Retail Expansion Project Leader

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Work Location: On-site

Employment Type: Permanent, Full-time

Salary: $45.67 hourly / 40 hours per week ($95,000 annually)

Start Date: As soon as possible

Vacancies: 1

Languages: English (spoken and written)

Responsibilities

Lead and manage retail expansion projects from initial planning through successful store opening and operational launch.
Identify, evaluate and recommend commercial locations for new Budget Basket stores throughout Ontario.
Coordinate lease negotiations and work with landlords, legal advisors and senior management during site acquisition.
Plan, coordinate and supervise store construction, renovations, equipment installation and operational readiness.
Coordinate contractors, architects, engineers, suppliers, utility providers and municipal authorities throughout all phases of store development.
Develop detailed project schedules, implementation plans and operational budgets for each expansion project.
Ensure all permits, inspections, licences and regulatory requirements are completed before store opening.
Coordinate merchandising setup, inventory planning and operational readiness before launch.
Work closely with Purchasing, Operations, Warehouse, Finance, Marketing and Human Resources departments throughout every project.
Recruit, onboard, train and mentor Store Managers and Assistant Store Managers for newly opened locations.
Direct and coordinate cross-functional teams of approximately 10-15 employees during new store opening projects, including Store Managers, Assistant Store Managers, Department Supervisors and project contractors.
Supervise management staff and evaluate performance to ensure compliance with company standards.
Develop and implement operational policies, procedures and best practices across multiple retail locations.
Monitor project timelines, budgets and operational performance while identifying project risks and implementing corrective actions.
Analyze sales performance, operating costs and market trends to support retail expansion decisions.
Evaluate the operational performance of newly opened stores and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
Prepare operational and project reports for senior management.
Travel regularly to existing and future Budget Basket locations throughout Ontario.

Employment Requirements

Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible management experience in a high-volume retail environment.
Experience with retail expansion, new store openings or multi-location retail operations.
Experience supervising management staff and coordinating cross-functional teams.
Experience working with operating budgets and financial performance.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Strong leadership, communication, negotiation and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to coordinate multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced retail environment.
Ability to work effectively with contractors, suppliers, management teams and internal departments.
Valid driver's licence.
Willingness and ability to travel regularly throughout Ontario.

Experience

Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible management experience in grocery, discount retail, warehouse retail or another high-volume retail environment.
Experience with retail expansion, new store openings or multi-location retail operations is required.
Previous experience supervising management staff and coordinating cross-functional teams is required.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Retail Management, Project Management, or a related field is preferred.
Equivalent combination of education and extensive retail management experience may be considered.

Benefits

Paid vacation.
Paid sick days.
Other benefits according to company policy.

Employment Groups

This employer promotes equal employment opportunities for all job applicants.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a résumé and cover letter outlining their qualifications and relevant experience. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.