Senior Project Manager – Retail Projects (Client-Side)

About POP MART

Established in 2010, POP MART is a forefront global entity in the trend culture and entertainment realm, primarily driven by intellectual property (IP). The company supports global creators and offers compelling products, services, and immersive entertainment experiences. Its notable IP portfolio includes characters like MOLLY, SKULLPANDA, DIMOO, THE MONSTERS, and Hirono. With over 500 physical stores and more than 2,300 Robo Shops spanning over 30 countries, POP MART reaches consumers worldwide through online and offline channels. The organization continues to extend its IP universe through art toys, derivative products, licensed collaborations, exhibitions, and original animation projects.

Job Overview

As a Senior Project Manager based in Canary Wharf, London, you will take the lead on multiple retail construction and fit-out initiatives from initial feasibility to store launch. You will oversee project delivery, provide leadership to junior project managers, coordinate with a range of stakeholders including international HQ teams and vendors, and ensure projects meet design, quality, cost, and schedule objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and execute retail construction and fit-out projects end-to-end, maintaining oversight of portfolios and focusing on high-value or complex projects.
• Define project execution strategies including budgets, procurement plans, governance, and milestones ensuring clear resource allocation.
• Lead project meetings, risk identification, and provide transparent reporting to senior management.
• Supervise and mentor a team of project managers and coordinators, fostering a collaborative and accountable environment.
• Ensure technical and design compliance by reviewing architectural, structural, MEP, joinery, lighting, and specialist systems with attention to buildability and cost-efficiency.
• Monitor construction progress for quality, workmanship, and adherence to standards; address and escalate issues as needed.
• Oversee cost management from budgeting through final accounts, identify cost-saving opportunities while preserving design intent and quality.
• Develop and implement procurement approaches, lead tendering processes, and manage relationships with contractors, suppliers, and international vendors.
• Create and maintain master programmes, manage risks and issues with appropriate mitigation and escalation strategies.
• Interface effectively across multicultural international teams, landlords, operations, and other key stakeholders to ensure smooth project delivery and store openings.
• Support continuous improvement of project governance, delivery standards, and processes to enhance efficiency and quality.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive client-side project management experience with end-to-end delivery of retail fit-out and construction projects, ideally with exposure to London or international markets.
• Proven leadership in managing project teams, including mentoring junior managers and coordinators.
• Strong technical proficiency in construction methods, bespoke joinery, finishes, and coordination of architectural and MEP systems.
• Well-versed in UK construction standards, regulations, CDM, and health and safety protocols.
• Commercially astute with expertise in budgeting, tendering, procurement strategies, variations, cost control, and value engineering.
• Excellent ability to interpret and challenge technical drawings and design submissions.
• Capable of juggling multiple projects and priorities while maintaining detailed oversight.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management capabilities.