Senior Project Manager - New Build Retail Developments in Manchester

I’m working with a leading construction consultancy that’s looking to appoint a Senior Project Manager to join its growing Retail team in Manchester. This is an opportunity to play a key role in delivering major investment programmes for some of the UK’s best-known retail clients, managing projects from the earliest stages of development through to completion. A significant proportion of your workload will initially support a major retail expansion programme involving the development of new-build food stores typically ranging from 15,000–25,000 sq ft.

Working as part of the Northwest Retail team, you’ll predominantly support projects across the North of England and surrounding regions, whilst also working with a wider portfolio of nationally recognised retail clients. This isn’t a traditional Project Management role where you’re brought in once construction begins. The real value comes from shaping projects before they ever reach site. You’ll lead the pre-construction stages, helping to develop delivery strategies, manage consultant appointments, coordinate multidisciplinary design teams and navigate the third-party legal and tenancy agreements that are fundamental to the successful delivery of these developments.

If you enjoy the front end of projects as much as the delivery stage, this is an outstanding opportunity to work on nationally significant retail programmes with genuine long-term career prospects.

The Role

Working as part of a specialist Retail Project Management team, you’ll lead new-build & refurbishment, fit-out developments across the Northwest and wider region. The role has a particularly strong emphasis on the pre-construction phase of projects, where you’ll be responsible for establishing delivery strategies, managing consultant teams, coordinating third-party legal agreements and tenancy matters, and ensuring projects are fully coordinated before construction commences.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing projects from inception through to completion.
• Leading pre-construction activities including procurement, consultant appointments and delivery strategy.
• Managing multidisciplinary design teams and external consultants.
• Coordinating third-party legal agreements, tenancy matters and wider development interfaces.
• Managing budgets, programmes, risk and project governance.
• Acting as Contract Administrator, Employer’s Agent or equivalent where appropriate.
• Building long-term relationships with clients and key stakeholders.
• Supporting business development opportunities through excellent client service.
• Mentoring and supporting junior members of the team.

About You

You’ll ideally have:

• Proven experience delivering retail construction projects.
• Strong pre-contract Project Management experience.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary consultant teams.
• Experience coordinating third-party legal agreements and tenancy matters as part of retail developments.
• Excellent client-facing and stakeholder management skills.
• A solid understanding of contract administration and commercial controls.
• A relevant construction-related degree.
• MRICS, MCIOB or another professional qualification, or be working towards chartership.

Why This Opportunity?

This international consultancy continues to invest heavily in its Northwest business and has secured a growing pipeline of work with nationally recognised retail clients. You’ll join a collaborative team where people are trusted to take ownership of projects, supported in their professional development and given exposure to major retail investment programmes. Hybrid working, a modern Manchester office of 50 people, and a strong people-first culture combine with a clear pathway for career progression.

Package

Salary guide £60,000–£75,000 + Car Allowance depending on experience. Comprehensive benefits package. Hybrid working. Ongoing professional development. Excellent long-term career progression.