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Retail Development Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Path Construction

Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

... hospitality, retail, self-storage, senior living, transportation, water and waste treatment ... Duties for Development Manager include : * Leading Development planning and strategy * Locating and ...

Path Construction

Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

... hospitality, retail, self-storage, senior living, transportation, water and waste treatment ... Duties for Development Manager include : * Leading Development planning and strategy * Locating and ...

Path Construction

Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

... hospitality, retail, self-storage, senior living, transportation, water and waste treatment ... Duties for Development Manager include : * Leading Development planning and strategy * Locating and ...

Campbell Soup Company

Market Development Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

The Market Development Lead (MDL) drives market growth and execution by partnering with Independent ... Build trust with store management and retail partners, support new item launches, planogram ...

Campbell's

Market Development Lead

Chicago, IL

$67K - $92K/yr

The Market Development Lead (MDL) drives market growth and execution by partnering with Independent ... Build trust with store management and retail partners, support new item launches, planogram ...

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All JobsRetail Development Manager JobsRetail Development Manager Jobs in Illinois

Retail Development Manager information

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$20

$34

$71

How much do retail development manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for retail development manager in Illinois is $34.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $41.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Retail Development Manager?

A Retail Development Manager is a professional responsible for driving the growth and expansion of a retail business. They identify new market opportunities, develop strategies to increase sales, and work on improving the overall performance of retail stores. Their role often includes building relationships with vendors, overseeing the rollout of new store locations, and ensuring that retail standards are met. They collaborate closely with marketing, merchandising, and operations teams to achieve business objectives. Ultimately, their goal is to maximize profitability and ensure a strong retail presence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Retail Development Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Retail Development Manager, you need expertise in sales strategy, market analysis, and retail operations, often supported by a degree in business or marketing. Familiarity with CRM software, data analytics tools, and retail management systems is commonly required. Outstanding interpersonal, negotiation, and leadership skills help build strong partnerships and drive store performance. These capabilities are essential for identifying growth opportunities, executing retail expansions, and achieving revenue targets in a competitive market.

Is BDM higher than sales manager?

A Retail Development Manager (RDM) and a Sales Manager are distinct roles; typically, a Retail Development Manager focuses on expanding retail presence and strategic growth, while a Sales Manager oversees sales teams and revenue targets. The hierarchy depends on the company's structure, but in many organizations, a Retail Development Manager may hold a higher or more strategic position than a Sales Manager. Both roles require strong leadership, industry knowledge, and sales skills, but their responsibilities differ.

What is the role of a retail development manager?

A retail development manager is responsible for expanding and improving retail store networks, identifying new locations, negotiating leases, and overseeing store openings. They analyze market trends, coordinate with real estate teams, and ensure that retail growth aligns with company goals, often requiring strong project management and negotiation skills.

How does a Retail Development Manager typically collaborate with store teams and external partners?

A Retail Development Manager works closely with store managers and sales teams to implement retail strategies, optimize store layouts, and boost sales performance. They also liaise with external partners such as vendors, marketing agencies, and merchandising consultants to coordinate product launches, promotions, and in-store events. Regular communication and relationship-building are key aspects, as the role often requires aligning various stakeholders toward common business objectives while ensuring brand consistency across locations.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Retail Development Manager can potentially earn $10,000 or more per month through commissions, bonuses, and performance incentives, especially in large retail chains or franchise development. Success in this role depends on strong sales skills, industry experience, and networking, and it typically does not require a formal degree but does require relevant experience and leadership abilities.

What is the highest paying job in retail?

The highest paying roles in retail often include senior executive positions such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Chief Operating Officer (COO), with salaries reaching into the high six or seven figures. Other high-paying retail jobs include regional or district managers, especially in large corporations, and roles requiring extensive experience, strategic skills, and leadership capabilities.

What is the difference between Retail Development Manager vs Retail Store Manager?

