New Site Development Manager (Real Estate) - KZN

SUMMARY:

POSITION INFO:
Purpose of the Role:

• Must develop and execute growth strategies and plans.
• Responsible for building and leading a high-performance team who are motivated to achieve sustainable top line sales.
• An integral part of this role is to also build collaborative, strategic working partnerships with Retail Operations colleagues.

• Bachelor's Degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Legal or related field.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in the real estate sector, preferably retail environment.
• At least 5 years’ experience negotiating and concluding lease agreements.
• Minimum 4 years’ experience in a management role with proven professional team leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to meet growth targets and create effective business networks in the property sector.
• A proven track record in managing multiple business demands.
• Proven experience in building successful partnerships with Senior Executives and key stakeholders in large, diverse, federated organisations.
• Must be willing to travel extensively.

• Retail Estate Strategy and Planning:
  • Develop a 36-month strategy for new site establishment, aligned with regional strategies.
  • Create a long-term growth plan supporting regional goals by format and brand.
  • Contribute to annual regional business planning for sales growth targets.
  • Report progress to Real Estate Head and Regional DC Executives.
  • Collaborate with Retail Operations and internal stakeholders on site and space growth.
  • Evaluate key real estate and governance processes for effective decision-making.
  • Submit contingency plans for strategy shortfalls.
• New Sites, Optimisation, and Space Growth:
  • Build relationships with the Property Development community and stakeholders.
  • Enhance brand awareness through presentations to external role players.
  • Collaborate with design, engineering, developers, brokers, authorities, and legal counsel on new site developments.
  • Conduct demographic research and market analysis for decision-making.
  • Present findings and new site proposals to internal stakeholders and Regional Guild Committees.
  • Negotiate and conclude lease agreements and legal contracts.
  • Prepare documentation for new head lease agreements.
  • Complete special projects as assigned.
• Stakeholder Collaboration and Governance:
  • Work closely with Retail Operations, Development, Finance, and Legal departments.
  • Manage retailer relationships and provide real estate support.
• Real Estate Leadership:
  • Lead real estate capability building and standardise processes within the region.
  • Monitor sales progress against targets.
  • Provide monthly reports to Real Estate Head and Retail Operations Executives.
  • Participate in performance management and accountability processes.

• Demonstrated knowledge of real estate practices and finances, with the ability to assess property viability.
• Outstanding leadership skills in a competitive, ‘sales target’ environment.
• Excellent negotiator with proven lease negotiation skills and business acumen.
• Outstanding business relationship building, networking, and influencing skills.
• Demonstrated skills in crafting appropriate contracts and ‘offers to lease’ agreements.
• Highly organised, with the ability to plan, manage and organise multiple priorities, and stakeholders.
• Strong communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Command of Microsoft Office applications, with the ability to produce commercial analysis, reports and presentations.