Senior Project Manager, Retail & Financial Services - Occupier Services in Leeds

Senior Project Manager, Retail & Financial Services - Occupier Services in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 60000 - 75000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Colliers Berlin

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead exciting retail and financial construction projects from start to finish.
  • Company: Join Colliers, a top commercial real estate services company with a global presence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values equal opportunities and neurodiversity.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in fast-paced environments while managing high-value projects.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in retail or commercial construction project management; client-facing skills essential.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.

Colliers is a leading commercial real estate services company, providing a full range of services to real estate occupiers, developers, and investors on a local, national, and international basis. Services include brokerage sales and leasing (landlord and tenant representation), real estate management, valuation, consulting, project management, project marketing and research.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to deliver consultancy-led construction project management across a fast-paced retail and financial services property portfolio. The role focuses primarily on the North of England, with limited travel to Scotland and Northern Ireland. You will lead multiple concurrent refurbishment and construction projects, typically valued between £150,000 and £2m, delivered within live, customer‑facing environments. This is a hands‑on delivery role requiring strong client leadership, governance oversight and a detailed understanding of statutory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

  • Project Delivery
    • Lead multiple retail and banking construction projects from feasibility through to handover and close‑out.
    • Act as the day‑to‑day client lead, ensuring delivery in line with client and Colliers governance, approvals and reporting requirements.
    • Coordinate and manage design teams, contractors and specialist suppliers across all RIBA stages.
    • Manage programme, cost, quality and risk, proactively identifying and escalating issues where required.
    • Act as the primary client interface for assigned projects.
    • Support scope definition, budgeting and programme development.
    • Manage project approvals, reporting and governance in accordance with client and Colliers standards.
  • Health, Safety & Compliance
    • Champion high standards of health, safety and wellbeing across live retail sites.
    • Ensure compliance with the Building Safety Act, CDM 2015, Building Regulations and fire and life safety requirements.
    • Support or undertake statutory duty‑holder responsibilities as required (e.g. Client support, PD liaison, Principal Contractor oversight).
    • Ensure timely and accurate completion of handover documentation, including O&M manuals and compliance certification.
  • Commercial & Contract Management
    • Deliver projects primarily under JCT Design & Build or similar contractual forms.
    • Maintain robust change control and cost reporting in collaboration with the appointed Cost Manager.
  • Stakeholder & Team Contribution
    • Chair project and site meetings, maintaining accurate governance and audit records.
    • Liaise with landlords, managing agents and local authorities as required.
    • Support and mentor junior project managers.
    • Contribute to continuous improvement of retail project delivery processes.

Typical Project Profile

  • Retail refurbishments, office fit‑outs, roll‑outs, lifecycle replacement and compliance works.
  • Projects delivered in live trading environments.
  • Individual project values typically ranging from £150k to £2m.
  • Multiple projects delivered concurrently as part of a rolling annual programme.
  • Regular engagement with Client Retail, Workplace, FM, IT, Security teams and external stakeholders.

Qualifications Skills & Experience

  • Minimum of five years’ experience delivering fast‑paced retail or commercial construction projects within live environments, ideally within a consultancy setting.
  • Strong working knowledge of the Building Safety Act, CDM 2015 and Building Regulations as applied to retail and commercial office projects.
  • Proven ability to manage programme, cost, risk and stakeholders concurrently.
  • Confident client‑facing professional with strong advisory capability.
  • Experience delivering projects within financial services or similarly regulated occupier environments.
  • Experience working within framework or programme delivery models for large corporate clients.

Qualifications

  • Degree in a construction or project‑related discipline (desirable but not essential).
  • Working towards or professionally qualified in a relevant industry qualification (RICS, CIOB or equivalent).

Colliers is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age; disability; gender; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins); religion or belief; sex; or sexual orientation. We also value diverse experience and neurodiversity.

Senior Project Manager, Retail & Financial Services - Occupier Services in Leeds employer: Colliers Berlin

Colliers is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where experienced professionals can thrive in delivering impactful retail and financial services projects. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for mentorship and continuous improvement, all while championing high standards of health and safety across live environments. Our London headquarters and extensive network across the UK and Ireland foster a collaborative culture that values diversity and innovation, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.

Colliers Berlin

Contact Detail:

Colliers Berlin Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager, Retail & Financial Services - Occupier Services in Leeds

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Colliers and the specific role. Understand their projects and values so you can show how you fit in. We want to see your passion and knowledge shine through!

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to managing retail and financial services projects. We love seeing candidates who can clearly articulate their value.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager, Retail & Financial Services - Occupier Services in Leeds

Project Management
Client Leadership
Governance Oversight
Statutory Compliance
Construction Project Management
Health and Safety Standards
Building Safety Act Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Project Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing retail and financial services projects, and don’t forget to showcase your knowledge of relevant regulations like the Building Safety Act and CDM 2015.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role at Colliers. Mention specific projects you've led and how they align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Senior Project Manager, strong client leadership is key. In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed stakeholders in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Colliers!

How to prepare for a job interview at Colliers Berlin

Know Your Projects Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of projects Colliers undertakes, especially in retail and financial services. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with similar projects, focusing on your role in managing costs, risks, and stakeholder relationships.

Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge

Since the role requires a strong understanding of statutory compliance, brush up on the Building Safety Act, CDM 2015, and relevant building regulations. Prepare examples of how you've ensured compliance in previous projects, as this will show your capability to handle the responsibilities of the position.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Senior Project Manager, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Think of specific instances where you've successfully led a project or team, particularly in fast-paced environments. Highlight your ability to mentor junior staff and manage client relationships, as these are key aspects of the role.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Practice articulating how you would handle challenges like budget overruns or tight deadlines, especially in live trading environments. This will demonstrate your readiness for the hands-on nature of the job.