AspectRetail Development ManagerRetail Store Manager
Primary FocusBusiness growth, expansion, and new store developmentDaily store operations and staff management
Required SkillsStrategic planning, market analysis, project managementCustomer service, team leadership, sales management
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices, site visits, planning meetingsRetail store floor, staff supervision
Common EmployerRetail chains, real estate developersIndividual retail stores, franchise locations

The Retail Development Manager primarily focuses on expanding the company's retail footprint through strategic planning and new store openings, while the Retail Store Manager handles daily store operations and staff management. Both roles require strong leadership skills, but their core responsibilities differ significantly in scope and focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Retail Development jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Retail Development jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Retail Development Manager jobs in Illinois? For Retail Development Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Retail Development Manager jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Retail Development Manager jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Retail Development Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Retail Development Manager job openings:
Retail Development Manager jobs near you
Director of Merchandising and Retail Development

Director of Merchandising and Retail Development

Horizon Hobby

Champaign, IL • On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

At Horizon Hobby, we inspire dreams and help build memories! Our company is the leader in the global Radio Control industry, celebrating 40 years in 2025! We offer tremendous opportunities for growth and development and a full array of benefits including discounts on our products! We are currently hiring for a Director of Merchandising and Retail Development!
This is a full-time, on-site position at our Champaign, IL location. Working hours are Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.
Typical pay for this position is $120,000-$130,000 annually. The final offer for this position will be based on the unique experience and qualifications of the candidate selected. This position may also be eligible for a leadership bonus not included in the base pay range.
We are seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial Director of Merchandising & Retail Development to lead the strategy, execution, and evolution of our consumer merchandising and retail initiatives. This role sits at the intersection of product presentation, retail experience, and go-to-market execution for premium radio control (RC) hobby products-including aircraft, cars, trucks, boats, transmitters, and accessories.
This leader will own merchandising strategy across packaging, in-store presentation, and channel programs, while also spearheading the development of our first owned-and-operated retail store pilot. The role will partner closely with Brand Management and Sales Channel leaders to build and lead a newly created Retail Operations & Development function.
Key Responsibilities
Merchandising Strategy & Execution
  • Lead end-to-end merchandising strategy for RC product categories, ensuring best-in-class presentation across all consumer touchpoints
  • Oversee product presentation, including packaging design, box art, and visual storytelling that reflects premium brand positioning
  • Develop and implement in-store merchandising standards, fixtures, and planograms for retail partners
  • Create and manage B2B merchandising programs to support wholesale and specialty retail channels

Retail Development & Store Operations
  • Lead the planning, design, and execution of a brick-and-mortar retail pilot location, from concept to grand opening
  • Own the full lifecycle of store development: site scoping, layout design, vendor coordination, buildout, merchandising setup, and launch
  • Establish operational standards, processes, and KPIs for retail performance
  • Build and scale the Retail Operations & Development function, laying the foundation for future expansion

Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Partner with Brand Managers to align product positioning, launches, and storytelling
  • Collaborate with Sales Channel Leaders to ensure merchandising strategies drive conversion and channel growth
  • Work with product development, marketing, and supply chain teams to deliver cohesive end-to-end consumer experience

Team Building & Leadership
  • Recruit, lead, and develop a high-performing merchandising and retail team
  • Introduce best practices, tools, and frameworks for merchandising excellence and retail execution

Qualifications
  • 5+ years of progressive experience in merchandising, retail development, or related roles
  • Proven experience across full-spectrum retail store development (concept through grand opening)
  • Strong background in product merchandising, packaging, and in-store presentation
  • Experience working with consumer product goods (CPG), preferably in enthusiast, hobby, or specialty retail categories
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally with product, brand, and sales teams
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build new programs and functions from the ground up
  • Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in hobby, electronics, specialty retail, or enthusiast-driven product categories
  • Understanding of B2B merchandising programs and dealer networks
  • Familiarity with retail design, fixtures, and customer experience strategy

What Success Looks Like
  • Elevated product presentation and packaging across all channels
  • Consistent, high-impact in-store merchandising execution with retail partners
  • Successful launch of a flagship owned retail store pilot
  • A scalable retail and merchandising framework that drives revenue growth and brand equity

Physical Requirements
  • Occasional lifting of office supplies and materials, up to 20 pounds.
  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working on a computer.
  • Occasional travel may be required domestically.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Benefits & Other Perks
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • HSA and FSA options
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance and Supplemental Life Insurance
  • 401(k) with a company match
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Internal Rewards
  • Discounts on Products
  • Additional Coverage such as accident, critical, hospital and pet insurance

Horizon Hobby is a progressive, innovative company and, as such, is constantly reevaluating and reinventing the processes and procedures associated with each job. The essential duties and responsibilities of this position may change at any time. In addition, employees may be asked to work on special projects or to assist with other work necessary or important to the operation of Horizon. Your cooperation and assistance in performing such additional work is expected and appreciated.
Horizon Hobby, LLC is an equal opportunity and E-Verify employer
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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