Project Manager, Real Estate Operations

Company Overview

Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO) is part of Bridgestone Americas and employs over 22,000 teammates in North America. BSRO operates more than 2,200 company-owned stores, including Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus and Wheel Works locations. With locations across North America and more than $4.5 billion in tire and auto service sales, Bridgestone Retail Operations is the right place to build a career. Whatever role you fill, when you represent the Bridgestone name, you are a valued teammate, and part of our larger mission to Serve Society with Superior Quality. We start by offering each teammate more than just competitive pay. We provide formal training, performance incentives, paid vacation and holidays, competitive healthcare packages for full-time and part-time employees, and a 401k plan to help build towards your future. We believe people can only provide superior service and quality to others when they are allowed to bring their whole self to work and know they are supported. We believe in championing all perspectives, individuals and teams because we understand the importance of seeing the world and our business through many different lenses. We are building a team as diverse as the world we serve. So, show us what you are made of. Show us the smart stuff, the tough stuff, the bold, beautiful and brave stuff. Because who you are is what we need.

Job Category

Engineering & Science

Position Summary

The Project Manager, Real Estate Operations role is responsible for leading all operational activities associated with new store openings, existing market expansions, and portfolio optimization. This position is directly responsible for decisions that impact project schedules and budget through risk management, proper administrative practices, and financial stewardship.

This role is a remote based role but will require up to 75% travel based on business needs.

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Bridgestone is committed to fair and lawful compensation practices. All employees receive pay that meets or exceeds the applicable minimum wage requirements.

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Responsibilities

  • Act as a liaison between field operations and the Store Support Center to overcome any issues that arise from site approval through Grand Opening for assigned locations.
  • Partner with field operations on recruiting, hiring, and training the new store team for assigned locations.
  • Manage FF&E for every new store, including order placement, tracking, and onsite audit prior to store opening
  • Responsible for all aspects of new store opening readiness, including inventory management, equipment set-up and training, and store teammate training.
  • Partner with all internal stakeholders on pre-opening activities, including but not limited to, Marketing, IT, EHSS, Procurement, Distribution, Finance, Accounting, Tax, and Field Leadership.
  • Lead the execution of all pre-opening activities with external partners, including but not limited to, utility and security service establishment, business/use license matters, and similar.
  • Partner with the Marketing and Public Relations teams on Grand Opening events. Responsible for all aspects of execution including coordination of local government, field leadership, and external partner participation.
  • Act as the conduit for Field Operations, providing feedback on future building design improvements to facilitate operational efficiencies.
  • Lead operational execution of existing portfolio closures, including inventory depletion, equipment decommissioning, and physical store shut down. Manage Landlord turnover process in partnership with the Asset Management team.
  • Conducts new store re-visits to drive operational excellence and identify opportunities for program improvements.
  • Additional responsibilities as assigned by leadership

Minimum Qualifications

  • Minimum 5 - 10 years of experience working in a retail environment
  • Travel of 50% or greater, as dictated by business needs.
  • Must be efficient, innovative, and able to work independently on multiple projects simultaneously.
  • General systems knowledge (MS Project, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
  • An exceptional communicator, adept at collaborating vertically and horizontally across teams.
  • The ability to remain calm, fair, and consistent when dealing with all associates/customers/vendors, even when under stress.
  • Ability to identify and resolve problems by developing comprehensive solutions and implementing new directives.

Nice to Have:

  • Bachelor’s degree in business administration or similar.
  • PMP Certification
  • Presentation experience

At Bridgestone, you are Free to Be

We believe people can only provide superior service and quality to others when they bring their whole self to work. We believe in championing all perspectives, individuals and teams because we understand the importance of seeing the world and our business through many different lenses. We are building a team as diverse as the world we serve. So, show us what you are made of, because who you are is what we need.

What we offer

At Bridgestone, what really matters is to foster co-creation opportunities and empowering you to be creative and curious to make mobility safer, more efficient, and more sustainable for future generations. Whatever role you fill, when you represent Bridgestone, you are a valued teammate, and part of our larger mission to “Serve Society with Superior Quality”, for that, we offer you more than just a competitive compensation; we will provide you:

  • A supportive and engaging onboarding experience to ensure a smooth transition into our team.
  • The opportunity to develop and grow, through training and regular mentorship.
  • Corporate Social Responsibility activities.
  • A truly global, dynamic and challenging work environment.
  • Agility and work/life effectiveness and your long-term well-being.
  • A diverse and inclusive team.

Bridgestone is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Employment Eligibility

If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.

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