Format Development Manager

JOB PURPOSE:

Responsible for developing and implementing new retail formats and solutions for company Distribution, ensuring alignment with the strategic objectives and customer needs. Oversees the design, development and testing of the new formats and solutions, managing the cross-functional teams and external stakeholders involved.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Job Specific Accountabilities

Format Development Strategy and Planning

• Develop and implement the format development strategy and roadmap for company Distribution, in line

with the business objectives and customer needs.

• Conduct market research, customer analysis, competitor benchmarking and feasibility studies to identify the gaps, opportunities and trends in the retail industry and propose innovative and profitable format solutions.

• Prepare and manage the format development budget, timeline and resources, ensuring the optimal allocation and utilization of the available funds and assets.

• Establish and monitor the key performance indicators and success criteria for the format development projects, and report on the progress and outcomes to the senior management and relevant stakeholders.

Format Development Execution and Testing

• Lead and supervise the cross-functional teams and external partners involved in the format development projects, ensuring effective communication, collaboration and coordination among them.

• Oversee the design, development and testing of the new formats and solutions, such as layout, equipment, technology, signage, merchandising, branding and operations, ensuring adherence to the quality standards, safety regulations and brand guidelines.

• Conduct pilot tests and trials for the new formats and solutions, using customer feedback, market research, sales data and other relevant metrics, and provide recommendations for improvement and optimization.

• Coordinate with the Integration Manager and the Concepts Manager to ensure the smooth and successful integration of the new formats and solutions into the existing network.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with the internal and external stakeholders involved in the format development projects, such as the Retail Operations, Franchise & Property Services, Car Care, HSE, Marketing, Finance, Legal, Procurement, IT, vendors, contractors, consultants and authorities.

• Negotiate and manage the contracts and agreements with the external partners, ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions and alignment with the business objectives and interests.

• Act as the main point of contact and liaison for the format development projects, providing regular updates and reports to the stakeholders and addressing any queries or concerns they may have.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

Minimum Qualification

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, design, business administration or a related field.

Minimum Experience & Knowledge & Skills

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in retail, format development, design or a related field, with at least 5 years in a managerial role.

• Proven track record of successfully developing and implementing innovative and profitable retail formats and solutions.

• Strong knowledge of the retail industry, market trends, customer needs and best practices.

• Excellent design, development, testing, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, stakeholder management and team management skills.

• High attention to detail, quality and safety standards.

• Proficient in MS Office, MS Project, AutoCAD and other relevant software applications