Expansion Manager

About CHUMS Dessert & Coffee

CHUMS Dessert & Coffee is a rising specialty café brand dedicated to delivering high-quality desserts and expertly prepared coffee drinks. The brand combines a contemporary café environment with a warm, inviting atmosphere, attracting a broad clientele across various locations. Emphasizing consistent product excellence, friendly customer service, and efficient operations, CHUMS aims to foster strong customer loyalty. As the company grows, it offers promising career paths for professionals eager to influence its expansion and guest experience in emerging markets.

Role Overview

The Expansion Manager role, based full-time and on-site in Abu Dhabi, is tasked with spearheading the growth strategy of CHUMS across selected locations. Key responsibilities include pinpointing and evaluating new market opportunities, performing site assessments, and developing business cases for launching new outlets or franchise ventures.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage lease negotiations and coordinate store rollout schedules alongside internal teams and external partners.
• Oversee pre-opening preparations to ensure smooth launch processes.
• Track sales and operational performance of new stores, using data to recommend enhancements that improve profitability.
• Collaborate closely with operations, marketing, and finance departments to uphold brand standards and ensure timely, budget-compliant project execution.

Qualifications & Skills

• Strong analytical abilities to interpret market insights and financial forecasts supporting expansion decisions.
• Excellent communication skills for effective collaboration, negotiation, and presentation with multiple stakeholders.
• Proficient in market research to identify promising sites, understand customer preferences, and evaluate competition.
• Experience in team management to lead project teams, monitor timelines, and align stakeholders during new store introductions.
• A solid understanding of sales drivers to aid promotional initiatives and optimize store outcomes.
• Relevant background in retail, food and beverage, or hospitality expansion and business development is advantageous.
• Organized and skilled in the use of spreadsheets and presentation software.
• Availability to work full-time on-site in Abu Dhabi.
• Preferred qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, or related disciplines, or equivalent practical experience.