Senior Retail Construction Project Manager (Client Side)

POP MART UK LIMITED; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Monthly appreciation gifts

Bonus scheme

25 days annual leave

Life insurance + medical & travel

Employee Assistance Programme

Discount platform

Training & development

Job summary

POP MART is seeking an experienced Retail Construction Project Manager to lead end-to-end delivery of store construction and fit-out projects across Europe from feasibility through opening. You will act as the central client-side owner, coordinating designers, consultants, contractors, suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure on-time openings and quality standards.

The role requires strong construction know-how, budget control, risk management and cross-border collaboration within a

Qualifications

• Approximately 5–10 years of experience in project management, construction or retail fit out.
• Strong track record delivering high-quality retail construction or fit out projects in London and/or international markets.
• Solid understanding of UK construction practices, Building Regulations and health and safety obligations.

Responsibilities

• Project Delivery & Programme Management: manage feasibility, design, tender, construction, commissioning and store opening.
• Programme planning, milestones, procurement schedules and deliv ery priorities with focus on opening dates.
• Design & Technical Coordination: coordinate architectural, interior, MEP and specialist packages.
• Construction, Quality & Site Management: oversee site progress, quality and contractor performance.
• Cost, Procurement & Commercial Control: budgeting, variations, procurement decisions and cost control.
• Risk, Compliance & Governance: identify risks and ensure regulatory and safety compliance.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Construction knowledge

