Director Store Planning - Singapore

Position

Mission Statement

• Responsible for the entire store planning process in South Asia: Oversees the entire store planning process.
• Key role within the HQ Architecture team: Contributes to the store planning process.
• Ensuring high-quality boutique environments: Ensures that boutique environments enhance the brand and meet high-quality standards.
• Representing Dior with third parties: Interacts with general contractors, subcontractors, local architects, and landlords.
• Developing a sustainable local SP organization: Builds and maintains a strong and sustainable store planning organization.

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: President, South Asia
• Functional reporting to: Director of Project Development EAST, HQ Architecture team

Main Internal Working Relationships

• HQ Architecture Department teams
• Store Planning team
• Retail Director, Retail Development Manager, and Retail Managers
• MD Directors (Women, Men, FJ&T)
• Visual Merchandising Director
• COO / Finance Senior Manager
• Stores

Main External Relationships

• Local external architects and vendors
• General contractors and subcontractors
• Department stores and landlords

Job responsibilities

• Managing boutique projects: Takes ownership of the entire process from inception, planning, and construction, through handover to opening, for new boutiques and renovations.
• Collaborating with the Paris team: Ensures alignment with the Concept Design release for worldwide coherence.
• Coordinating stakeholders: Fosters a collaborative environment among the HQ Architecture team, local architects, local stakeholders, general contractors, subcontractors, and landlords.
• Ensuring LEED/LIFE standards: Implements sustainable practices within the store planning team for all projects.
• Managing relationships with key external parties: Works with local architects, designers, and general contractors.
• Adhering to HQ standards: Ensures adherence to cost control, procurement, and project development standards set by the HQ Architecture team.
• Budget management: Negotiates with general contractors and vendors, explores creative sourcing options, and ensures an adequate bidding/RFP process.
• Timeline management: Strategically lines up local architects and contractors to ensure timely project completion.
• Local development leadership: Collaborates with HQ on specified design materials and fixtures.
• Team management: Nurtures effective project management skills within the team and provides coaching/guidance for individual growth and retention.
• Process improvement: Proposes ideas to enhance efficiency and productivity in boutique openings.
• Procurement oversight: Monitors budget and timeline while identifying cost reduction opportunities.
• Boutique maintenance: Ensures timely handling of maintenance and repair requests from stores by the local SP team.

Profile

• University degree or equivalent, architecture studies a plus.
• Over 10 years of experience in retail store planning, design, or in an architectural firm, interior design, construction company, or management position in store planning/architecture for a luxury brand.
• Fluent and effective communication in English.
• Ability to conduct tough negotiations with landlords, department stores, and local vendors.
• Strong project management skills.
• Effective team management skills.
• Detailed knowledge of local laws and local regulations around construction and store development.
• Detailed understanding of the luxury retail business.
• Knowledge of department store operations and relationships with internal architects and construction management teams.
• Familiarity with LEED standards, processes, and tools.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator, and CAD.

Required Competencies

• Results-driven with excellent attention to details.
• Self-motivated, positive mindset.
• People-oriented – cares about and is interested in developing people.
• Ability to deal with ambiguity.
• Endurance under high-pressure situations and ability to manage stress.
• Open-minded and flexible – can take in advice and input from others.
• Creative and innovative – ability to come up with new approaches and solutions to issues.
• Business acumen and client focus.