Project Manager Retail Architecture

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.

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.

• 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

• Manage 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.

• 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
• Presen…