We're a fast-growing boutique fitness franchise revolutionising the wellness space with innovative technology-driven workouts. Our concept is unique in the Australian market.
You'll be the critical link between a signed franchisee and a thriving location. This isn't a traditional project manager role - you're building and managing a programme to deploy locations simultaneously.
YOUR FOCUS AREAS:
Site Sourcing & Property (60% of time - Initial Priority)
This is currently our biggest bottleneck. Franchisees are languishing for 3-6 months trying to find sites. You'll:
* Guide franchisees through property search and site selection
* Build and leverage commercial property agent networks across Australia
* Review and assess potential sites (desktop analysis + strategic site visits)
* Provide commercial negotiation guidance (lease terms, fit-out contributions, rental rates)
* Conduct DA/CDC feasibility assessments
* Create site selection tools, criteria, and market opportunity mapping
Build Programme Management (30% of time)
Ensure quality and brand consistency as locations are built:
* Maintain and evolve our fit-out guide (working with architects)
* Manage vendor panels (builders, equipment suppliers, signage, technology)
* Conduct quality checkpoints during construction (not day-to-day PM - builders do that)
* Negotiate volume discounts and framework agreements
* Guide franchisees on builder selection and construction best practices
* Complete quality audits at key milestones
Systems & Continuous Improvement (10% of time)
Build the scalable infrastructure:
* Document processes, tools, and learnings
* Support international expansion (UK and future markets)
* Drive cost optimization (target: $10k-$20k savings per location)
* Share best practices across the franchise network
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WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
First 6 Months:
* Unstick 5-10 franchisees currently languishing in site search
* Reduce average time to site secured from 3-6 months to 6-8 weeks
* Support 8-10 location openings maintaining quality standards
* Build property agent network covering major metro markets
First 12 Months:
* Average timeline from franchisee signing to opening: 3-4 months (down from 5-8)
* Support 15-20 location openings
* Achieve average build cost $10k-$20k under initial budgets
* Quality audit pass rate >90%
* Zero franchisees stuck in site search >12 weeks
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YOU'RE PERFECT FOR THIS IF YOU HAVE:
Essential:
* 3-5 years in commercial property (retail leasing, site selection, development, or commercial real estate)
* Understanding of construction and fit-out processes (you don't need to be a hands-on PM, but you understand how builds work)
* Programme management experience - managing multiple projects simultaneously, spotting bottlenecks, keeping pipelines moving
* Strong commercial negotiation skills (you've negotiated leases or supplier contracts)
* Ability to build and leverage networks (property agents, suppliers, contractors)
Ideal Background (One or More):
* Opened multiple retail/hospitality locations for a chain
* Worked in franchise development for another brand
* Commercial property development or shopping centre leasing
* Retail rollout/expansion manager for multi-site business
* Worked for property developer coordinating tenant fit-outs
Your Strengths:
* You can assess a property opportunity quickly and confidently
* You're comfortable with commercial negotiations and reading lease agreements
* You think in systems and processes (how do we make this repeatable?)
* You're a natural problem-solver who stays calm under pressure
* You build genuine relationships with franchisees, landlords, and suppliers
* You balance quality standards with commercial realities
* You can juggle 15-20 locations at different stages without dropping balls
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WHAT YOU DON'T NEED:
Deep hands-on construction PM experience (builders manage day-to-day, you provide oversight) Architect or design skills (our architect partner handles this) Technology/IT expertise (our tech team handles this) Marketing or launch expertise (our marketing team handles this)
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WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS ROLE
Impact:
* You're directly enabling the growth of the business (we can't scale without you)
* Every location you help open creates a successful business for a franchisee
* You'll see the tangible results of your work (empty spaces becoming thriving studios)
Variety:
* No two days the same - site visits, landlord negotiations, quality audits, franchisee coaching
* Strategic work (building systems) AND tactical execution (solving real problems)
* Different markets, different sites, different challenges
* Balance of office work, site visits, and stakeholder engagement
Growth:
* Ground floor of scaling to 100+ locations (and international)
* Build a programme from scratch (you'll create the systems we scale)
* Potential to build a team under you as we grow
* Transferable skills for franchise/retail expansion anywhere
Team:
* Small, agile support office (you'll know everyone)
* Work directly with CEO, Head of Growth, architects, franchisees
* Collaborative culture (we solve problems together, no siloes)
* Access to experienced franchise operators (board-level mentorship available)
Work-Life:
* Hybrid arrangement (3 days office, 2 days flexible/site visits)
* Autonomy in how you manage your time and priorities
* Travel to site visits (Sydney/regional) but not constant