Retail Store Openings Project Manager

DEPARTMENT: RETAIL

STATUS: FULL-TIME; EXEPT

GENERAL STATEMENT: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Project Manager, Retail Store Development (PMRSD) is responsible for planning and executing all aspects of new Salvation Army thrift store openings, remodels and closures-from site selection, property acquisition or lease execution through construction, permitting, equipment installation, and final turnover for store merchandising and staffing. Managing an average of 8-10 openings annually, the incumbent ensures stores are delivered on time, on budget, and align with The Salvation Army's operational and mission-driven standards.

This is an individual contributor role with high visibility and cross-functional collaboration across Retail, Property, IT, Finance, Marketing, and field leadership, as well as with contractors and vendors. The PMRSD manages multiple projects and serves as the central point of accountability for store readiness.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Project Planning & Execution

• Develop, own, and manage end-to-end project plans, timelines, and checklists for new store openings.
• Manage construction schedules, utilities, vendor installations, and inspection timelines to ensure readiness.
• Partner with realtors, subcontractors, and other stakeholders to ensure deliveries, requirements, schedules, costs, and meeting plans are documented and communicated.
• Monitor project scope and expenditures to ensure alignment with approved budgets.

Site Readiness & Vendor Management

• Conduct frequent site visits to assess construction progress and ensure compliance with project standards. Order store fixtures and/or supplies in collaboration with field leadership.
• Serve as on-site liaison for contractors, vendors, inspectors, and municipal agencies.
• Resolve all construction or permit related issues; escalate to leadership if needed.

Cross-functional Coordination

• Partner with key stakeholders to ensure alignment on site selection, lease details, site layouts, budget, and buildout logistics.
• Work closely with IT, Marketing, and Finance to ensure timely delivery and set-up of store infrastructure, POS/other systems, and signage.
• Serve as a key point of contact for Regional Directors and District Managers to ensure smooth operational handoff.

Communication & Reporting

• Provide regular updates, progress reports, and dashboards to internal stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate project records including budgets, schedules, permits, inspections, and handoff documents.
• Conduct and/or lead weekly store opening meetings, project debriefs, etc., and identify opportunities for continuous improvement related to store open, relocation, and closing processes.

Turnover & Closeout

• Ensure site is fully operational, compliant, and presentable at turnover including (but not limited to) POS systems, lighting, flooring, plumbing, safety features, and facility cleanliness.
• Confirm all final inspections, operating permits/licenses and punch list items are resolved prior to merchandising handoff.
• Conduct post-review following each retail project to determine wins/opportunities.

Other

• Travel to sites as needed (25-30% to visit new/in-progress sites).
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in project management, store construction, or real estate development in a retail environment.
• BA or BS in Business, Real Estate, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Verifiable knowledge of construction workflows, permitting processes, and vendor coordination.
• Demonstrated success in managing new store or facility openings/relocations with overlapping timelines.
• PMP or related certification preferred.
• Proven ability to develop and manage budgets and schedules across multiple projects.
• Point of Sale and/or other register/computer systems knowledge.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and adjusting plans in response to shifting conditions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Project Management: Prioritize and plan work activities; use time efficiently to balance multiple projects. Organize work schedules of others and assign tasks. Follow up to ensure accountability.
• Oral & Written Communication: Speak and write professionally, clearly, and persuasively in various situations; edit work for spelling and grammar.
• Judgment: Display willingness to make decisions; exhibit sound/accurate judgment; support/explain reasoning for decisions.
• Collaboration: Partner to solve problems, adapt communication tools and approaches, support healthy conflict, and develop strong relationships with stakeholders to advance key objectives.
• Attention to Detail: Monitor and check work or information for accuracy; take necessary actions to produce quality work requiring minimal follow-up. Maintain a checklist, schedule, etc., to ensure details are not overlooked.
• Leadership: Inspire and guide individuals and teams to achieve project goals and organizational objectives.
• Adaptability: Adjust to changing conditions and priorities with a positive attitude and willingness to learn.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis.
• Ability to grasp, push, pull, and move heavy objects such as office equipment, packages, and all other bulk items.
• Ability to lift or move up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to perform various repetitive motion tasks.

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship will result.