New Store Development & Facilities manager

Job description:

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About UMe Tea

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UMe Tea is a fast-growing tea and snack brand with approximately 30 locations currently operating and more stores under development. As we continue to expand, we are looking for a highly hands-on, reliable, and execution-driven Facilities & New Store Opening Manager to take ownership of equipment management, maintenance operations, and new store openings across our growing store network.

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This is not a desk-only management position. We are looking for someone who is comfortable working directly with equipment, troubleshooting problems, visiting stores, coordinating vendors, and taking full ownership from identifying an issue to making sure it is completely resolved.

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Position Summary

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The New Store Development & Facilities Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing all aspects of new store openings while overseeing equipment, facilities, and maintenance for existing stores. This role serves as the primary project coordinator between internal departments, contractors, vendors, landlords, and government agencies to ensure new stores open on schedule and existing locations remain fully operational.

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Key Responsibilities

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1. Government Permits & Licensing

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· Prepare, organize, and submit all documents required for permits and licenses.

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· Coordinate with government agencies, consultants, and inspectors throughout the approval process.

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· Track application status and proactively follow up to ensure timely approvals.

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· Schedule and coordinate inspections and required appointments.

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· Ensure all permits and regulatory requirements are completed before store opening.

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2. Store Development & Construction Management

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· Coordinate new store construction and renovation projects from start to finish.

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· Monitor project schedules and construction progress.

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· Communicate regularly with contractors, designers, landlords, architects, and consultants.

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· Identify project risks, resolve issues, and escalate delays when necessary.

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· Conduct site visits to ensure work quality meets company standards and project timelines.

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3. Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E)

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· Measure store layouts and coordinate custom furniture production.

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· Place and manage furniture and fixture orders.

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· Track production schedules, shipping, customs clearance, and delivery status.

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· Coordinate installation and ensure all furniture is completed before opening.

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· Verify all FF&E meets company specifications.

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4. Equipment & Inventory Management

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· Maintain inventory of operational equipment and opening supplies.

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· Forecast equipment needs and place purchase orders for new and replacement equipment.

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· Coordinate equipment deliveries, installation, testing, and setup.

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· Maintain spare equipment inventory for emergency replacements.

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· Ensure all stores operate with complete and functional equipment.

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5. Existing Store Equipment Maintenance & Facility Management

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· Oversee equipment maintenance and facility support for all existing store locations.

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· Coordinate preventive maintenance, repairs, and emergency service requests.

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· Schedule equipment inspections and replacement when necessary.

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· Track equipment warranties, maintenance history, and service records.

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· Coordinate store equipment upgrades, remodel projects, and operational improvements.

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· Work with vendors to ensure timely repairs and minimize operational downtime.

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6. Store Opening Preparation

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· Coordinate ordering of ingredients, packaging materials, smallwares, and operational supplies.

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· Organize receiving, storage, and merchandising of opening inventory.

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· Prepare store operating materials, signage, uniforms, and opening checklists.

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· Ensure every new location is fully operational before opening day.

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· Provide on-site support during store opening.

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7. Recruitment, Training & Grand Opening Support

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· Coordinate hiring efforts for new store employees.

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· Schedule interviews and assist with recruitment activities.

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· Coordinate onboarding and training schedules with Operations and HR.

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· Support grand opening planning and promotional activities.

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· Assist store teams during the opening period to ensure a successful launch.

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8. Utilities, Technology & Vendor Setup

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· Establish utility accounts including electricity, water, gas (if applicable), internet, waste collection, pest control, and other required services.

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· Coordinate installation and setup of POS systems, kiosks, payment terminals, printers, security cameras, networking equipment, and other operational technology.

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· Set up delivery platform accounts, payment processors, online ordering systems, and vendor accounts.

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· Test all operational systems before store opening.

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9. Cross-functional Project Coordination

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· Coordinate projects with Operations, Purchasing, Finance, HR, Marketing, IT, and external vendors.

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· Maintain project timelines, opening checklists, and project documentation.

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· Provide regular project status updates to management.

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· Ensure all assigned projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to company standards.

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· Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

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Qualifications

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· Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent work experience.

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· 3+ years of experience in project management, restaurant operations, retail development, construction coordination, or facilities management.

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· Strong organizational and project management skills.

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· Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.

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· Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

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· Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.

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· Bilingual in English and Chinese is preferred.

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· Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel frequently between store locations.

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Preferred Qualifications

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· Experience opening restaurant, café, or retail locations.

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· Knowledge of permitting, construction coordination, and vendor management.

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· Familiarity with restaurant equipment, POS systems, and facility maintenance.

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· Experience managing contractors and multiple external vendors.

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· Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

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Compensation

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Compensation is based on experience.

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We sponsor H1B

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Benefits:

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• Flexible schedule
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• Health insurance
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Work Location: In person