Project Manager (Luxury Retail)
Project Manager (Luxury Retail)

Project Manager (Luxury Retail)

Slough Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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ML PROJECTS UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead high-profile luxury retail projects from start to finish, ensuring design excellence and timely delivery.
  • Company: Award-winning architecture practice specialising in luxury retail fitouts for prestigious brands.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and professional development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Work on flagship projects for iconic luxury brands and collaborate with a talented design team.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in project management for luxury retail or high-end fitouts, strong communication skills.
  • Other info: Central London office with clear progression pathways and occasional travel across Europe.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

Project Manager – Luxury Retail Architecture

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:

Project Leadership & Delivery

  • 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

Regulatory & Statutory Compliance

  • 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

Technical Coordination & Consultant Management

  • 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

Procurement & Commercial Management

  • 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

Client & Stakeholder Management

  • 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

Team Leadership & Coordination

  • 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

Process & Systems Management

  • 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:

Essential

  • 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

Highly Desirable

  • Experience working across UK & European markets
  • Knowledge of international building standards and compliance requirements
  • Background with major luxury fashion, beauty, or premium lifestyle brands
  • Familiarity with JCT contracts and contract administration

Required Skills & CompetenciesTechnical Proficiency

  • 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

Project Management Capabilities

  • 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

Communication & Leadership

  • 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 (Luxury Retail) employer: ML PROJECTS UK

ML Projects is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Central London, where creativity meets precision in luxury retail fitouts. Employees benefit from collaborating with an award-winning design team on flagship projects for prestigious brands, alongside clear pathways for professional growth and a performance-based bonus structure. The company fosters a culture of excellence, encouraging innovation while maintaining a commitment to quality and client satisfaction.
ML PROJECTS UK

Contact Detail:

ML PROJECTS UK Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Project Manager (Luxury Retail)

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Project Manager role in luxury retail.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your past projects and how you’ve managed high-profile clients. Make sure they see your passion for luxury brands!

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their success and maintain their reputation for impeccable execution. Confidence is key!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at ML Projects.

We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager (Luxury Retail)

Project Management
Stakeholder Management
Budget Management
RIBA Work Stages
UK Building Regulations
CDM Regulations
Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Negotiation Skills
Team Leadership
Project Tracking Software (Smartsheet)
BIM Processes
Cultural Sensitivity
Commercial Acumen

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in luxury retail projects. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us about a specific project where you balanced design excellence with commercial constraints. This is your moment to show off your storytelling skills and passion for luxury brands.

Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills: In your application, make sure to mention your experience managing multiple stakeholders. We’re looking for someone who can juggle various expectations, so give us examples of how you've successfully navigated these relationships in past projects.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at ML PROJECTS UK

✨Know Your Luxury Brands

Before the interview, do your homework on the luxury brands ML Projects works with. Understand their design philosophies and recent projects. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their specific needs.

✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills

Prepare to discuss your past project management experiences in detail. Highlight how you've successfully managed budgets, timelines, and stakeholder relationships, especially in high-end retail or similar environments. Use specific examples to illustrate your capabilities.

✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail

Given the zero-defect mindset required for this role, be ready to discuss how you ensure quality and compliance in your projects. Share instances where your attention to detail made a significant difference in project outcomes.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Anticipate questions about how you'd handle specific challenges, such as managing multiple projects or dealing with demanding clients. Think through your problem-solving strategies and be prepared to articulate them clearly during the interview.

Project Manager (Luxury Retail)
ML PROJECTS UK
Location: Slough
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