Construction Project Manager

The Role: Construction Project Manager - New Stores

Sector: Retail

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Construction Project Manager for New Stores to support an exciting UK store expansion programme for a growing multi-site retailer.

This is a hands-on retail construction and project delivery role, responsible for managing new store projects from initial feasibility and design coordination through construction, fit-out, handover and opening. You will manage multiple projects across a geographically dispersed portfolio, ensuring each is delivered safely, efficiently, on time and within budget.

The role

You will take ownership of the full project lifecycle, working closely with internal teams, landlords, consultants, architects, contractors and shopfitting partners. The role will involve regular site visits and the ability to manage projects at pace, while maintaining high standards of quality, compliance and commercial control.

Key responsibilities

• Managing the delivery of new store openings, refurbishments and associated construction projects from feasibility through to completion.
• Coordinating design development, landlord approvals, planning, Building Control and statutory requirements.
• Managing architects, consultants, contractors, shopfitters and other external project partners.
• Developing and monitoring construction programmes, milestones, risk registers and project plans.
• Owning capex budgets, forecasting, cost reporting, change control and value engineering.
• Conducting regular site visits to monitor progress, quality, health and safety and contractor performance.
• Identifying and resolving project issues quickly to protect programme, budget and opening dates.
• Working collaboratively with Property, Retail Operations, Finance, Procurement, IT and other internal stakeholders.
• Leading snagging, handover and store opening readiness activities.
• Ensuring projects are delivered in line with brand standards, operational requirements and relevant construction legislation.

About you

We are looking for a commercially aware and delivery-focused project professional with genuine experience of retail construction and new store rollouts.

You will ideally have:

• A proven track record of delivering multiple new store openings and refurbishments for a multi-site retailer.
• Strong construction, fit-out, shopfitting and contractor management experience.
• Experience managing several live projects concurrently across different locations.
• Responsibility for capex budgets, cost control, forecasting and construction programmes.
• Experience working with landlords, architects, consultants, contractors and internal operational teams.
• The confidence to manage projects from early feasibility and design through to construction, handover and opening.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to work at pace across a geographically dispersed UK portfolio.
• A sound understanding of health and safety, Building Regulations, CDM and construction compliance.

This role requires true retail construction and new store rollout experience.

Applicants should have delivered physical retail stores, refurbishments or similar multi-site retail construction projects. Experience that is predominantly focused on visual merchandising, concessions, interior design or design coordination alone is unlikely to be suitable.

Residential construction experience without substantial retail delivery experience will not be considered.