Project Manager- Retail Design

Reports To: Senior Project Manager

Industry leading innovators and educators. At Seen Studios we are as passionate about being an intelligent creative partner to our clients as we are to our team members. We lead retail transformation in partnership with progressive global brands, creating culture‑defining environments that inspire global communities and build powerful, lasting connections.

We are a dedicated team that feels:

• Inspired – a creative environment and cultural stimulus
• Empowered – you have the opportunity to shape the way the agency grows
• Challenged – we’ll push you to deliver against your potential
• Encouraged – we’ll support your development and growth

Overview

This role focuses on hands‑on management of design and production projects within retail environments, ensuring delivery across internal teams, external suppliers, and contractors. As a Project Manager, you’ll work on multiple projects simultaneously, managing each from brief through to implementation. You will be responsible for day‑to‑day client liaison, project organisation, financial accountability, and team coordination, supporting the Senior Project Manager and Associate Project Director in delivering high‑quality outcomes. Projects may include retail design toolkits, semi‑permanent and permanent installations, and bespoke design and fabrication projects delivered in partnership with third‑party suppliers. You’ll manage timelines, budgets, resources, and stakeholders, ensuring a high level of quality, creativity, and craftsmanship throughout. While your focus will be on design and production‑based work, you may also be required to support on experiential projects as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• This role is 85% billable (depending on line reports plan)
• Manage multiple projects (typically 3–5) simultaneously across design, production, and installation.
• Own the full project lifecycle: from brief, through design development, production, and on‑site delivery.
• Proactively prioritise tasks and ensure deadlines are met, demonstrating strong organisational skills in a fast‑paced environment.
• Coordinate internal design and production teams, as well as external suppliers, contractors, and freelancers.
• Implement internal processes, including status documents, critical paths, and workflow management.
• Attend and manage on‑site events, installations, and de‑rigs, including supplier and event staff management.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, negotiate effectively, and conduct quality checks.
• Lead client communication during live projects.

Project Accounting

• Work alongside the Team Lead and Client Services team on forecasting, pipeline planning, and account development.
• Attend client briefings (F2F and virtual) to ensure clarity in project scope, deliverables, and commercial objectives.
• Responsible for project financial accountability, including estimating, quoting, reconciling, invoicing and GP.
• Manage billing schedules and monitor forecasts, escalating deviations to the Senior Project Manager / Team Lead.
• Maintain proactive client communication, ensuring alignment on budgets, timelines, and deliverables.
• Understand client commercial objectives and manage expectations around sign‑off dates and project feasibility.
• Identify opportunities for new projects or account growth, contributing to longer‑term account planning.

Team Development & Communication

• Oversee junior team members, including Project Coordinators / Junior Project Managers.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills with internal teams, clients, and suppliers.
• Lead by example in problem‑solving, prioritisation, and maintaining a positive, collaborative attitude.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Proven experience managing retail design, production, or fabrication projects within a creative agency or production environment.
• Excellent understanding of design development, production methods, materials, and supplier management.
• Strong technical literacy - confident reading technical drawings, production packs, and CAD documentation.
• Strong commercial acumen – comfortable handling budgets, forecasting, and reconciling across multiple projects and clients.
• Exceptional communication and relationship‑building skills – able to manage and negotiate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Highly organised, detail‑driven, and calm under pressure – able to balance competing priorities and deadlines.
• Passionate, self‑motivated, and deeply engaged with the work – a team‑player who inspires confidence and collaboration.

Desirable Experience

• Background in retail design, production, or fabrication for global brands.
• Experience with semi‑permanent and permanent retail environments or toolkit rollouts.
• Knowledge of sustainable production processes and materials.
• Good presentation and pitch experience.
• Familiarity with agency project management tools and platforms.
• Experience across experiential or hybrid projects (beneficial but not essential).

Experience Required

• 2–4 years’ experience managing design and production projects, ideally in a creative or agency setting.
• Proven experience managing client relationships, suppliers, and on‑site delivery.
• Experience managing budgets, timelines, finances, for multiple concurrent projects.

Additional Information

This is an office‑based role that will require you to spend time in meetings and briefings, as well as staying in close contact with clients and suppliers. It can be demanding, but highly rewarding! Working hours will be standard office times; however, deadlines, installations, and site visits may require flexibility.

Seen Studios is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, colour, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status. Accommodations are available, upon request, for all stages of the interview and employment process for those with a disability or medical need.