New Store Strategic Project Manager

STORE OPENING MANAGER

The Store Opening Manager plans, executes, manages, and reports on all activities pertaining to new store openings, relocations, remodels, or other store project from initial design through soft opening (or hand off to field management).  The Store Opening Manager guides the store management team through project execution as the process expert, follows up on execution of calendar tasks with the applicable team lead, and ensures the project is 100% complete prior to opening. A member of the Store Operations Team, the Manager helps to plan, execute, monitor, and maintain all projects, programs, and functions in the performance of his or her duties. The Store Opening Manager reports to the Director of Operations, Business Analytics and Strategy.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Planning

• Partner with Manager of Logistics along with Store Construction & Design to review initial blueprints to ensure they meet the project needs.
• Work with Construction on fixture/equipment ordering for project.
• Work with Manager of Logistics, Transportation, Merchandising and Facilities staging freight to schedule trucks to move merchandise timely as required.
• Makes all travel arrangements for themselves in accordance with company policies and procedures.

Project Execution

• Execute store layout plans by efficiently using space provided while adhering to  company’s merchandising guidelines.
• Ensure that freight deliveries are appropriately placed on the sales floor for proper merchandising and presentation set up.
• Ensure meeting of daily timelines for fixture build, truck unload, ticketing, and merchandising through management and training of store associates and/or temp labor.
• Work closely with associates to ensure that tasks are completed efficiently and by the required deadlines.
• Communicate regularly with your supervisor and store operations teammates regarding task completion and outstanding issues.
• Partner with the store operations team and construction team on any potential punch list items to facilitate smooth project completion.
• Performs any additional projects, tasks, research, and other related assignments as assigned by your supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge in retail architecture or space planning preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of retail experience in a supervisory role in a mid-size to large retail service-oriented business, or demonstration of skills and learning through an internal development program and selection process.
• Ability to communicate effectively with cross functional business partners along with senior management team.
• Ability to read space plans/blueprints, understand measurements and be able to execute to scale in-store (i.e., Fixture Plans).
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite, Email and Other software as necessary.
• Ability to operate all equipment necessary to perform the job
• Ability to complete assigned tasks in the time allotted
• Ability to work with ever-changing crew including temporary labor to execute projects.
• Knowledge of ePro or other supplies ordering system a plus.
• Ability to work out of K&G Corporate Office in Atlanta, GA.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes of merchandise and fixtures.
• Duties may frequently involve the use of ladders and stairs.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Frequent (50%+) travel to new stores, relocations, and remodels, including overnight travel away from home for extended periods of time (two or more weeks straight).
• Frequent lifting, pushing, pulling up to 70 lbs.
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness with a focus on avoiding hazards and maximizing employee safety in the store environment as it progresses from fixture installation through soft opening.