Quality control

Education

Degree in Construction Management or related

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

POP MART (09992.HK), founded in 2010, is a leading global company in the trend culture and entertainment industry. Centered around IP, POP MART has built a comprehensive platform for creative incubation and IP operation, empowering global creators while delivering exciting products, services, and immersive entertainment experiences to consumers.POP MART identifies and nurtures emerging artists and designers worldwide, creating popular character IPs through a well-established IP development and operation system. Its portfolio includes iconic IPs such as MOLLY, SKULLPANDA, DIMOO, THE MONSTERS, and Hirono. By launching art toys and derivative products based on these IPs, POP MART continues to lead trends in consumer culture. As of the end of first half of 2025, POP MART operates over 550 physical stores and more than 2,500 Robo Shops across the world. Through multiple cross-border e-commerce platforms, the company has reached audiences in over 90 countries and regions, bringing joy to young consumers around the world.Retail Construction Project Manager (Client Side)Location: London, United KingdomJob Type: Full-time, PermanentDepartment: Retail ConstructionIndustry: Designer Toys & CollectiblesReporting to: Head of Retail ConstructionAbout POP MARTPOP MART (09992.HK) is a leading global company in the trend culture and entertainment industry. Centered around IP, POP MART has built a comprehensive platform for creative incubation and IP operation, empowering global creators while delivering exciting products, services and immersive entertainment experiences to consumers.POP MART identifies and nurtures emerging artists and designers worldwide, creating popular character IPs through a well-established development and operation system. Our portfolio includes iconic characters such as MOLLY, SKULLPANDA, DIMOO, THE MONSTERS and Hirono. POP MART operates over 500 physical stores and more than 2,300 Robo Shops across more than thirty countries and regions and, through multiple cross-border e-commerce platforms, reaches audiences in over ninety countries and regions, bringing joy to young consumers around the world.POP MART has developed a comprehensive IP commercialisation ecosystem that spans multiple industries, deepening emotional bonds between fans and IPs while exploring broader opportunities for value creation. Our ventures include the world's first immersive intellectual property themed park in the art toy industry, the expansion of its IPs into global markets through licensing and co-branding with leading global brands, and the curation of art toy expos and intellectual property themed exhibitions internationally.In Europe, POP MART has built a strong presence in key markets including the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain, and is expanding into new high-potential markets. Our expansion brings POP MART closer to European fans and offers new ways for them to connect with our IPs and stories.For more information, please visit www.popmart.com and our LinkedIn Career page.What to ExpectPOP MART is a fast-paced company with a young and multicultural team where you can expect to:Play a key role in the continued expansion of POP MART's retail footprint across Europe.Work on exciting retail construction and fit out projects that bring POP MART's distinctive IPs and customer experiences to life.Collaborate with passionate teams across different countries, connected by a shared love for designer toys, creativity and innovative retail experiences.Work closely with international HQ teams, designers, consultants, contractors, landlords and specialist suppliers across multiple markets.Gain exposure to a broad range of construction, design, project management, commercial and operational activities within a rapidly expanding international retail business.Help shape the physical customer experience of one of the world's fastest-growing designer toy and entertainment brandsBenefitsPOP MART offers our employees:Monthly appreciation gifts featuring our latest POP MART designs.A structured bonus scheme linked to both company and individual performance.25 days of annual leave, in addition to bank holidays.4x life insurance, together with group medical and travel insurance.A confidential Employee Assistance Programme, alongside access to a discount platform for selected online retailers.Training and development programmes, together with regular team events that encourage learning, collaboration and celebration.The OpportunityLead the end-to-end delivery of POP MART retail construction and fit out projects across Europe, from initial feasibility and design development through tender, construction, commissioning, handover and store opening.Act as the client-side project lead, taking ownership of project delivery and coordinating internal stakeholders, international HQ teams, designers, consultants, contractors, suppliers and landlords.Manage multiple projects in parallel within fast-moving retail opening programmes, ensuring agreed opening dates, budgets, quality standards and design requirements are achieved.Provide strong technical and commercial oversight across the project lifecycle, identifying risks and resolving issues before they impact programme, cost or quality.Play a key role in delivering high-quality retail environments that reflect POP MART's global brand standards and provide distinctive customer experiences across European markets.Work across a diverse range of projects and stakeholders, gaining broad exposure to retail construction, fit out, design, procurement, commercial management and international project delivery.The Role and CandidateThis is a hands-on client-side Retail Construction Project Manager role within POP MART's growing European retail construction team.Working closely with the Head of Retail Construction, European business teams and international HQ, you will take responsibility for the successful delivery of retail construction and fit out projects across Europe. You will act as the central project owner, coordinating designers, consultants, contractors, suppliers, landlords and internal stakeholders from initial feasibility through to store opening.The role requires a strong combination of technical construction knowledge, project management capability, commercial judgement and stakeholder management skills. You will be expected to understand the detail of a project while maintaining oversight of programme, budget, procurement, risk and overall delivery.You should be comfortable reviewing architectural and technical drawings, coordinating MEP and specialist packages, challenging design solutions, monitoring construction quality and resolving site issues. At the same time, you will need to manage budgets, procurement, variations, project risks and contractor performance effectively.The ideal candidate will have experience delivering retail construction or fit out projects from a client-side perspective, ideally within London, the UK and/or international markets. Experience within high-profile, premium, luxury or customer-facing retail environments would be particularly valuable.You will thrive in this role if you are proactive, commercially aware, technically confident and highly organised, with the ability to take ownership of projects and drive multiple stakeholders towards a common deadline. You should be comfortable working in a fast-moving international environment, making decisions under pressure and communicating effectively across different cultures, markets and time zones.ResponsibilitiesProject Delivery & Programme ManagementManage retail construction and fit out projects from feasibility, concept and design development through tender, construction, commissioning, handover and store opening.Establish and manage project