Retail Development Manager (Maternity Cover) - Fidenza, IT, 43036- Full Time- About the role- As our Retail Development Manager, you are responsible for all matters related to shop-fit and store opening in the Village. 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, information collection and plans, communications with internal teams, manage external parties and manage concurrent projects.- The role is offered on a full-time maternity cover contract and is hybrid.- - Key responsibilities- The key responsibilities of this role will include some or all the following.- BRAND-SPECIFIC- Brand Orientation: visits/ briefings/ supply of all information relating to shop-fit (i.e. Works Manual, local services, etc); - Carry forward the fit-out process for new openings; - Carry forward the re-merchandising / re-fit programme; - Action post-opening snag lists as appropriate; - Ensure that proper and complete information is issued by Brands to Value Retail for approval of plans, samples etc.; check Brands’ plans and distribute internally for comments - obtain approvals from relevant team members; - Schedule all visits from Brands in co-ordination with other departments: reporting & follow-up; schedule and take part in all site meetings with Brands - provide minutes; - Enhance shop-fit quality to achieve standards of excellence, focussing on all details; - Ensure that internal works are executed by Brands in accordance with Italian building regulations; - Ensure that internal works are executed by Brands in accordance with Value Retail internal regulations; - Ensure that Brands comply with statutory requests from Value Retail and local authorities: warranties, insurances, permits, local fire regulations, etc.; - 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 local Blueprint project; - Manage sustainability projects at local level and/or from Central Services i.e. GRESB - Support local Special Projects if requested by the senior RD manager; - Manage flow of information between Senior Retail Development Manager and external consultants including appointments, plan submittals, timing, billing, etc.; - Support the relationship with local authorities i.e. the Town Hall technical office; - Act as a go-between the local authorities (Town Hall, Fire Brigades, H&S exc.) 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. - INTERNAL SYSTEMS- Co-ordinate and communicate to all relevant departments on all shop-fit related issues i.e. timings, changes etc.; - Keep track of and forward all invoices relating to shop-fit works to the Accounts department; - Devise new systems and procedures to facilitate the shop-fit process and improve where possible the existing; - Liaise and check with the Commercialisation and Legal departments on all issues relating to shop-fit; - Assist weekly conference calls with other team members at FV; - Support the local team on requests for drawings relating to units or special projects; - Address all administrative issues relating to retail development and compile related documentation. - About You- We are looking for an experienced individual who can display the following skills: - At least 5 years’ experience in the business - proven project management capability and ability to manage several projects concurrently - Ability to communicate at all levels (orally and in writing) - Ability to draft policy documents - Computer literate: use of AutoCAD, MS Project and other standard Windows software - Exposure to European / international companies - Eye for detail - Italian and English essential - other European languages optional - Disciplined, stress-resilient, organised, deadline-driven, trustworthy, responsible, discreet, proactive and a team player - Able to deal with Italian authorities and aware of all relevant rules and regulations - Comprehensive knowledge of the store opening process - Architecture background - Negotiation skills