIBA Stages 2–7.
• Track record on projects £350k–£2m+, delivered to fixed opening dates.
• Hands‑on with Building Control submissions for retail premises.
• Working knowledge of CDM 2015 and Principal Designer responsibilities.
• Practical understanding of UK Building Regulations as they apply to retail fitouts — particularly Parts B, L, and M.
• Experience managing consultant teams and contractor relationships.
• Confident reading and coordinating architectural, structural, and MEP drawings.
• Comfortable running Smartsheet, MS Project, or equivalent PM tooling.

Desirable

• Experience across UK and European markets, and familiarity with international building standards.
• Familiarity with JCT contract administration.
• Background with major luxury fashion, beauty, or premium lifestyle brands.
• Experience with Listed Building and Conservation Area applications.

ML Projects is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background, race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or age.

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