Head of Retail Store Acquisition (Test 5)

The head of retail store acquisition leads sourcing of high-potential sites and manages end-to-end site acquisition to drive new store growth and TLC franchise expansion. Brings structure to how Dis-Chem identifies locations for owned stores and TLC franchises by applying disciplined market analysis, feasibility assessment, and business case preparation. Negotiates new leases or acquisitions and maintains a strong opportunity pipeline through continuous market scanning and external relationships. Hands over approved sites seamlessly to execution teams.

Minimum Requirements…

• Bachelor’s degree in real estate/property finance/business/geography.
• 8–10+ years experience in site acquisition for multi-site retail (pharmacy preferred).
• Strong network in SA retail property and proven track record of successful site sourcing.

Advantageous:

• N/A

Job Specification…

• Pipeline strategy: Identify priority trade areas using demographic, demand, and competitor insights; maintain a robust pipeline of viable locations.
• Market-driven selection: Use data-led criteria to prioritise site options; update heatmaps and target area lists regularly.

• Site assessment: Conduct on-site reviews, check access, visibility, co-tenancy, zoning, and operational constraints.
• TLC value prop: articulate and sell the TLC franchise value proposition when sourcing sites for Dis-Chem and potential TLC franchisees.
• Business case development: Prepare clear business cases with sales forecasts, investment requirements, expected returns, and risks.
• Negotiation & deal making: Lead lease or purchase negotiations to secure favourable terms.
• Handover & transition: Ensure smooth handover to store development team; remain involved to resolve any location specific issues.
• Opportunity evaluation: Conduct feasibility and sales projections; align each proposed site to the format strategy and strategic market objectives.

• Regulatory compliance: Validate licensing and zoning requirements before site advancement.
• Pipeline governance: Maintain accurate lead tracking and transparent status updates; eliminate duplication of site lists.
• Risk assessment: Flag project, market, or regulatory risks and propose mitigation plans.
• Ethics & compliance: Uphold confidentiality, conflict-of-interest rules, and proper internal approvals.

• Internal alignment: Engage different functions for input on new sites and ensure operational readiness.
• External networking: Build broker, developer, and landlord relationships to gain early access to opportunities.
• Team guidance: Provide direction to analysts; ensure consistent evaluation standards.

Competencies

Essential: 

• Strong retail site selection capability, real estate deal knowledge, and understanding of pharmacy licensing and zoning.
• Skilled in analysing demographics, competition, and catchment potential.

• Excellent negotiation and influence skills; clear communicator; proactive, entrepreneurial, and data-driven in decision-making.

 Advantageous:

• N/A

Special conditions of employment:

• Portfolio growth: Avg # of leads generated per month, total square meters of trading space added per year, number of new stores opened per year, number of revamps completed per year, % of all stores aligned with store design guidelines
• Lease administration: % of leases renewed before expiry, average turnaround time from negotiation start to finalization, lease savings vs previous contracts in the contracts renewed this financial year.