Store Development Manager

Location: Tokyo
Employment Type: Full-time

Position Summary

The Store Development Manager is responsible for leading all store development activities across directly operated stores (full-price and outlet) as well as pop-up locations. This role oversees the full lifecycle of store openings, renovations, and relocations—from property selection and lease negotiations to design, construction, and project execution.

Working closely with global headquarters and domestic cross-functional teams, this position plays a key role in ensuring high-quality store environments that reflect the brand’s vision while delivering projects on time and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

1. Store Development & Strategy Planning

• Lead end-to-end store development projects: new openings, renovations, relocations

• Develop store expansion strategies aligned with brand direction

• Conduct market analysis and feasibility studies to identify promising locations

• Optimize development strategies based on store performance and market trends

2. Property Selection & Real Estate Management

• Conduct location research: trade area analysis, customer attributes, traffic flow, competitor landscape

• Liaise and negotiate with developers, landlords, and property partners

• Secure optimal lease conditions through relationship building and strategic negotiation

3. Design & Construction Management

• Oversee projects from concept design through store opening

• Ensure store environments reflect the brand’s identity and deliver elevated customer experiences

• Manage construction schedules, vendor coordination, quality standards, and cost control

• Collaborate with external contractors and design agencies

4. Internal & External Collaboration

• Work closely with internal teams: Retail, Merchandising, VM, Marketing, Finance, Legal, IT

• Serve as a key liaison between Japan operations, global headquarters, and external partners

• Promote smooth project flow through timely communication and alignment

5. Budget Management & Compliance

• Manage CAPEX for all store openings and renovations

• Ensure effective cost control with a clear focus on ROI

• Comply with regulatory requirements and internal standards

6. Brand Culture & Store Experience

• Develop store spaces that balance commercial performance with brand value

• Create environments that reflect the brand’s world and elevate customer experience

• Foster inspiring store environments for both customers and staff

Required Skills & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of retail operations and KPIs

• Knowledge of store design, construction, and retail space requirements

• Strong commercial mindset and business acumen

• Excellent negotiation, coordination, and project management skills

• High-level communication skills for both internal and external interactions

• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Experience

• 3+ years of retail management experience (full-price/outlet; P&L experience preferred)

• Practical experience in store development, store openings, renovations, or construction management

• Experience negotiating with commercial facility developers

• Experience in fashion or footwear industry is a plus

Language

• Japanese: Business level (required)

Desired Profile

• Passion for retail and strong sense of ownership

• Team-oriented mindset with eagerness to learn

• Ability to engage deeply with both the brand and customers

• Self-motivated and proactive approach

• Flexible mindset with willingness to support beyond defined roles when needed

Employee Benefits

• Health insurance

• Employee pension

• Employment and workers' compensation insurance

• Employee discount program

• Maternity/childcare leave (per company policy)

• Retirement benefit system (eligibility after one year of employment)

Holidays & Leave

• Paid annual leave

• Summer vacation

• Sick leave