Project Manager Retail Architecture

Project Manager - Luxury Retail ArchitectureWe 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 & DeliveryManage complete project lifecycle from design development through construction to handover and commissioningLead 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 phasesOversee 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 processesRegulatory & Statutory ComplianceManage Building Control submissions and maintain ongoing liaison with Building Control Approved InspectorsCoordinate CDM compliance including F10 notifications, Construction Phase Plans, and Health & Safety File compilationManage License to Alter applications with landlords and freeholders, understanding statutory notice periodsEnsure 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 applicableTechnical Coordination & Consultant ManagementLead cross-functional teams of 2-3 architects/designers/junior PMs plus external consultantsAppoint and manage specialist consultants (MEP, Structural, Fire Engineers, Principal Designer, Acoustic Consultants)Prepare technical specifications and coordinate with specialist contractorsDesign Team Management & CoordinationManage internal design team workflows, ensuring designers have complete project briefs and technical information Review design progress at key milestones, identifying any information gaps or technical queries Coordinate information flow between clients, consultants, and internal design team Flag design resource constraints or bottlenecks that may impact project programmes Facilitate design reviews and coordinate feedback loops between stakeholders and design team.Procurement & Commercial ManagementPrepare Bills of Quantities (BOQ) and manage tender processesTrack project expenditure against CAPEX budgets, flagging variations and maintaining financial forecastsUnderstand cost implications of design changes, programme delays, and specification variationsClient & Stakeholder ManagementServe as primary client contact, managing expectations and ensuring exceptional service deliveryPrepare professional reports, presentations, and client-facing communication materialsChair project meetings and site progress meetings with clients, contractors, and consultantsPresent technical solutions and recommendations to clients and senior stakeholdersBuild and maintain strong relationships with luxury retail brand representativesNavigate complex stakeholder landscapes including brand teams, property teams, and retail operationsTeam Leadership & CoordinationLead and mentor Project Coordinators and junior team membersDelegate tasks effectively while maintaining oversight of critical deliverablesFoster collaborative working relationships with internal teams and external partnersDevelop team capabilities through coaching and knowledge sharingProcess & Systems ManagementMaintain project trackers with accuracy, ensuring they reflect real-time project statusEnsure project documentation integrity, accessibility, and compliance with filing protocolsImplement efficient communication protocols and coordinate information flowQualifications and Requirements:EssentialMinimum 3+ years proven experience managing luxury retail or high-end fashion projects in the UKDirect experience leading projects through RIBA Stages 2-7 from design development to handoverTrack record managing retail fit-out projects valued £350,000 to £2M+Hands-on experience with Building Control submissions for retail premisesWorking knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015 and Principal Designer responsibilitiesPractical understanding of UK Building Regulations and their application to retail fit-outsExperience managing consultant teams and contractor relationshipsHighly DesirableExperience working across UK & European marketsKnowledge of international building standards and compliance requirementsBackground with major luxury fashion, beauty, or premium lifestyle brandsFamiliarity with JCT contracts and contract administrationRequired Skills & CompetenciesTechnical ProficiencyAdvanced proficiency in project management software (Smartsheet, MS Project, or similar)Strong technical literacy - ability to read and coordinate architectural, structural, and MEP drawingsUnderstanding of luxury retail fit-out standards, finishes, and installation methodologiesProject Management CapabilitiesExceptional organizational skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent projectsStrong commercial awareness with understanding of margin management and profitabilityAbility to develop realistic construction programmes and manage critical path activitiesExperience with risk management, issue resolution, and change controlDisciplined approach to documentation, reporting, and audit trailsStrategic thinking combined with attention to operational detailCommunication & LeadershipExcellent client management and stakeholder engagement abilitiesStrong written communication skills for reports, specifications, and statutory submissionsConfident presentation skills for client meetings and design reviewsProven ability to lead, mentor, and develop junior team membersEffective negotiation and conflict resolution capabilitiesCollaborative working style with ability to influence across organizational boundariesPersonal AttributesProactive problem-solver who anticipates issues before they become criticalCalm under pressure with ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlinesMeticulous attention to detail while maintaining strategic oversightResults-oriented mindset with commitment to quality and client satisfactionProfessional integrity and ethical approach to project deliveryWillingness to travel domestically and internationally for site visits as needed