Project Manager, Retail Operations & Expansion

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Health benefits

Employee discounts

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Project Manager for a rapidly expanding national retail chain. The role oversees retail operations and expansion projects, including new store openings and major renovations, with a hybrid work model balancing on-site visits and remote work.

The candidate should have 5+ years in retail PM, strong leadership and stakeholder management, plus proficiency in PM tools. Travel to various store locations will be required; a Bachelor’s degree in Business Admin or Retail

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of project management experience with a focus on retail operations or expansion.
• Proven track record of managing multiple concurrent projects from initiation to closure in the retail sector.
• Understanding of retail store design, construction processes, and operational workflows.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and deliver new retail openings and major renovations.
• Develop detailed project plans with timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Oversee site selection, lease negotiations, store design, construction, and merchandising setup.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Project coordination

Proficiency with PM software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Retail Management

Tools

Asana

Trello

MS Project

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding national retail chain, is seeking a dynamic Project Manager to oversee retail operations and expansion projects. This role is crucial for managing the development of new store locations, optimizing existing store layouts, and implementing operational enhancements across the retail network. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in retail operations, project management, and stakeholder coordination. This role operates under a hybrid work model, allowing for flexible working arrangements that balance remote productivity with essential on-site engagement for store visits, team meetings, and project oversight. We are looking for a proactive individual with excellent organizational skills, a keen understanding of the retail environment, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. You will collaborate with internal teams (operations, marketing, finance) and external partners (developers, contractors, suppliers) to ensure seamless execution of expansion and improvement initiatives. Join a thriving retail business committed to enhancing customer experience and market presence, with key responsibilities centered around the Nelspruit region and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the planning, execution, and successful completion of new retail store openings and major renovation projects.
• Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Oversee site selection, lease negotiations, store design, construction, and merchandising setup.
• Coordinate with internal departments (operations, IT, marketing, HR) and external vendors to ensure project milestones are met.
• Implement operational improvements and technology rollouts within existing retail stores.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential issues, and implement corrective actions promptly.
• Ensure compliance with brand standards, health and safety regulations, and local building codes.
• Manage project budgets and track expenditures, ensuring projects are delivered cost-effectively.
• Conduct post-project reviews to capture lessons learned and identify areas for continuous improvement.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in project management, with a strong focus on retail operations or expansion.
• Proven track record of managing multiple concurrent projects from initiation to closure, ideally within the retail sector.
• Understanding of retail store design, construction processes, and operational workflows.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, MS Project).
• Ability to travel to various store locations as needed.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, or a related field.
• Experience with a hybrid work arrangement, demonstrating effective self-management and remote collaboration.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a customer-centric approach.

Benefits

• competitive salary
• potential for performance bonuses
• comprehensive health benefits
• employee discounts
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a growing retail organization are available.

The position is based in the Nelspruit area, offering a dynamic work environment with a mix of office-based and remote work.

Our client values teamwork, innovation, and customer satisfaction.