At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead luxury retail projects from design to handover, ensuring exceptional client experiences.
- Company: ML Projects, a top architectural project management firm in luxury retail.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on professional integrity and teamwork.
- Why this job: Join a creative team delivering high-end retail spaces that elevate brand identities.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in luxury retail project management and strong technical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Project Manager — Luxury Retail Architecture
ML Projects is hiring a Project Manager to lead luxury retail fitouts from RIBA Stage 2 through handover. Projects run £350k to £2m+, for brands including Hermès, Givenchy, Canada Goose, ON Running, New Balance, and Foot Locker, across the UK and Europe.
The role
You will run multiple concurrent projects as the primary client contact, from design development through to store opening. The scope covers design coordination, statutory approvals, procurement, construction delivery, handover, and commissioning.
You will chair project and site meetings, appoint and manage specialist consultants (MEP, structural, fire, acoustic) prepare Bills of Quantities and run tender processes, track expenditure against CAPEX, and lead an internal team of two or three designers and coordinators.
The role sits at the point where design intent, budget, and programme have to be held together. When they conflict, you surface the conflict and the cost of each option — you do not resolve it silently.
What you will do
- Manage the full project lifecycle, RIBA Stages 2–7, from design development to handover.
- Serve as primary client contact for luxury brand representatives, property teams, and retail operations.
- Handle Building Control submissions and liaise with Approved Inspectors.
- Manage Licence to Alter applications with landlords and freeholders.
- Coordinate CDM compliance — F10 notifications, Construction Phase Plans, Health and Safety Files.
- Prepare BOQs, run tenders, appoint specialist consultants, and administer contracts.
- Track project expenditure against CAPEX budgets, flagging variations and maintaining forecasts.
- Lead internal design and coordination team members; mentor Project Coordinators.
- Manage handover including snagging, O&M documentation, commissioning certificates, and consent to trade.
- Three or more years managing luxury or premium retail fitouts in the UK.
- Direct experience leading projects through RIBA Stages 2–7.
- Track record on projects £350k–£2m+, delivered to fixed opening dates.
- Hands-on with Building Control submissions for retail premises.
- Working knowledge of CDM 2015 and Principal Designer responsibilities.
- Practical understanding of UK Building Regulations as they apply to retail fitouts — particularly Parts B, L, and M.
- Experience managing consultant teams and contractor relationships.
- Confident reading and coordinating architectural, structural, and MEP drawings.
- Comfortable running Smartsheet, MS Project, or equivalent PM tooling.
- Experience across UK and European markets, and familiarity with international building standards.
- Familiarity with JCT contract administration.
- Background with major luxury fashion, beauty, or premium lifestyle brands.
- Experience with Listed Building and Conservation Area applications.
ML Projects is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background, race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Project Manager (Luxury Retail) employer: ML PROJECTS UK
ML Projects is an exceptional employer for Project Architects, offering a dynamic work environment in Bermondsey where architectural design and project management converge. With competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits, and rapid career advancement opportunities, employees engage with prestigious luxury brands on complex projects, fostering both professional growth and commercial insight. The inclusive culture encourages diverse talent, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about luxury retail fitouts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager (Luxury Retail)
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from ML PROJECTS UK who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager (Luxury Retail)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at ML PROJECTS UK!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to ML PROJECTS UK. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at ML PROJECTS UK
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at ML PROJECTS UK.
