[Hiring] Project Manager, Real Estate Operations @Bridgestone Americas

Role Description

The Project Manager, Real Estate Operations role is responsible for leading all operational activities associated with new store openings, existing market expansions, and portfolio optimization. This position is directly responsible for decisions that impact project schedules and budget through risk management, proper administrative practices, and financial stewardship. This role is a remote based role but will require up to 75% travel based on business needs.

Responsibilities

• Act as a liaison between field operations and the Store Support Center to overcome any issues that arise from site approval through Grand Opening for assigned locations.
• Partner with field operations on recruiting, hiring, and training the new store team for assigned locations.
• Manage FF&E for every new store, including order placement, tracking, and onsite audit prior to store opening.
• Responsible for all aspects of new store opening readiness, including inventory management, equipment set-up and training, and store teammate training.
• Partner with all internal stakeholders on pre-opening activities, including but not limited to, Marketing, IT, EHSS, Procurement, Distribution, Finance, Accounting, Tax, and Field Leadership.
• Lead the execution of all pre-opening activities with external partners, including but not limited to, utility and security service establishment, business/use license matters, and similar.
• Partner with the Marketing and Public Relations teams on Grand Opening events. Responsible for all aspects of execution including coordination of local government, field leadership, and external partner participation.
• Act as the conduit for Field Operations, providing feedback on future building design improvements to facilitate operational efficiencies.
• Lead operational execution of existing portfolio closures, including inventory depletion, equipment decommissioning, and physical store shut down. Manage Landlord turnover process in partnership with the Asset Management team.
• Conduct new store re-visits to drive operational excellence and identify opportunities for program improvements.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned by leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 - 10 years of experience working in a retail environment.
• Travel of 50% or greater, as dictated by business needs.
• Must be efficient, innovative, and able to work independently on multiple projects simultaneously.
• General systems knowledge (MS Project, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• An exceptional communicator, adept at collaborating vertically and horizontally across teams.
• The ability to remain calm, fair, and consistent when dealing with all associates/customers/vendors, even when under stress.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems by developing comprehensive solutions and implementing new directives.

Requirements

• Nice to Have: Bachelor’s degree in business administration or similar.
• PMP Certification.
• Presentation experience.

Benefits

• A supportive and engaging onboarding experience to ensure a smooth transition into our team.
• The opportunity to develop and grow, through training and regular mentorship.
• Corporate Social Responsibility activities.
• A truly global, dynamic and challenging work environment.
• Agility and work/life effectiveness and your long-term well-being.
• A diverse and inclusive team.