programmes, key milestones, procurement schedules and delivery priorities.Identify critical path activities and potential programme delays at an early stage and implement appropriate mitigation measures.Act as the primary client-side project owner, coordinating all parties and driving actions through to completion.Monitor project progress against agreed programmes and opening dates.Manage multiple projects simultaneously across different European markets while maintaining clear priorities and delivery standards.Design & Technical CoordinationManage the development and coordination of architectural, interior, MEP, structural and specialist design packages.Ensure designs remain aligned with approved design intent, POP MART standards and operational requirements.Review drawings, specifications, samples, mock-ups and technical submissions.Challenge design or technical solutions where buildability, quality, maintenance or operational requirements are not adequately addressed.Coordinate interfaces between construction works, MEP services, bespoke joinery, furniture, lighting, AV, security and other specialist systems.Manage design changes and assess their programme, cost, technical and operational impact.Work with designers and consultants to resolve technical and coordination issues efficiently.Construction, Quality & Site ManagementRepresent POP MART throughout the construction and fit out phase.Carry out regular site inspections to monitor progress, workmanship and compliance with approved drawings and specifications.Work with contractors, consultants and suppliers to resolve technical and site issues promptly.Challenge works that do not meet required quality, installation tolerances or workmanship standards.Monitor contractor performance and ensure corrective actions are implemented.Manage snagging, testing, commissioning, defects and project close-out.Ensure stores are complete, operational and ready for final acceptance and opening.Cost, Procurement & Commercial ControlEstablish and manage project budgets, committed costs and forecasts.Work closely with internal stakeholders and cost consultants to maintain appropriate financial control.Support tendering, contractor and supplier selection, commercial negotiations and procurement activities.Manage the procurement of long-lead and specialist items.Review quotations, variations and change requests.Ensure commercial and programme implications are understood and documented before changes are implemented.Ensure appropriate approvals are obtained for project variations and additional expenditure.Monitor project expenditure and identify potential cost pressures at an early stage.Risk, Compliance & Project GovernanceIdentify and manage programme, cost, quality, technical and delivery risks.Maintain clear mitigation actions and escalate material concerns with practical recommendations.Ensure projects comply with relevant UK or local market construction requirements, landlord requirements, Building Regulations, CDM obligations and applicable health and safety standards.Work with relevant consultants and stakeholders to ensure statutory and regulatory requirements are addressed.Maintain appropriate project documentation, reporting and governance throughout the project lifecycle.Provide clear and concise project updates to senior stakeholders, highlighting progress, key risks, decisions and required actions.Stakeholder & Cross-Border CoordinationCoordinate closely with POP MART Europe teams, international HQ, consultants, contractors, landlords and vendors across multiple countries.Maintain clear communication between European and international stakeholders to support timely project decisions.Proactively follow up on design approvals, technical information, procurement decisions and overseas vendor deliverables.Ensure overseas supplier and vendor deliverables remain aligned with project programmes and specifications.Manage landlord, shopping centre, site access, logistics and operational requirements.Work effectively across different cultures, working practices and time zones when requiredRequired QualificationsApproximately 5–10 years or more of relevant experience in project management, construction or retail fit out, with proven experience acting in a client-side Project Manager capacity.Strong track record delivering high-quality retail construction or fit out projects in London and/or international markets.Experience delivering projects within complex, high-profile or operational retail environments.Strong technical understanding of construction, fit out, bespoke joinery, furniture, MEP coordination and construction detailing.Ability to critically review architectural, interior and technical drawings.Good understanding of UK construction practices, Building Regulations, CDM requirements and health and safety obligations.Ability to apply equivalent local requirements when delivering projects across European markets.Strong project management capability across programme, budget, procurement, tendering, variations, risk management and contractor performance.Strong understanding of construction quality, installation tolerances, workmanship standards, testing, commissioning, snagging and handover requirements.Proven ability to manage multiple consultants, contractors and specialist suppliers while maintaining clear accountability and delivery standards.Strong commercial judgement, organisational and stakeholder management skills.Ability to work independently, make decisions and resolve issues effectively under demanding project timelines.Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to work effectively with European and international stakeholders.Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.Willingness and ability to travel within the UK and Europe as required.Desirable but Not EssentialDegree or equivalent qualification in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Project Management or a related discipline.Professional accreditation such as RICS, CIOB, APM or an equivalent recognised qualification.Experience delivering projects within luxury fashion, jewellery, beauty, department stores, premium retail or other high-quality customer-facing environments.Experience delivering projects within listed buildings, existing buildings, shopping centres or operational retail environments.Experience managing international retail rollouts or multiple projects across different European markets.Experience working with international design teams, overseas suppliers or global retail standards.Experience coordinating specialist retail systems including lighting, AV, security, digital installations and bespoke customer-facing elements.Experience working within fast-paced, high-growth retail or consumer-facing businesses.Additional European language skills, such as French, Italian, German or Spanish, would be an advantage.Experience or interest in the designer toy, retail, e-commerce or entertainment industries.ApplyIf you are an experienced construction or retail fit out professional who is excited to lead high-quality retail projects across Europe and play a key role in POP MART's continued expansion, we'd love to hear from you.If you have strong client-side project management experience, excellent technical and commercial judgement, and the drive to deliver complex projects in a fast-moving international environment, this could be an exciting opportunity to join POP MART's growing European team.*POP MART is committed to equal pay initiatives and will not ask candidates for their current or past salary.*As an Equal Opportunity Employer, POP MART does not discriminate against applicants or employeesbecause of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, citizenship,imarital or domestic/civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or because ofany other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state or local law.