Project Manager - Store Development

JOB PURPOSE

The Project Manager – Store Development is responsible for the end-to-end management and delivery of store development projects, including new store openings, renovations, relocations, expansions, and other store improvement initiatives. The role ensures projects are completed on time, within approved budget, according to approved design and construction standards, and in compliance with applicable regulatory and mall/landlord requirements. The Project Manager works closely with internal stakeholders, landlords, contractors, consultants, suppliers, and other partners to ensure stores are operationally ready for turnover and opening.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Project Planning & Execution

• Manage assigned store development projects from project initiation, site turnover, design coordination and construction through final handover and store opening.
• Develop and manage project timelines, milestones, construction schedules, and critical deliverables.
• Identify project risks, dependencies, and potential delays and implement appropriate mitigation or recovery plans.
• Conduct regular project reviews and site inspections to ensure progress against agreed timelines.
• Manage multiple store projects simultaneously while maintaining delivery quality and business priorities.

2. Construction & Site Management

• Oversee construction, fit-out, renovation, and store improvement activities.
• Ensure contractors execute works according to approved plans, specifications, scope, quality standards, and schedule.
• Monitor site conditions, construction progress, workmanship, and completion of punch-list items.
• Coordinate resolution of site issues, design conflicts, construction constraints, and other project concerns.
• Ensure proper project turnover and completion documentation prior to store opening.

3. Cost & Budget Management

• Manage projects within approved CAPEX and project budgets.
• Review project estimates, quotations, variation orders, and cost implications of changes.
• Monitor committed and actual project costs and proactively address potential budget overruns.
• Partner with Procurement, Finance, contractors, and suppliers to identify opportunities for cost optimization without compromising quality, safety, or operational requirements.
• Ensure appropriate documentation and approvals for project-related expenditures and changes.

4. Design & Technical Coordination

• Coordinate closely with Store Design, Space Planning, Engineering, Operations, IT, Security, Merchandising, Supply Chain, and other relevant teams to ensure all requirements are incorporated into project execution.
• Review construction drawings and technical requirements to identify execution risks before and during construction.
• Facilitate alignment between approved store design and actual site conditions.
• Ensure any design or construction changes undergo the appropriate review and approval process.

5. Contractor, Supplier & Stakeholder Management

• Manage day-to-day coordination with general contractors, specialty contractors, consultants, suppliers, landlords, mall administration, and other external partners.
• Conduct project coordination meetings and ensure clear ownership and closure of action items.
• Monitor contractor performance against agreed scope, timeline, quality, safety, and service expectations.
• Escalate significant project risks and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
• Maintain strong working relationships with business stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

6. Compliance, Quality & Safety

• Ensure projects comply with company standards, approved specifications, building regulations, landlord/mall requirements, permits, and applicable health and safety requirements.
• Monitor construction quality and ensure deficiencies are addressed before project acceptance.
• Ensure required permits, clearances, testing, commissioning, and turnover documentation are completed.
• Promote safe working practices across all assigned project sites.

7. Store Opening & Project Turnover

• Drive project readiness against the committed store opening date.
• Coordinate final inspections, testing and commissioning, punch-list closure, and operational turnover.
• Ensure all project requirements are completed or appropriately managed before handover to Store Operations.
• Facilitate post-opening review and resolution of outstanding construction or warranty concerns.
• Maintain complete project records and documentation for future reference and audit requirements.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• On-time delivery / achievement of committed store opening dates
• Project completion within approved CAPEX
• Construction quality and punch-list closure
• Project schedule adherence
• Cost variance and change-order management
• Contractor and supplier performance
• Compliance with design, safety, and regulatory standards
• Timeliness of project turnover and documentation
• Stakeholder satisfaction
• Effective management of multiple concurrent projects

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related discipline.
• Professional license in Architecture or Engineering is an advantage.
• Strong experience in retail store development, construction project management, fit-out, or commercial development.
• Experience managing multiple projects from planning through construction and turnover.
• Strong knowledge of construction processes, project scheduling, cost management, technical drawings, and contractor management.
• Experience in retail, pharmacy, FMCG, mall-based stores, restaurants, or other high-volume multi-site environments is highly preferred.
• Proficient in project management and productivity tools; familiarity with AutoCAD, MS Project, or similar applications is an advantage.
• Willing and able to conduct regular site visits and travel as required.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Project Ownership – Drives projects from initiation through successful store opening and takes accountability for project outcomes.

Planning & Execution – Effectively manages schedules, resources, dependencies, and multiple concurrent projects.

Commercial & Cost Management – Understands project costs and makes sound decisions to protect approved CAPEX.

Technical & Construction Acumen – Demonstrates practical understanding of store construction, fit-out, drawings, specifications, and site execution.

Stakeholder Management – Effectively coordinates internal teams, landlords, contractors, consultants, and suppliers.

Problem Solving & Decision Making – Quickly identifies project risks and develops practical solutions to protect timeline, cost, and quality.

Results Orientation – Maintains focus on delivering stores safely, efficiently, and according to committed opening dates.