Job Description:

Freelance Project Manager – Retail Refurbishment

Location: Stevenage – Various Retail Sites
Contract Length: 12 Weeks
Start Date: Monday 21st September 2026
Rate: £350–£375 per day
Working Pattern: 5–6 Shifts Per Week
Sector: Food Retail / Retail Refurbishment

The Opportunity

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Freelance Project Manager to support a 12-week refurbishment programme across live food-retail environments.

The project will primarily involve ceiling replacement works, requiring a hands-on Project Manager who can coordinate site activities, subcontractors and trades while ensuring works are delivered safely, efficiently and to programme.

This would suit a Project Manager, Site Manager or Construction Manager with a strong background in retail fit-out, refurbishment, maintenance or construction, particularly someone experienced in working within live operational environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day delivery of ceiling replacement and associated refurbishment works.
• Coordinate subcontractors, trades and site teams.
• Plan and sequence works around an operational retail environment.
• Ensure works are delivered safely, efficiently and to the required quality standards.
• Monitor progress against programme and identify potential delays or issues.
• Coordinate labour, materials and site requirements.
• Manage site logistics while minimising disruption to the trading environment.
• Ensure RAMS, permits and relevant site documentation are in place.
• Carry out regular site inspections and monitor workmanship.
• Manage and resolve day-to-day site issues.
• Liaise with site management and key stakeholders.
• Provide regular progress updates.
• Ensure projects are completed within agreed timescales and specification.

Experience Required

• Proven experience as a Project Manager, Site Manager, Construction Manager or similar.
• Strong background in retail fit-out, refurbishment, refit, maintenance or construction.
• Experience working within live/operational environments is highly desirable.
• Proven experience managing subcontractors and multiple trades.
• Strong understanding of construction programmes, site coordination and health & safety.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of project delivery.
• Comfortable working 5–6 shifts per week.
• Available to start Monday 21st September 2026.
• Previous experience with ceiling replacement, suspended ceilings, internal refurbishment or similar works would be advantageous.