New Store Opening IT Lead

The Company

Our client was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in San Francisco. They describe themself as a “Retail Maximization Company,” focused on helping retailers, brands, and CPG companies improve digital revenue, customer experience, operational efficiency, and technology modernization. Their core positioning is highly retail-specialized rather than being a general-purpose IT services company.

They emphasize deep expertise in: retail commerce, omnichannel systems, supply chain technology, AI and data platforms, experience design, cloud modernization, digital engineering, performance engineering, eCommerce migration, and upgrades.

The Role

Responsible for end-to-end IT readiness and technology deployment for new retail store openings across China. Ensure all IT infrastructure, systems, and devices are installed, tested, and operational before store launch while coordinating with business teams, IT teams, vendors, and technology partners.

Key Responsibilities

Store Opening Planning & Coordination

• Manage IT activities for store openings, relocations, remodels, and closures.
• Develop IT readiness plans, milestones, risk logs, and go-live checklists.
• Coordinate with Retail Operations, Construction, Facilities, Security, Finance, IT teams, and vendors.
• Conduct site readiness reviews and track project timelines.

Network & Infrastructure

• Coordinate internet/WAN circuits and backup connectivity.
• Support deployment of routers, switches, firewalls, and Wi-Fi equipment.
• Ensure structured cabling, network racks, UPS, and IT room readiness.
• Validate network performance, coverage, and redundancy.

Retail Technology Deployment

• Deploy and test POS systems, payment terminals, workstations, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices.
• Coordinate setup of printers, scanners, digital signage, handheld devices, and store communication tools.
• Ensure all assets are configured, inventoried, secured, and connected to corporate systems.

POS & Application Readiness

• Coordinate POS deployment and transaction testing.
• Validate integrations with payment, inventory, ERP, CRM/Loyalty, and eCommerce systems.
• Support UAT, device provisioning, user access, and store configuration.
• Ensure critical issues are resolved before go-live.

China IT Coordination

• Coordinate with local telecom, hardware, network, and technology vendors.
• Ensure compliance with company standards and China-specific requirements.
• Support communication between China-based teams and global IT stakeholders.

Store Opening & Hypercare

• Lead IT go-live readiness reviews.
• Provide onsite support during store launches when required.
• Manage issue escalation, hypercare support, and BAU transition.
• Conduct post-opening reviews and capture lessons learned.

Vendor Management

• Manage telecom, cabling, hardware, POS, payment, and field-service vendors.
• Track deliverables, escalate delays, and validate installation quality.
• Maintain vendor contacts and escalation matrices.

Governance & Reporting

• Maintain store-opening trackers, readiness status, risks, and action items.
• Provide regular status updates and RAG reporting.
• Maintain deployment documentation, asset inventories, and handover records.

Required Experience & Skills

• 8+ years of experience in Retail IT, Infrastructure, or Store Technology.
• 3+ years supporting retail store openings or technology rollouts.
• Strong knowledge of POS, payment systems, store networking, Wi-Fi, and end-user devices.
• Experience with network circuits, structured cabling, routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless infrastructure.
• Strong project coordination and vendor management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple store openings and priorities.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and escalation management skills.
• Experience working with global/regional IT teams.
• Willingness to travel frequently within China.
• Mandarin Chinese: Fluent/Native preferred.
• English: Strong written and verbal communication skills.