At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT services for new store openings across the UK and Europe, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
- Company: Join a dynamic retail company focused on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on teamwork and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of exciting new store launches and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in IT project management.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
The IT New Store Openings Lead is responsible for the end-to-end delivery of all IT services required to successfully open new retail stores across the UK and mainland Europe. This role owns connectivity, POS and network infrastructure readiness, vendor coordination, on site engagement, testing, and Go Live accountability to ensure each store opens on time, is fully operational and compliant with company IT standards.
Responsibilities
- New Store IT Delivery
- Act as the IT lead for all new store openings across the UK and mainland Europe.
- Own the full IT lifecycle for new stores, from early planning and construction through to Go Live, opening day, and post opening stabilisation.
- Ensure all IT deliverables are completed on time, within scope, and aligned to agreed Go Live and store opening dates.
- End to End Testing & Readiness Assurance
- Ensure end to end testing of all store IT systems (POS, network, connectivity, peripherals, and integrations) is completed well in advance of Go Live.
- Coordinate testing activities with the Global POS team, infrastructure teams, vendors, and store stakeholders.
- Validate that environments are fully configured and ready to support functional, performance, and operational testing.
- Act as the IT owner for readiness sign off, confirming all critical issues have been addressed ahead of opening day.
- Go Live & Opening Day Ownership
- Serve as the single point of contact for IT Go Live timelines, readiness, and sign off for each new store.
- Define, track, and communicate IT milestones leading up to Go Live, including connectivity, hardware readiness, configuration, testing, and installation.
- Coordinate closely with Retail Operations, Construction, Property, and third party vendors to ensure IT readiness aligns with the overall opening programme.
- Alongside client IT team, be the IT Retail Lead for support and leadership on opening day, ensuring POS, network, and core systems are fully operational.
- Manage real time issue resolution during Go Live and opening day, escalating and coordinating fixes as required to minimise impact to trading.
- On Site Engagement & Construction Phase Support
- Travel to stores during the construction and fit out phase to engage directly with site teams, contractors, and project managers.
- Proactively identify and resolve potential IT related risks (e.g. cabling, fibre, comms room readiness, rack size, power, space, connectivity constraints) before they impact testing or Go Live timelines.
- Act as the onsite IT representative where required, ensuring IT requirements are clearly understood and correctly implemented during build.
- Connectivity & Internet Provisioning
- Lead internet procurement for new stores, working with approved telecom providers and internal procurement teams.
- Coordinate and conduct pre installation surveys with landlords, on site contacts, and construction partners.
- Track, manage, and resolve issues related to internet installation to ensure stable connectivity ahead of testing and Go Live.
- POS & Network Hardware Management
- Serve as the single point of contact for ordering all POS and network hardware for new stores.
- Define and maintain standard hardware builds and bills of materials based on store format and size.
- Ensure all equipment is configured, tested, and delivered in line with end to end testing and Go Live timelines.
- Vendor & Logistics Coordination
- Work closely with the client hardware and configuration vendor in Germany.
- Coordinate delivery of hardware to the vendor warehouse.
- Oversee the picking, configuration, staging, and quality assurance of all POS and network equipment needed to open a store.
- Ensure all required hardware is correctly packaged, labelled, and shipped to site in alignment with construction, testing, and opening schedules.
- Installation, Testing & Post Opening Support
- Coordinate installers, store teams, and vendors to ensure smooth on-site installation and testing.
- Confirm that all systems meet operational standards prior to Go Live.
- Provide post opening support to ensure system stability during the initial trading period.
- Stakeholder & Project Management
- Act as the primary IT interface for Property, Construction, Retail Operations, Global POS, and external partners.
- Manage multiple concurrent store openings across different countries and timelines.
- Provide regular status updates, risk assessments, and testing and Go Live readiness reporting to senior stakeholders.
- Standards, Documentation & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure all new stores comply with IT security, network, and operational standards.
- Produce and maintain documentation for store builds, testing plans, Go Live checklists, and handover to support teams.
- Continuously improve testing, rollout, and readiness processes to reduce risk and improve opening day stability.
Skills/Competencies
- Strong communication skills with both technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
- High level of ownership, accountability, and attention to detail.
- Stakeholder & Vendor Management.
- Strong planning, coordination, and organizational skills.
- Proven ability to identify risks early and drive timely resolution.
- Strong working knowledge of retail IT environments.
- Ability to work under pressure and to take the lead.
- Self Starter & Ownership Mindset.
- Independent Working & Initiative.
- Proactive Delivery & Accountability.
- Autonomous Working Capability.
New Store Opening Manager employer: Litmus7
As a New Store Opening Manager, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises collaboration and innovation. Our company offers competitive benefits, a strong focus on employee development, and opportunities for career advancement, all while being part of a team that is dedicated to delivering exceptional retail experiences across the UK and mainland Europe. Join us and be part of a culture that values your contributions and encourages you to take ownership of your projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land New Store Opening Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a new store opening or a job opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up prepared! If you land an interview, make sure you know the ins and outs of the company and the role. Brush up on your knowledge of retail IT environments and be ready to discuss how you can ensure smooth Go Live processes for new stores.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for managing those new store openings.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you a leg up. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications that way!
We think you need these skills to ace New Store Opening Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the New Store Opening Manager role. Highlight your experience with IT services, project management, and any relevant retail experience. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects you've managed and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, make sure to demonstrate your strong communication skills in your application. We love candidates who can convey complex ideas clearly and effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Litmus7
✨Know the IT Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the specific IT systems and technologies mentioned in the job description, such as POS systems and network infrastructure. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the role's requirements and can hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple projects or store openings. Highlight your ability to coordinate with various stakeholders and vendors, as this is crucial for the New Store Opening Manager role.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of scenarios where you've identified potential risks and resolved them effectively. Be ready to share these stories during the interview, as the company values proactive delivery and accountability in their candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's approach to new store openings and IT readiness. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your career goals.
