Store Development Project Manager (Freelance)

About the role

MacKenzie-Childs is seeking an experienced Freelance Project Manager to lead the execution of a high-profile branded environment initiative from concept through completion.

Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of the project from concept approval through final installation and post-launch review.
• Develop and maintain the master project schedule, including milestones, dependencies, critical paths, and key deliverables.
• Establish project governance, meeting cadence, communication plans, and reporting structures.
• Facilitate regular cross-functional project meetings and ensure timely follow-up on action items.
• Prepare status reports highlighting progress, risks, budget impacts, and upcoming milestones.
• Proactively identify schedule risks, resource constraints, and execution challenges while developing mitigation strategies.
• Drive accountability across internal teams, consultants, vendors, and external partners.
• Serve as the primary project management lead coordinating activities across multiple business functions, including: Visual Merchandising / Store Development, Creative Marketing, Product Development, Retail Operations, Finance, External consultants and fabrication partners.
• Ensure all project dependencies are clearly identified, communicated, and actively managed throughout the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate design development milestones and stakeholder review sessions.
• Manage project documentation including drawings, floor plans, specifications, and production packages.
• Ensure timely approvals throughout design, fabrication, and installation phases.
• Carefully coordinate production schedules with fabrication partners and installation teams.
• Support permitting, compliance, and site readiness activities as required.
• Oversee installation sequencing and punch-list completion to ensure project quality standards are achieved.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation and meeting notes.
• Develop weekly project status reports for executive leadership.
• Monitor project health through schedule tracking, issue logs, and risk registers.
• Provide clear communication across all stakeholders to ensure alignment and timely decision-making.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of project management experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Proven experience managing projects involving design, fabrication, construction, or branded environments.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of project scheduling methodologies, critical path management, budgeting, and resource planning.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple vendors and consultants simultaneously.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
• Ability to anticipate risks, solve problems proactively, and adapt to evolving project requirements.
• Proficiency with project management software (Monday.com, Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Asana, or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite.

Special Requirements

• No travel requirements.

Education and Experience

Education and Experience: 7+ years of project management experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives. Proven experience managing projects involving design, fabrication, construction, or branded environments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of project scheduling methodologies, critical path management, budgeting, and resource planning.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple vendors and consultants simultaneously.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
• Ability to anticipate risks, solve problems proactively, and adapt to evolving project requirements.
• Proficiency with project management software (Monday.com, Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Asana, or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite.