Job Responsibilities
Expansion Strategy and Planning
- Develop and implement strategic expansion plans for new stores and malls in line with the company’s growth objectives.
- Identify priority markets and suitable locations based on commercial potential, customer demand and long-term profitability.
- Establish development standards for store layouts, facilities, interiors and investment costs.
- Recommend expansion, relocation, renovation, downsizing or closure strategies for existing locations.
Site Identification and Feasibility Assessment
- Conduct catchment analysis, trade area surveys, market mapping and comparable-site assessments to identify suitable locations.
- Evaluate proposed sites based on demographics, accessibility, infrastructure, competition, customer profiles and development potential.
- Prepare comprehensive feasibility studies and investment proposals for Management’s consideration.
- Assess the potential impact of new developments on existing stores, malls and overall network performance.
Financial and Investment Analysis
- Develop financial models and profitability plans for individual expansion projects.
- Evaluate capital expenditure, operating costs, projected sales, rental commitments and return on investment.
- Monitor the financial performance and operational efficiency of store and mall development projects.
- Ensure expansion investments are commercially viable and aligned with approved budgets.
Lease Negotiation and Property Evaluation
- Lead negotiations with landlords, developers and property owners on site location, store size, rental rates, lease terms and commercial conditions.
- Review and recommend lease proposals to secure favourable and sustainable outcomes for the company.
- Coordinate the preparation, conclusion, renewal and revision of store-opening and property-related agreements.
- Maintain strong professional relationships with landlords, developers, agents and relevant business partners.
Market and Competitive Intelligence
- Monitor competitor expansion, market developments, economic conditions and emerging retail trends.
- Analyse customer behaviour and market needs to ensure proposed properties support future business requirements.
- Provide actionable insights to strengthen the company’s market position and identify new growth opportunities.
- Maintain accurate and accessible market, competitor and property information to support strategic decision-making.
Project Management and Store Opening
- Lead expansion projects from initial site identification and approval through to handover and store opening.
- Work closely with Leasing, Legal, Finance, Construction, Operations, Marketing and other relevant departments.
- Ensure projects are completed within the approved timeline, budget, quality and operational requirements.
- Provide regular progress updates, risk assessments and recommendations to Management.
Performance Review and Optimisation
- Review the trading and financial performance of newly opened and existing stores or malls.
- Compare actual results against approved business cases, budgets and performance targets.
- Use performance insights to refine site-selection criteria and future development strategies.
- Recommend improvement initiatives to optimise the company’s property portfolio.
Risk Management and Governance
- Identify commercial, financial, operational and regulatory risks related to expansion projects.
- Develop appropriate mitigation plans and escalate significant issues to Management.
- Ensure all expansion activities comply with internal policies, approval processes and relevant legal requirements.
- Maintain proper documentation and governance throughout the project lifecycle.
Team Leadership and Stakeholder Management
- Lead, coach and develop the Store/Mall Expansion team to achieve departmental objectives.
- Establish clear priorities, performance expectations and accountability within the team.
- Present expansion proposals, feasibility findings and strategic recommendations to senior management.
- Act as the key liaison between internal stakeholders and external property partners.
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Real Estate, Property Management, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Urban Planning or a related discipline.
- Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in retail property development, store expansion, mall development, real estate or a related field, including management experience.
- Strong knowledge of site selection, catchment analysis, trade area surveys, market research and lease negotiations.
- Proven experience in preparing feasibility studies, financial models, investment proposals and profitability assessments.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to interpret market, customer, competitor and trading data.
- Demonstrated leadership and project management capabilities, including experience managing cross-functional projects.
- Excellent communication, presentation, stakeholder-management and negotiation skills.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify risks and recommend practical solutions.
- Able to manage multiple expansion projects and priorities within demanding timelines.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and relevant property or data-analysis tools.
- Willing to travel and conduct site visits when required.