At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead luxury retail projects from design to handover, ensuring exceptional client experiences.
- Company: ML Projects, a top-tier architectural project management practice in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a creative team transforming luxury retail spaces and elevate brand identities.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in luxury retail project management and strong technical skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on professional integrity and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead luxury fashion retail projects from RIBA Stage 2 onwards, taking ownership of design development, statutory approvals, construction delivery, and store handover. You will be the primary point of contact for high-profile clients, managing projects valued between £350,000 and £2M+, while leading cross-functional teams to deliver cutting-edge retail spaces that elevate brand identities and create immersive customer experiences.
This role requires someone who can operate at both strategic and operational levels, balancing creative vision with technical delivery, commercial awareness with regulatory compliance, and client expectations with practical constraints.
About ML Projects:
ML Projects is a London-based architectural project management practice specializing exclusively in high-end luxury retail fit-outs for prestigious brands across the UK and Europe. We manage the complete journey from concept through to store opening, delivering exceptional retail spaces through expert coordination of design development, regulatory approvals, construction delivery, and seamless client handovers.
Founded on principles of professional integrity and teamwork, we take pride in bringing our clients' creative visions to life through exceptional project management and execution. Our inclusive culture fosters an environment where professionals can thrive and develop their skills as part of close-knit project teams working on flagship stores, shopping malls, boutiques, and innovative retail concepts.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage complete project lifecycle from design development through construction to handover and commissioning
- Lead multiple concurrent retail fit-out projects with individual values ranging from £350,000 to £2M+
- Ensure adherence to client design intent, brand standards, and project requirements throughout all phases
- Oversee construction progress through regular site visits, swiftly resolving any conflicts.
- Manage project handovers including snagging coordination, O&M documentation, commissioning certificates, and consent to trade processes
- Manage Building Control submissions and maintain ongoing liaison with Building Control Approved Inspectors
- Coordinate CDM compliance including F10 notifications, Construction Phase Plans, and Health & Safety File compilation
- Manage License to Alter applications with landlords and freeholders, understanding statutory notice periods
- Ensure compliance with UK Building Regulations (particularly Part B - Fire Safety, Part L - Conservation, Part M - Access)
- Navigate Listed Building applications and Conservation Area requirements when applicable
- Lead cross-functional teams of 2-3 architects/designers/junior PMs plus external consultants
- Appoint and manage specialist consultants (MEP, Structural, Fire Engineers, Principal Designer, Acoustic Consultants)
- Prepare technical specifications and coordinate with specialist contractors
- Prepare Bills of Quantities (BOQ) and manage tender processes
- Track project expenditure against CAPEX budgets, flagging variations and maintaining financial forecasts
- Understand cost implications of design changes, programme delays, and specification variations
- Serve as primary client contact, managing expectations and ensuring exceptional service delivery
- Prepare professional reports, presentations, and client-facing communication materials
- Chair project meetings and site progress meetings with clients, contractors, and consultants
- Present technical solutions and recommendations to clients and senior stakeholders
- Build and maintain strong relationships with luxury retail brand representatives
- Navigate complex stakeholder landscapes including brand teams, property teams, and retail operations
- Lead and mentor Project Coordinators and junior team members
- Delegate tasks effectively while maintaining oversight of critical deliverables
- Foster collaborative working relationships with internal teams and external partners
- Develop team capabilities through coaching and knowledge sharing
- Maintain project trackers with accuracy, ensuring they reflect real-time project status
- Ensure project documentation integrity, accessibility, and compliance with filing protocols
- Implement efficient communication protocols and coordinate information flow
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Minimum 3+ years proven experience managing luxury retail or high-end fashion projects in the UK
- Direct experience leading projects through RIBA Stages 2-7 from design development to handover
- Track record managing retail fit-out projects valued £350,000 to £2M+
- Hands-on experience with Building Control submissions for retail premises
- Working knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015 and Principal Designer responsibilities
- Practical understanding of UK Building Regulations and their application to retail fit-outs
- Experience managing consultant teams and contractor relationships
Required Skills & Competencies:
- Advanced proficiency in project management software (Smartsheet, MS Project, or similar)
- Strong technical literacy - ability to read and coordinate architectural, structural, and MEP drawings
- Understanding of luxury retail fit-out standards, finishes, and installation methodologies
- Exceptional organizational skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent projects
- Strong commercial awareness with understanding of margin management and profitability
- Ability to develop realistic construction programmes and manage critical path activities
- Experience with risk management, issue resolution, and change control
- Disciplined approach to documentation, reporting, and audit trails
- Strategic thinking combined with attention to operational detail
- Excellent client management and stakeholder engagement abilities
- Strong written communication skills for reports, specifications, and statutory submissions
- Confident presentation skills for client meetings and design reviews
- Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop junior team members
- Effective negotiation and conflict resolution capabilities
- Collaborative working style with ability to influence across organizational boundaries
Personal Attributes:
- Proactive problem-solver who anticipates issues before they become critical
- Calm under pressure with ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines
- Meticulous attention to detail while maintaining strategic oversight
- Results-oriented mindset with commitment to quality and client satisfaction
- Professional integrity and ethical approach to project delivery
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for site visits as needed
Project Manager Retail Architecture in City of London employer: ML PROJECTS UK
Contact Detail:
ML PROJECTS UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager Retail Architecture in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Project Manager role in luxury retail architecture.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects, especially those that align with luxury retail. When you apply through our website, make sure to include this portfolio to impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience managing high-value retail fit-outs can elevate their brand. Confidence is key, so practice your pitch!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager Retail Architecture in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Manager role in luxury retail architecture. Highlight your experience with RIBA stages, project values, and any relevant client interactions. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about luxury retail architecture and how your skills can elevate our projects. Be sure to mention specific experiences that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Project Management Skills: In your application, emphasise your project management capabilities, especially in managing multiple concurrent projects. We’re looking for someone who can balance creativity with technical delivery, so give us examples of how you've done this before!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at ML PROJECTS UK
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects you've managed, especially those in luxury retail. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as well as the impact of your decisions on the project's success.
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with UK Building Regulations and CDM Regulations, as these are crucial for the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated these regulations in past projects and how you ensure compliance while maintaining design integrity.
✨Demonstrate Client Management Skills
Since you'll be the primary point of contact for high-profile clients, think of examples where you've successfully managed client expectations. Highlight your communication skills and how you've built strong relationships with stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about scenarios where you've had to balance creative vision with practical constraints. Prepare to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your decisions in these situations.