At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting construction projects in travel retail, from concept to completion.
- Company: Join Lagardère Travel Retail, transforming airports into extraordinary experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy a bonus, generous holiday, discounts, and health cash plan.
- Other info: Hybrid role with travel opportunities and potential for career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of retail while working in dynamic airport environments.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction project management, especially in high-traffic areas.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Ready to Build What’s Next in Travel Retail? We’re growing fast at Lagardère Travel Retail UK & Ireland — and we’re looking for a Construction Project Manager to help shape the future of retail and foodservice across our expanding portfolio.
Job Purpose
The Project Manager (Construction) is responsible for the end‑to‑end delivery of retail fit‑out and construction projects across travel retail locations, including retail stores, food and beverage outlets, and duty‑free stores. The role ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with brand, operational, and regulatory requirements, while minimising disruption to live trading environments.
Benefits
- Bonus – Earn up to 20% bonus on top of your salary
- 25 days holiday – Plus bank holidays, with the opportunity to buy or sell up to 5 days to suit your needs
- Up to 25% in‑store discount
- Cash Plan – Claim back everyday health costs like dental, optical, and physio.
- Pension – We’ll top up your future with up to 3% monthly contribution to your pension pot.
- Life assurance – Protection for your loved ones with 2x your base salary in life cover, just in case.
Key Responsibilities
Project Delivery
- Lead the full lifecycle of construction and retail fit‑out projects (concept through to handover).
- Develop and manage detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets.
- Coordinate multiple concurrent projects across different airport or travel hub locations.
- Ensure all works are delivered safely, on schedule, and to agreed quality standards.
Stakeholder Management
- Act as the primary point of contact between internal teams, including Retail, Commercial, Brand and Operations, as well as external partners and international teams based in Paris.
- Manage relationships with landlords (e.g., airport authorities), contractors, designers, and suppliers.
- Ensure alignment between global brand requirements and local operational constraints.
Design & Compliance
- Oversee design development to meet brand guidelines, operational needs, and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure compliance with airport security protocols, health & safety legislation, and local building codes.
- Navigate approvals processes internally with landlords and governing bodies.
Commercial & Financial Management
- Prepare and manage project budgets, cost forecasts, and financial reporting.
- Negotiate and manage contracts with contractors and suppliers.
- Monitor cost performance and identify value engineering opportunities.
Site & Construction Management
- Oversee on‑site construction activities, often in live and/or restricted trading environments.
- Ensure adherence to programme milestones and quality standards.
- Conduct regular site visits and progress reviews.
Risk & Issue Management
- Identify project risks, particularly those related to operational disruption, logistics, and security.
- Develop mitigation strategies and contingency plans.
- Manage change control processes effectively.
Handover & Operations Integration
- Ensure smooth transition from construction to store operations.
- Coordinate snagging, final inspections, and handover documentation.
- Support store opening timelines and readiness.
Key Skills and Experience
Essential
- Proven experience managing construction or retail fit‑out projects (ideally within airports, travel retail, or high‑footfall environments).
- Strong understanding of construction methodologies, project management principles, and contract management.
- Experience working in complex, regulated environments (e.g., airports, transport hubs).
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
Desirable
- Based within or close to the M25 corridor, with convenient access to major airports and transport links.
- Experience within travel retail, food and beverage, or duty‑free environments.
- Knowledge of airport authority processes and operational requirements.
- Professional qualification in Construction, Engineering, or Project Management (e.g. RICS, PMP, or PRINCE2).
- Experience managing international projects or multi‑country rollouts.
Key Competencies
- Delivering results in fast‑paced, operational environments
- Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills
- Attention to detail and quality
- Collaboration and influencing across diverse stakeholders
- Resilience and ability to adapt to changing priorities
Working Environment
- Hybrid office and site‑based role
- Regular travel to UK and international airport locations as required
- Work may occasionally require night shifts or out‑of‑hours coordination due to airport operational constraints
Success Measures
- Projects delivered on time and within budget
- Minimal disruption to ongoing retail operations
- Compliance with all safety and regulatory requirements
- High stakeholder satisfaction
- Successful and timely store openings
At Lagardère Travel Retail, we don’t just operate in airports and stations — we transform them. We turn everyday travel moments into extraordinary experiences, helping passengers discover something new, delightful, and memorable along the way. Whether it’s a quick coffee before takeoff or a last‑minute gift that sparks joy, we create spaces that inspire wonder, celebrate individuality, and make waiting time feel like part of the adventure. With our unique blend of global expertise and local insight, we craft tailor‑made offers that benefit both travellers and landlords— bringing value, vibrancy, and a touch of magic to every corner of the journey.
Project Manager (Construction) employer: Lagardère Travel Retail (IRE)
Lagardère Travel Retail is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, perfect for those looking to make a significant impact in the travel retail sector. With competitive benefits such as a generous bonus structure, extensive holiday options, and a strong focus on employee development, we empower our team members to thrive in their careers while enjoying the unique advantage of working in vibrant airport environments. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration, shaping extraordinary experiences for travellers across the UK and Ireland.
Contact Details:
Lagardère Travel Retail (IRE) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager (Construction)
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Lagardère Travel Retail (IRE), to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Project Manager (Construction) at Lagardère Travel Retail (IRE).
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager (Construction)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lagardère Travel Retail (IRE)
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
