Director of Retail Expansion & Special Projects

Working for one of our world-class brands means being part of a great working environment and collaborating with people from all corners of the world on a product you are proud of.

Summary:
In this role, reporting directly to the Retail VP, the Director of Retail Expansion plays a strategic part in the success and growth of the Cigars International Retail Channel.  The position is responsible for leading development efforts including expansion planning, creation and implementation of workflows, resources, and process creation and adaptation; working closely with other corporate departments as well as local operational teams to build and open new retail locations; as well as regularly preparing formal updates and reports on progress. The scope of this role ranges from high-level strategy to minute details and the Director of Retail Expansion will be required to put together fully conceived documentation of processes and systems (i.e. Retail Playbook). This position both leads and co-works with internal and cross functional teams. 

What can you expect in as a Director of Retail Expansion at Cigars International?
•    Collaborates with leadership team to create development plans that support the company’s strategic objectives and overall financial objectives and business goals, communicating status of progress vs development commitment goals regularly in a formal and professional manner.
•    Partners with broker and other stakeholders to identify viable sites for retail expansion and coordinates negotiation and due diligence efforts in collaboration with internal and external teams in order to successfully acquire retail sites according to development timelines.
•    Oversees and take ultimate responsibility for the construction process, including sourcing and onboarding new vendors through procurement, ensuring construction plans are in place that support the development ambition, and opening stores according to schedule.
•    Ensure all company policies regarding procurement, legal roles and responsibilities, development methods, and other processes are followed.  
•    Creates, distributes, and evaluates development standards, policies, and procedures to ensure alignment with company’s expectations, standards and legal requirements.
•    Oral and written communication skills that effectively communicate sophisticated concepts, insights and recommendations in a compelling manner to various audiences.

Your areas of knowledge and expertise (that matter the most for this role):

(Qualifications/Experience)
•    Minimum of 3 years project management experience
•    Minimum of 5 years experience in retail development and construction management 
•    Lead and manage the construction management team, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities
•    Oversee all phases of construction projects, from initial planning and design through to completion and handover
•    Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring cost-effective solutions and adherence to financial constraints
•    Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure project success
•    Maintain effective communication with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure project alignment and satisfaction
•    An understanding of retail financial performance, operations, and financial concepts
•    Bachelor's degree or greater in Business, in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field
•    Contribute to the company's strategic planning efforts, aligning site development and construction projects with overall business goals
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PM Software (Microsoft Project, Wrike, or ProCore)
•    Proven ability to grow a retail chain domestically
•    Ability to travel 50% - 60% of the time.
•    Strong analytical skills
•    Big picture vision with ability to focus on details
•    Sense of urgency, resourcefulness, and a “can do” work ethic
•    Must have proven experience with problem solving and moving forward beyond ambiguity
•    This role requires knowledge of real estate land acquisition and ground leases
•    The ability to negotiate business terms 

We value our employees and in addition to our competitive salaries, we offer a competitive benefit package to our talented team members including:

•    Comprehensive Health Care, Vision & Dental Plan 
•    Flexible Spending Account 
•    Disability Plans 
•    Basic & Supplemental Life Insurance 
•    Additional Supplemental Benefits 
•    Paid Vacation, Paid Time Off (PTO) days, Holidays 
•    401(k) Retirement Saving Plan including a generous Company match 

Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.  To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

*Please be informed that this Direct Search is conducted exclusively by the Scandinavian Tobacco Group. We do not accept applications from agencies, and we will not provide compensation for unsolicited CVs.