We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Project Manager to lead the expansion of our retail presence by opening new retail outlets across Malaysia, including shopping malls, high streets, and new regions beyond the Klang Valley. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in retail project management, strong leadership skills, and the ability to drive projects from conception to successful completion.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning:
- Work with myself, the General Manager of Operations and Business Development Manager in the site selection process, including lease negotiations, budget approvals, and contract management.
- Ensure that all new stores align with brand standards and operational guidelines.
- Coordinate with architects, designers, contractors, and vendors to ensure project requirements are met.
- Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, quality, and adherence to specifications.
- Analyze post-opening performance metrics to refine future expansion strategies.
Project Management:
- Take the lead in all phases of new store openings, from being involved in the market research and site selection to project management and grand openings.
- Monitor project performance, identify deviations from plan, and implement corrective actions.
- Develop project plans, schedules, and budgets in collaboration with stakeholders.
- Collaborate with project teams such as Operations, BD and I.T, ensuring clarity of roles and responsibilities and fostering a collaborative environment.
Stakeholder Coordination:
- Communicate project status, updates, and milestones to clients and internal project teams.
- Collaborate with internal teams, external vendors, landlords, and contractors to ensure alignment and timely project execution.
- Coordinate with internal departments such as Marketing and Operations to ensure successful store launches.
- Conduct regular project meetings and steering committee meetings.
- Communicate project status, risks, and issues to stakeholders and Senior Management/Steering Committee
- Create and maintain relevant project documentation such as project charter, project plans, status reports and operational checklists
Budget Management:
- Develop detailed budgets for each retail expansion project, including all phases such as design, construction, IT setup, and operations.
- Collaborate with Finance, Operations, and other relevant departments to forecast costs accurately.
- Allocate funds to specific project components, such as materials, labor, IT systems, compliance measures, and contingencies.
- Track actual expenditures against the approved budget throughout the project lifecycle.
- Identify and address any variances between planned and actual costs.
- Ensure spending aligns with the project timeline to avoid overspending or resource shortages.
Compliance, Quality Assurance & Risk Management:
- Work closely with the Operations Team and Regulatory Officers to ensure that all new and existing clinics meet the standards and regulations set by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM).
- Ensure all new outlets comply with company standards, local regulations, and quality expectations.
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations and quality standards throughout the project lifecycle.
- Manage project documentation, including contracts, change orders, and project reports.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in retail project management, with a proven track record of successful store openings and expansions.
Skills:
- Project Management Professional (PMP) or Agile Scrum Master Program certification preferred.
- Proven track record of successfully managing complex projects.
- Extensive sector domain knowledge and able to work with senior management
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Demonstrate a strong awareness of the uses of retail technologies within the industry sector and specifically within competitive or associated organizations operating in the same market
- Experience working in a highly matrixed organization, FMCG or retail industry is an absolute advantage
- Proficiency in project management software and tools.
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Knowledge:
- Familiarity with the Malaysian retail market and regulatory requirements.
- Good command of written and spoken English, Cantonese and Mandarin speaking and writing ability is an advantage.
Attributes:
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
- Proactive and results-oriented.
- Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
- Willingness to travel as required.
