Construction Project Manager - Retail Store
Operations
California, USA
Beloved by young trendsetters and celebrities worldwide, Cider is one of the fastest-growing Gen-Z fashion brands. Founded in 2020 and rooted in Los Angeles, we proudly serve customers in over 130 countries with a diverse range of styles from XXS to 4XL. Powered by a global team spanning 14+ countries and our vibrant #cidergang community, our Pick A Mood collections transform everyday moods into captivating style statements — engaging the next generation and redefining fast-fashion through technology, trend-driven design, and zero-inventory thinking.
About the Role
Acting as the owner's representative, the Store Development Project Manager is accountable for the end-to-end delivery of new stores — from site handover and concept design through construction, commissioning and opening. The core objective is to open each store on time, on budget, safely and to full brand standard, and to hand over a technically sound facility that supports smooth retail operations.
Key Responsibilities:
Design Management
● Receive landlord/site documentation from the Real Estate team (CAD drawings, MEP provisions, lease conditions, mall fit-out manual), conduct site surveys and technical feasibility assessments, and report risks such as ceiling height, floor loading, fire compartmentation, MEP capacity and loading/delivery access.
● Develop store layouts in line with global brand design standards (VMD, fixture modules, lighting levels, wayfinding, shopfront and signage), confirming sales floor area, stockroom, fitting rooms and cash-wrap configuration with Merchandising, VMD and Operations.
● Manage external designers and consultants (architectural, interior, MEP, fire, structural, signage); review construction drawings, MEP shop drawings and material samples for compliance with brand standards, local codes and cost targets.
● Drive drawing submissions and approvals with landlord/mall management and authorities (fire, building, health, municipal) through to permit issuance and approval to commence works.
● Contribute to localisation and continuous improvement of design standards, standard detail sets, material specifications and construction methods to reduce cost per store and shorten build programmes.
Construction Management
● Prepare the master project schedule for each store (design, permitting, tendering, site possession, construction, inspections, stock delivery and merchandising, grand opening) and align it with product delivery, staff recruitment and marketing milestones so the opening date is never missed.
● Lead site handover and pre-construction activities: design briefings, drawing coordination reviews, kick-off meetings, and clear definition of scope interfaces (landlord scope, main contract scope, owner-supplied equipment).
● Supervise the general contractor and specialist trades on site (MEP, fire protection, HVAC, ELV, fixtures, lighting, signage, flooring, EAS, POS and network), controlling workmanship quality, trade sequencing and protection of finished works.
● Chair weekly site meetings, track schedule variance and implement recovery plans; resolve technical issues, design changes and interface conflicts promptly to avoid stoppages and rework.
● Organise inspections of concealed works, MEP testing and commissioning, fire and statutory inspections, and practical completion; issue and close out the punch/snag list.
● Manage handover to Operations: final cleaning, equipment training and O&M briefing, keys and access control transfer, as-built and warranty documentation, and defect rectification during the warranty period.
Cost & Contract Management
● Prepare and review the capital budget (CAPEX) for each store; scrutinise bills of quantities, quotations and material take-offs for accuracy and value.
● Support Procurement in tendering, bid comparison and contract award for designers, main contractors and specialist vendors; evaluate technical submissions and draft technical contract terms.
● Review progress claims and final accounts; manage design changes and variation orders within approved limits and update cost forecasts monthly.
● Manage owner-supplied items (fixtures, lighting, signage, equipment): requirement forecasting, delivery scheduling and site receipt/inspection to prevent material-driven delays.
Vendor & Stakeholder Coordination
● Evaluate the performance of designers, contractors and vendors on quality, schedule, safety and cooperation; maintain a qualified vendor pool and drive underperformers out of it.
● Liaise with landlord and mall management on works notification, hot-work and utility permits, waste removal, working-hour restrictions and deposit refunds.
● Coordinate cross-functionally with Merchandising, VMD, Operations, IT, Marketing, Legal and Finance to ensure all physical and systems readiness before opening.
Safety, Compliance & Documentation
● Enforce EHS requirements on site: review contractor safety plans and credentials, conduct safety walks, and operate permit-to-work controls for high-risk activities (hot works, work at height, temporary power, demolition) with a target of zero serious incidents.
● Ensure full compliance with local building, fire, environmental, accessibility and mall regulations, and obtain all statutory certificates and approvals.
● Maintain complete and auditable project records for each store (drawings, contracts, variations, inspection records, as-builts, photographic evidence).
Continuous Improvement
● Conduct post-project reviews covering schedule, cost, quality and safety performance, and translate findings into standard improvements.
● Support remodels, renovations, expansions and urgent repair works in the existing store portfolio.
Qualifications
- 5+ years in construction or project management, including 2–3 years client-side on retail, chain-store, commercial interior or shopping-centre projects.
- Bachelor's degree or above in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Interior Design, Building Services/MEP, or Construction/Project Management.
- Proven track record delivering complete new-store or commercial fit-out projects from design through opening, ideally several in parallel.
- Strong drawing review skills and proficiency in AutoCAD; sound working knowledge of interior fit-out, MEP, fire protection and ELV installation methods and acceptance criteria.
- Solid understanding of construction cost structure and contract administration, with proven cost control and variation negotiation ability.
- Familiarity with local fit-out permitting processes for building, fire and mall approvals.
- Competent in Excel, scheduling tools (MS Project or equivalent) and presentation reporting.
- Willing and able to travel frequently and to work intensively around critical opening milestones.
- Mandarin Chinese proficiency required (coordinate with global HQ team).
- Authorized to work in the United States.