Construction Project Manager

Job Purpose:

The Project Manager (Construction) is responsible for the end-to-end delivery of retail fit-out and construction projects across travel retail locations, including retail stores, food and beverage outlets, and duty-free stores. The role ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with brand, operational, and regulatory requirements, while minimising disruption to live trading environments.

Benefits:

• Bonus – Earn up to 20% bonus on top of your salary
• 25 days holiday – Plus bank holidays, with the opportunity to buy or sell up to 5 days to suit your needs
• Up to 25% in-store discount
• Cash Plan – Claim back everyday health costs like dental, optical, and physio.
• Pension – We’ll top up your future with up to 3% monthly contribution to your pension pot.
• Life assurance – Protection for your loved ones with 2x your base salary in life cover, just in case.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Delivery

• Lead the full lifecycle of construction and retail fit-out projects (concept through to handover).
• Develop and manage detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets.
• Coordinate multiple concurrent projects across different airport or travel hub locations.
• Ensure all works are delivered safely, on schedule, and to agreed quality standards.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary point of contact between internal teams, including Retail, Commercial, Brand and Operations, as well as external partners and international teams based in Paris.
• Manage relationships with landlords (e.g., airport authorities), contractors, designers, and suppliers.
• Ensure alignment between global brand requirements and local operational constraints.

Design & Compliance

• Oversee design development to meet brand guidelines, operational needs, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with airport security protocols, health & safety legislation, and local building codes.
• Navigate approvals processes internally with landlords and governing bodies.

Commercial & Financial Management

• Prepare and manage project budgets, cost forecasts, and financial reporting.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with contractors and suppliers.
• Monitor cost performance and identify value engineering opportunities.

Site & Construction Management

• Oversee on-site construction activities, often in live and/or restricted trading environments.
• Ensure adherence to programme milestones and quality standards.
• Conduct regular site visits and progress reviews.

Risk & Issue Management

• Identify project risks, particularly those related to operational disruption, logistics, and security.
• Develop mitigation strategies and contingency plans.
• Manage change control processes effectively.

Handover & Operations Integration

• Ensure smooth transition from construction to store operations.
• Coordinate snagging, final inspections, and handover documentation.
• Support store opening timelines and readiness.

Key Skills and Experience:

Essential

• Proven experience managing construction or retail fit-out projects (ideally within airports, travel retail, or high-footfall environments).
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies, project management principles, and contract management.
• Experience working in complex, regulated environments (e.g., airports, transport hubs).
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.

Desirable

• Based within or close to the M25 corridor, with convenient access to major airports and transport links.
• Experience within travel retail, food and beverage, or duty-free environments.
• Knowledge of airport authority processes and operational requirements.
• Professional qualification in Construction, Engineering, or Project Management (e.g. RICS, PMP, or PRINCE2).
• Experience managing international projects or multi-country rollouts.

Key Competencies:

• Delivering results in fast-paced, operational environments
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Attention to detail and quality
• Collaboration and influencing across diverse stakeholders
• Resilience and ability to adapt to changing priorities

Working Environment:

• Hybrid office and site-based role
• Regular travel to UK and international airport locations as required
• Work may occasionally require night shifts or out-of-hours coordination due to airport operational constraints

Success Measures:

• Projects delivered on time and within budget
• Minimal disruption to ongoing retail operations
• Compliance with all safety and regulatory requirements
• High stakeholder satisfaction
• Successful and timely store openings

Accessing the airport:

A five-year working and personal reference, along with a Criminal Reference Check, will be required for this role as the store is airside in the departures lounge. This will be discussed in more detail at interview stage or please contact us if you have any questions regarding this.

Our values: Can you feel the HEAT?

Whatever role you deliver for Lagardère Travel Retail, part of your responsibility is to represent and uphold our company values everyday:

HONESTY

• Working ethically | Fostering a culture of openness | Treating each other fairly | Being considerate

EXCELLENCE

• Delivering first class customer service | Upholding high store standards | Showcasing prestigious brands

ACCOUNTABILITY

• Knowing your role | Taking ownership | Delivering on our commitments to our partners, our customers, our suppliers, and each other

TEAM SPIRT

• Working together as one team | Supporting each other | Being active partners in our wider communities

Our company:

One of the two divisions of the Lagardère group, Lagardère Travel Retail is a pioneering global leader in the travel retail industry and the only operator to have established a comprehensive and world-recognised leadership across multiple business activities.

At Lagardère Travel Retail we believe an inclusive and diverse culture can help businesses and people thrive. We are committed to create a work environment where our people can fulfil their potential and be themselves and to support each and every one of them in achieving their ambitions. We welcome and consider all applicants regardless of their background and can ensure all candidates will receive a fair and equal treatment.