Senior Retail Development Manager

About the role
As our Senior Retail Development Manager, you are primarily responsible for all matters related to Retail Fit Out (RFO)and store opening/refurbishment, Guest Experience, Food and Beverage Fit Out, Kiosks, Terraces, Furniture and all other aspects related to design management and implementation. 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 and design, information collection and detailed design packs, dealing with local authorities and ensuring compliance with the ‘Brand Works Manual’ the ‘Sustainability Hand Book’ ‘Standard Operating Procedures’ and the ‘Building Safety Act’.

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

Brand Shop Fit
• Be responsible for the Brand Orientation by Brand visit, briefings and providing all relevant information of shop-fit, i.e. work manual, local services, etc.
• Ensure that the fit-out process for new openings, re-merchandising and/or re-fit programme are in progress
• Enhance shop-fit quality to achieve standards of excellence
• Co-ordinate and communicate to all relevant departments on all shop-fit related issues i.e. timings, changes etc.;
• Ensure that proper and complete information is issued by Brands to Value Retail for approval of plans, samples etc.
• Ensure that all the works executed by Brands are compliant to the building regulations and Value Retail internal compliance
• Ensure that Brands comply with statutory requests from Value Retail and local authorities, such as warranties, insurances, permits, health & safety, local fire regulations, etc.
• Liaise and check with the Leasing and Legal Departments on all issues relating to shop-fit
• Review the Brands’ plans and distribute them internally for comments; obtain approvals accordingly
• Monitor all shop fit and installations in stores and ensure that the health and safety standard is compliant at all times
• Schedule and take part in all site meetings with Brands
• Schedule all visits from Brands in co-ordination with other departments; prepare reports and identify follow up actions
• 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 flow of information between Group Retail Development Director and external consultants including appointments, plan submission, timing, billing, etc.
• Follow up on post-opening snag lists where appropriate
• Manage the relationship with local authorities
• Act as a go-between between the local authorities 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
• Manager local special projects

Internal Process
• Responsible for the Retail Development tier approval processes
• Devise new systems and procedures to facilitate the shop-fit process and improve where possible the existing
• Manage weekly conference calls with other relevant departments of the Village
• Support the local team on requests for drawings relating to units or special projects
• Responsible for the sustainability policy, recommend Village improvement on a constant basis
• Constantly seek for the Village improvement, reconfiguration, construction, modification, respecting all Value Retail regulations and legal constraints
• Connect with Retail Development colleagues across The Bicester Collection and may occasionally assist, train and monitor new joiners
• Address all administrative issues relating to retail development and compile related documentation

Permits and Certificates
• Coordinate and submit all building permits, approval process with relevant authorities
• Assist and support for any Village permit renewal, e.g. Village Environmental permit
• Work closely with any local authorities involved in RDT activities

About You
We are looking for an individual who can display the following experience and skills:
• Degree education or relevant qualification is preferrable
• Proven experience as a surveyor or construction project management, a Qualified Architect would be beneficial
• Computer literate and high proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, AutoCAD, Photoshop and 3D visualisation software (SketchUp or alternative)
• Proven track record on leading store openings process
• Strong project management capability and ability to manage several projects concurrently
• Thorough knowledge of local building regulations
• Ability to draft policy documents
• Strong relationship building skills with the ability to deal with local authorities
• Ability to prioritise your work to meet tight and multiple deadlines with an eye for detail
• Able to work well with all levels across the business and customers with a creative and open minded capability to adapt to a fast pace environment
• A problem-solver who can proactively identify problems and make recommendations
• Exceptional negotiation skills and be discreet on communication
• Ability to review and present policy documents
• Exposure to European / international companies
• Excellent working knowledge of BIU, CRREM, ESG and Energy Reduction in line with the VR Company Policy to be Net Zero by 2030.