Retail Store Expansion Manager (South India)

Aramya is a size-inclusive women's ethnic wear brand focused on delivering comfortable & beautiful daily wear at affordable prices. With $9M in funding from Z47, Accel, and marquee angel investors, were on a path of rapid expansion. Driven by in-house designing & manufacturing and deep customer insights, we have grown exponentially in the last few quarters, and we are super excited to accelerate this growth further. Were looking for a passionate individual to join Our Team as a Retail Store Expansion Manager will be responsible for identifying retail locations that align with brand requirements at the least possible cost, managing end-to-end store setup, and ensuring seamless execution of new store openings. This role demands a deep understanding of retail real estate, negotiations, and store project management while being agile in adapting to the brand’s evolving requirements. Additionally, they will be responsible for managing and executing changes required in existing stores. Key Responsibilities: 1. Store Location Identification & Leasing Conduct market research to identify properties that meet brand requirements while optimizing costs. Lead lease negotiations with property owners, developers, and brokers to secure the best terms. Collaborate with legal teams for contract finalization and compliance checks. 2. Store Setup & Project Execution Oversee store design, layout planning, and fit-out execution in collaboration with contractors. Manage vendor selection for interiors, fixtures, signage, and utilities. Ensure timely completion of store projects while optimizing costs and maintaining quality standards. Work with cross-functional teams to ensure stores are fully operational at launch. Be agile in adapting store expansion strategies based on the evolving needs of the brand. Handle modifications and updates needed for existing stores to align with brand updates and operational improvements. Oversee the maintenance of existing stores, ensuring timely repairs and fixing any issues that arise. 3. Budgeting & Cost Management Prepare and manage budgets for store expansion, fit-outs, and lease agreements. Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising brand aesthetics and customer experience. Qualifications & Skills: Experience: 5-10 years in retail expansion, project management, or real estate for fashion, lifestyle, FMCG brands or quick commerce. Retail Knowledge: Strong understanding of South Indian retail markets, leasing, and store operations. Negotiation Skills: Proven ability to negotiate leases and vendor contracts effectively. Project Management: Experience in handling multiple store launches simultaneously. Financial Acumen: Ability to manage budgets and control project costs. Network: Strong relationships with contractors and brokers. Travel: Willingness to travel extensively across South India.