Store Development Director

About the company

An international apparel retailer with a multi-brand presence in Japan, the business brings its brands to life through a network of stores. Its work spans the full store lifecycle, from planning and opening new locations to maintaining and improving existing ones.

This is an opportunity to join a function with broad influence on the customer experience and the performance of the store portfolio. The role combines strategic planning with hands-on delivery, and involves close collaboration with colleagues and partners in Japan and internationally. For an experienced store development leader, it offers the scope to shape how stores evolve while building a strong, capable team.

What the job entails

As Store Development Director, you will lead store development and maintenance across the retailer’s brands in Japan. You will oversee new store openings, remodels and relocations, as well as design, construction and facilities management, ensuring projects meet brand standards and support efficient store operations.

You will own capital investment planning, budgets, vendor relationships and project delivery, with a focus on achieving strong returns on investment. Working with local and global stakeholders, you will contribute to store portfolio strategy and translate priorities into well-managed projects. You will also develop the store development team and build effective partnerships across the business. This is a permanent, full-time, on-site role based in Tokyo.

Key requirements

• At least 15 years’ experience in retail development, construction, architecture or facilities management.
• At least seven years’ experience in a leadership role, including the ability to develop and guide a team.
• Strong experience managing capital budgets and investment plans.
• A track record of delivering projects, ideally across new openings, remodels, relocations, design, construction or facilities management.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to build effective vendor relationships.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work with local and global partners.
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Business-level English is preferred.