About the Role
POP MART is seeking a client-side Retail Construction Project Manager to lead end-to-end project delivery across Europe. This role involves managing construction and fit-out projects, collaborating with international teams, and shaping the physical customer experience for a rapidly growing brand.
Responsibilities
- Lead the end-to-end delivery of POP MART retail construction and fit out projects across Europe.
- Act as the client-side project lead, 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.
- Deliver high-quality retail environments that reflect POP MART's global brand standards.
- Manage retail construction and fit out projects from feasibility through to store opening.
- Establish and manage project programmes, key milestones, procurement schedules and delivery priorities.
- Identify critical path activities and potential programme delays and implement mitigation measures.
- Act as the primary client-side project owner, coordinating all parties and driving actions.
- Monitor project progress against agreed programmes and opening dates.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously across different European markets.
- Manage the development and coordination of architectural, interior, MEP, structural and specialist design packages.
- Ensure designs align 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.
- Represent POP MART throughout the construction and fit out phase.
- Carry out regular site inspections to monitor progress, workmanship and compliance.
- 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.
- Establish and manage project budgets, committed costs and forecasts.
- Work closely with internal stakeholders and cost consultants to maintain 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.
- Identify 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 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.
- Provide clear and concise project updates to senior stakeholders.
- Coordinate closely with POP MART Europe teams, international HQ, consultants, contractors, landlords and vendors across multiple countries.
- Maintain clear communication between European and international stakeholders.
- Proactively follow up on design approvals, technical information, procurement decisions and overseas vendor deliverables.
- Ensure overseas supplier and vendor deliverables align 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.
Requirements
- Approximately 5–10 years or more of relevant experience in project management, construction or retail fit out.
- 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.
- 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.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Willingness and ability to travel within the UK and Europe as required.
Skills
- Project Management
- Construction
- Retail Fit Out
- Client-Side Project Management
- Technical Construction Knowledge
- Commercial Judgement
- Stakeholder Management
- Architectural Drawing Review
- Technical Drawing Review
- MEP Coordination
- Construction Detailing
- UK Construction Practices
- Building Regulations
- CDM Requirements
- Health and Safety Standards
- Procurement
- Tendering
- Budget Management
- Risk Management
- Contractor Performance Management
- Quality Control
- Site Management
- Microsoft Office Suite
Location
- London, United Kingdom
Work Type
- Full-time
- Permanent
Experience Level
- 5-10 years
Education Level
- Degree or equivalent qualification in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Project Management or a related discipline (Desirable)
- Professional accreditation such as RICS, CIOB, APM or an equivalent recognised qualification (Desirable)
Benefits
- Monthly appreciation gifts featuring POP MART designs.
- Structured bonus scheme linked to company and individual performance.
- 25 days of annual leave, in addition to bank holidays.
- 4x life insurance.
- Group medical and travel insurance.
- Confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
- Access to a discount platform for selected online retailers.
- Training and development programmes.
- Regular team events.
About the Company
- POP 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.
- The company delivers exciting products, services, and immersive entertainment experiences to consumers.
- POP MART identifies and nurtures emerging artists and designers worldwide, creating popular character IPs.
- Its portfolio includes iconic IPs such as MOLLY, SKULLPANDA, DIMOO, THE MONSTERS, and Hirono.
- POP MART operates over 550 physical stores and more than 2,500 Robo Shops globally.
- Through multiple cross-border e-commerce platforms, the company reaches audiences in over 90 countries and regions.
- POP MART has developed a comprehensive IP commercialisation ecosystem that spans multiple industries.
- Ventures include the world's first immersive intellectual property themed park in the art toy industry.
- Expansion into global markets through licensing and co-branding with leading global brands.
- 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.
- POP MART is a fast-paced company with a young and multicultural team.
Equal Opportunity
- 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 employees because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, citizenship, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or because of any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
