Network Development Manager

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Company Description

As part of De Beers Group, we are The Home of Diamonds since 1888, bringing our pioneering diamond perfection to our clients through over 30 stores and a worldwide digital presence.

At De Beers Jewellers we are committed to guiding individuals on their personal journey of discovery. Harnessing nature's finest work of art, De Beers Jewellers hand select the rarest natural diamonds, creating distinctive designs, each as unique as its wearer.

The key to success within our brand is an attitude of excellence, passion and delivering for our clients. We seek motivated, ambitious people who will thrive in an environment which fosters collaboration, inclusivity and creativity.

Job Description

Context & Purpose -

• DBJ's retail and partnerships network is a key element of the overall business planning by FY and 3-5 year strategic plan
• The brand has an ambitious global retail/franchise distribution expansion plan over the coming 10 years
• The Business Development Manager's primary role is to drive the development and execution of the Global Network Strategy and expansion plan by leading in the assessment and prioritisation of market opportunities
• In support of the Head of Network and Partnerships, partner with the finance lead of the global store approvals process as the commercial counterpart
• Leverage network performance intel from commercial and finance teams and competitor benchmarking to guide network planning strategy and identifying and developing opportunities to enhance market reach
• Partner with finance counterpart to maintain up to date network planning database (existing, in progress projects and future planned) to support alignment between local markets and Head Office departments
• Critical and strong partnership with market and HO teams (finance, SDP, legal etc) to support execution

Key Responsibilities -

NETWORK STRATEGY AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

• In collaboration with markets and relevant HO functions, develop and manage a consolidated global network development plan including location, store typology, perm vs temporary/pop-up factoring in brand image, client experience and commercial objectives
• In collaboration with market teams, maintain a network of retail estate agent partners worldwide to research available and upcoming potential store locations and market intel (competitor moves, landlord activity, rent prices etc)
• Competitor benchmarking; location, typology and performance
• Contribute to the identification of new potential partnership opportunities
• Partner with finance on consolidated performance tracking together with commercial rationale and insights (image, competitive landscape etc) to inform network strategy [improve, maintain, close] on a periodic basis (quarterly)
• Store typology: in collaboration with finance, conduct a periodic review of business model (internal and partner) and commercial dynamics (sales potential, margins etc)

GUIDE AND SUPPORT EXECUTION IN MARKETS

Work with market MDs and their respective teams to

• Ensure De Beers re-enforces existing strong and strategic relationships with key landlords and landlord groups in both national and regional level to support the brand's distribution plans
• Secure profitable retail (incl. Direct Operate and Franchise) store locations, based on brand and commercial criteria, negotiating the most favourable terms possible
• Partnership with finance and commercial performance to track top line and bottom line results vs store approval plan to inform and guide action plan focus
• In collaboration with finance, review lease expirations and work with local markets to develop plans for renewals, relocations, closures and guides analyses on impact of any of these
• Partner with Group legal team, proactively negotiate with landlord to resolve legal, lease, and renewal issues

NETWORK APPROVAL PROCESS

• Partner with finance lead of the store approval process as well as the market teams, in particular on the commercial rationale and business case for network development plans and specific store approvals (EVA)
• Consolidation of commercial business cases to support SVP Commercial in presenting business cases to senior leadership

HEAD OFFICE PARTNERSHIP & LIASON

• Partner with finance lead and Head of Store Design Planning to maintain an up to date network planning database (existing, in progress projects and future planned)
• Critical and strong partnership with market and wider HO teams (Merchandising; Retail Ops; Supply Chain; Legal IM; Security etc) to communicate up to date near term and long term network planning to ensure alignment of cross functional workstreams
• Align network planning and store approvals process with head office SDP and Retail Operations store planning and opening processes to ensure end to end clear role and responsibility definition and execution

Qualifications

Qualifications and Experience

• Extensive experience in luxury in brand retail expansion planning and execution with a reputable retailer in accessible luxury and hard luxury segment
• Strategic thinker experienced in applying frameworks to structure information and process
• Experienced in development and implementation of cross-functional process design
• Experienced in leading / facilitation situational assessments and evaluation of strategic options
• Experienced in communicating concepts to senior stakeholders
• Experienced in building and leading high performing creative, technical. PM and operational teams
• BA/BS in relevant field

Mental Processing Ability

• Generates a meaningful & long-term vision which involves complex and uncertain systems
• Translates the vision into a coherent plan of action
• Makes sound decisions about critical issues in a complex and uncertain environment
• Applies creativity and innovative thinking to produce sustainable solutions
• Scans the environment & demonstrates comprehensive understanding of the strategic issues affecting the organisation

Knowledge & Technical Skills

• Global perspective on luxury retail and franchise business and competitive set
• Solid knowledge of China and APAC retail landscape with experience in brand retail go-to-market strategic planning
• Ability to read & quickly analyse commercial dynamics of a business and units within
• Microsoft Office

Social Process Skills

• Leadership and autonomy on role
• Adheres to company values
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve shared goals
• Strong stakeholder management including leadership and partners
• Build strong, personal and effective relationships
• A clear, concise, creative and persuasive communicator (in writing and in person) across internal and external stakeholders
• Work self-sufficiently with great attention to detail
• Strong change leadership skills
• Excellent pan cultural impact and influencing at all levels
• Curious by nature with an orientation towards continuous improvement

Additional Information

• A great working environment
• Fantastic pension scheme
• 27 days of holiday + bank holidays with the opportunity to buy or sell 5 more days
• Private Healthcare
• Mental health is a top priority for De Beers Group - we offer free subscription to Headspace and have mental health first aider
• Competitive salary
• Your Choice membership discounts
• Employee share schemes
• Staff discount
• Flexible benefits package

Who we are

De Beers Group is a company with a rich history and a sparkling future. Since 1888 our experts have searched the world for nature's most precious gem. Our diamonds bring beauty to the world. But we think they can do so much more. We want our diamonds, and our business, to make life brilliant - for our people, our customers and the world around us. Venetia Mine is part of De Beers Group Managed Operations Business which integrates mines, operations and support functions in the De Beers Group producer countries of Canada and South Africa to shape a safe, sustainable future for De Beers Group's people, shareholders, communities and partners.

Safety

Safety first is a way of life for us. We are unconditional about the safety, health and well-being of our colleagues, at work and at home, and about that of the communities where we work. We aim to lead the industry by investing in innovation to protect people, who are at the heart of our business. Our high performing teams take accountability for their own and others' actions, work collaboratively, and always show care and respect.

Inclusion & Diversity

We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are. We provide equality of opportunity to enable everyone to fulfil their potential. Referrals incentive applicable: This opportunity is open to a paid referral incentive according to the Referral Policy. Referral incentives are applicable to De Beers Group internal employees only.

Building Forever

Sustainability is at the heart of our decision-making - it is how we do business. Building Forever is key to our purpose as it represents our ambitious and holistic sustainability framework and is central to our ability to deliver long-term value to our communities and partners. This shapes how we protect our social and environmental license to operate, build a long-term legacy in our host communities and earn consumers' trust in our diamonds that they can wear with pride.

Background Checks

Successful candidates will be required to complete background screening which may include a criminal check and validation of qualifications

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