Reporting to the VP, Retail, the Senior Manager, Retail Business Development, leads and oversees all business development leasing functions for Lindt retail locations across Canada. The incumbent will be responsible for the management of site selection, the construction of new stores, remodels, special projects and initiatives in stores. They will contribute to retail growth strategies and play a vital role in enhancing the overall customer experience, ensuring our stores are optimized to meet the evolving demands of the retail market.

Responsibilities:

• Support and contribute to retail growth strategic planning to meet business objectives
• Lead the semi-annual store portfolio strategic review process with senior leadership, cross-functional partners and external consultants
• Partner closely with Finance and Operations partners to establish Investment Requests related to Store Development
• Prepare and present executive presentations of all Real Estate Proposals; prepare letters of intent/proposals prior to Executive approval and submit finalized documentation to appropriate parties including external consultants and property leasing offices
• Coordinate documentation for Legal counsel on lease agreements and ensure all leases are executed prior to start of construction
• Collaborates with both external and cross-functional teams, including but not limited to architects, contractors and visual merchandisers, to create inviting and functional store environments
• Internally manage all real estate initiatives including leasing processes, as well as maintain a pipeline of future business development, including new stores, remodels, relocations, short term extensions and kickouts
• Work with external real estate consultant to negotiate the economics for each new or renewal lease agreement to secure favorable terms
• Evaluate and improve lease language consistently when negotiating proposals, prior to executive review
• Maintain database of existing stores and lease renewal data
• Act as the liaison with mall leasing executives as well as mall management
• Be accountable for all preliminary and final budgets, change orders and applications for payments
• Build partnerships with shopping center developers throughout Canada to obtain relevant and timely information about their locations and share relevant information about Lindt Canada
• As required, attend trade shows to prospect new locations for pipeline and maintain relationships with developers
• Develop and manage the store development budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness in all initiatives
• Monitor expenses related to renovation, facilities, and leasing activities to align with financial targets
• Lead Store Development projects including the planning and execution of new stores, renovations and relocations until the handover to Store Operations team
• Work closely with cross-functional partners on execution, providing timely clear communication and status updates to all stakeholders as required
• Maintain global store development standards and retail store branding in local markets, and provide guidance and training to internal and external parties
• Provide direction to Design & Construction partners, ensuring that projects are completed to budget submissions, all necessary permits are obtained in a timely manner, projects are met to code requirements and ensure quality control
• Travel to markets as needed to support strategic planning, and ensure initiatives are executed as intended while on time and on budget.

Requirements:

• 5+ years’ experience in retail site selection with in-depth market and industry knowledge
• Post secondary education, or equivalent experience in senior level Retail Operations
• Experience with developing and executing strategic plans in a Retail environment
• Exceptional communication, presentation & networking skills, and an ability to work cross-functionally
• Experience in departmental budgeting and financial accountability required
• Excellent strategic leadership and project management abilities
• Experience with all shopping centre types
• Strong understanding of real estate agreement terminology and ability to negotiate for best long-term company outcomes
• Must have a thorough understanding of architectural, construction and commercial real estate processes
• A proven track record of successfully managing multiple real estate projects in a fast-paced and results-driven work environment
• Strong analytical, problem solving and negotiations skills
• Highly organized, excellent attention to detail
• Proficient in Excel, Word, Power Point
• Ability to travel up to 50%

This person will be Member of the Extended Leadership Team.

Why Lindt Canada? Join our winning culture and become part of our team of passionate and dynamic individuals in our journey to become the leader in the Canadian chocolate market. Our environment characterizes personal commitment, drive, initiative and entrepreneurial spirit, working together as one team to reach outstanding results. We encourage, recognize and reward innovation, personal initiative, leadership and accountability throughout the organization. We are recognized as a Great Place to Work so come and grow your career with us, it’s a pretty sweet deal. To learn more about our winning culture, visit https://careers.lindtcanada.ca and or follow us on LinkedIn.

Lindt & Sprüngli is recognized as a leader in the market for premium quality chocolate, offering a large selection of products in more than 120 countries around the world. During more than 170 years of Lindt & Sprüngli's existence, it has become known as one of the most innovative and creative companies making premium chocolate, with 12 production sites in Europe and the USA, and distribution and sales companies on four continents.

We thank all those who have applied however, only selected candidates will be contacted.

Lindt is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request. Please contact our Human Resources department for more information. #CORPORATE #RETAILOPERATIONS #LI-LINDTCA #LI-Hybrid #LI-DT1