Retail Development Manager (Maternity Cover)

About the role

As our Retail Development Manager, you are responsible for all matters related to shop-fit and store opening in the Village. You will be working closely with Brands and across the business on a wide range of activities including shop-fit orientation, communications with Brands on compliance, information collection and plans, communications with internal teams, manage external parties and manage concurrent projects.

The role is offered on a full-time maternity cover contract and is hybrid.

This offer is available also for candidates belonging to protected categories as line with law 68/99, article 18.

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Key responsibilities

The key responsibilities of this role will include some or all the following.

BRAND-SPECIFIC

• Brand Orientation: visits/ briefings/ supply of all information relating to shop-fit (i.e. Works Manual, local services, etc);
• Carry forward the fit-out process for new openings;
• Carry forward the re-merchandising / re-fit programme;
• Action post-opening snag lists as appropriate;
• Ensure that proper and complete information is issued by Brands to Value Retail for approval of plans, samples etc.; check Brands' plans and distribute internally for comments - obtain approvals from relevant team members;
• Schedule all visits from Brands in co-ordination with other departments: reporting & follow-up; schedule and take part in all site meetings with Brands - provide minutes;
• Enhance shop-fit quality to achieve standards of excellence, focussing on all details;
• Ensure that internal works are executed by Brands in accordance with Italian building regulations;
• Ensure that internal works are executed by Brands in accordance with Value Retail internal regulations;
• Ensure that Brands comply with statutory requests from Value Retail and local authorities: warranties, insurances, permits, local fire regulations, etc.;
• Facilitate effective communication systems with all contractors, project managers and maintenance suppliers, and monitor progress of works on-site ensuring that the works schedule is adhered to;
• Manage local Blueprint project;
• Manage sustainability projects at local level and/or from Central Services i.e. GRESB
• Support local Special Projects if requested by the senior RD manager;
• Manage flow of information between Senior Retail Development Manager and external consultants including appointments, plan submittals, timing, billing, etc.;
• Support the relationship with local authorities i.e. the Town Hall technical office;
• Act as a go-between the local authorities (Town Hall, Fire Brigades, H&S exc.) and Brands, ensuring timely communication on any issues arising;
• Keep Brands informed and up-to-date on all local codes and building regulations;
• Facilitate the acquisition of services from local utility companies.

INTERNAL SYSTEMS

• Co-ordinate and communicate to all relevant departments on all shop-fit related issues i.e. timings, changes etc.;
• Keep track of and forward all invoices relating to shop-fit works to the Accounts department;
• Devise new systems and procedures to facilitate the shop-fit process and improve where possible the existing;
• Liaise and check with the Commercialisation and Legal departments on all issues relating to shop-fit;
• Assist weekly conference calls with other team members at FV;
• Support the local team on requests for drawings relating to units or special projects;
• Address all administrative issues relating to retail development and compile related documentation.

About You

We are looking for an experienced individual who can display the following skills:

• At least 5 years' experience in the business - proven project management capability and ability to manage several projects concurrently
• Ability to communicate at all levels (orally and in writing)
• Ability to draft policy documents
• Computer literate: use of AutoCAD, MS Project and other standard Windows software
• Exposure to European / international companies
• Eye for detail
• Italian and English essential - other European languages optional
• Disciplined, stress-resilient, organised, deadline-driven, trustworthy, responsible, discreet, proactive and a team player
• Able to deal with Italian authorities and aware of all relevant rules and regulations
• Comprehensive knowledge of the store opening process
• Architecture background
• Negotiation skills