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Retail Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Dir, Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $170K/yr

With a team of 1,200+ employees and a legacy of leadership in retail real estate, we're shaping the ... Position Summary The Director, Development leads the planning and execution of retail development ...

With a team of 1,200+ employees and a legacy of leadership in retail real estate, we're shaping the ... Position Summary The Director, Development leads the planning and execution of retail development ...

Dir, Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $170K/yr

With a team of 1,200+ employees and a legacy of leadership in retail real estate, we're shaping the ... Position Summary The Director, Development leads the planning and execution of retail development ...

Dir, Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $170K/yr

With a team of 1,200+ employees and a legacy of leadership in retail real estate, we're shaping the ... Position Summary The Director, Development leads the planning and execution of retail development ...

Retail Development * Drive priority execution across the portfolio to deliver weekly, period, and quarterly sales plans and grow market share. * Identifymarket opportunities, share insights with IDPs ...

Retail Development * Drive priority execution across the portfolio to deliver weekly, period, and quarterly sales plans and grow market share. * Identify market opportunities, share insights with ...

Market Development Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

Retail Development * Drive priority execution across the portfolio to deliver weekly, period, and quarterly sales plans and grow market share. * Identify market opportunities, share insights with ...

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Retail Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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How much do retail development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for retail development in Chicago, IL is $36.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.76 and $44.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Retail Development vs Retail Buying?

AspectRetail DevelopmentRetail Buying
Primary FocusIdentifying new store locations, market expansion, and strategic growthSelecting and purchasing products to stock in stores
Required SkillsMarket analysis, project management, real estate knowledgeVendor negotiation, inventory management, trend analysis
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices, site visits, market researchRetail stores, supplier meetings, buying offices
Common EmployersRetail chains, real estate firms, development agenciesRetail chains, department stores, specialty retailers

Retail Development and Retail Buying are distinct roles within the retail industry. Retail Development focuses on expanding store locations and market presence, while Retail Buying centers on selecting products to meet customer demand. Both roles require industry knowledge but differ in daily tasks and objectives.

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

To thrive in Retail Development, you need a solid understanding of market analysis, site selection, and retail operations, often supported by a degree in business, marketing, or real estate. Familiarity with CRM software, geographic information systems (GIS), and financial modeling tools is typically required. Excellent negotiation, relationship-building, and project management skills set top performers apart in this field. These skills ensure successful identification and execution of new retail opportunities, driving business growth and competitive advantage.

How does a Retail Development professional typically collaborate with store managers and merchandising teams to implement new initiatives?

Retail Development professionals play a key role in bridging the gap between corporate strategy and in-store execution. They regularly collaborate with store managers to understand operational challenges and gather feedback on new concepts or layouts. Working closely with merchandising teams, they help design and roll out product displays, promotional campaigns, or store redesigns to enhance customer experience and drive sales. Effective communication and project management skills are essential, as these professionals often coordinate timelines, training, and resources across multiple stakeholders.

What is Retail Development?

Retail development involves planning, creating, and managing retail spaces or strategies to maximize sales and customer engagement. Professionals in this field work on everything from identifying locations and negotiating leases to designing store layouts and optimizing product placement. The goal is to ensure retail environments meet consumer needs and business objectives, often collaborating with marketing, merchandising, and operations teams. Retail developers may work for brands, landlords, or property developers, and are key to expanding a company's physical presence.
What are the most commonly searched types of Retail Development jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Retail Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Retail Development job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,496 per year, or $36.8 per hour.
Dir, Development

$125K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Brookfield Properties rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

105th of 160 rated real estate companies


Job description

Location
GGP Chicago - 350 N Orleans Street, Suite 300
Business
Headquartered in Chicago, IL, GGP is a leading retail real estate company with a portfolio of 95+ high-performing retail assets, encompassing over 95 million square feet of space across the United States. As an owner-operator, we're committed to creating vibrant destinations that bring people and brands together. With a team of 1,200+ employees and a legacy of leadership in retail real estate, we're shaping the future of the industry by delivering exceptional value to our partners and the communities we serve
If you're ready to be a part of our team, we encourage you to apply.
Job Description
Position Summary
The Director, Development leads the planning and execution of retail development and redevelopment projects across GGP's portfolio, with full accountability for financial performance, budgets, and pro formas. This role directs cross-functional project teams - including internal stakeholders and external consultants - and manages governmental approvals and executive reporting. Working closely with leadership, the Director ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with GGP's strategic and financial objectives.
Responsibilities
  • Identify and evaluate opportunities for new development, redevelopment, and property enhancement; define scope, objectives, and project strategy in partnership with senior leadership.
  • Coordinate and direct internal and external project resources to ensure integrated, efficient project execution across all workstreams.
  • Develop and manage project budgets and pro formas; prepare and present financial analyses and approval packages to senior leadership.
  • Obtain governmental approvals and manage relationships with municipal entities, regulatory bodies, and public stakeholders throughout the entitlement process.
  • Partner with leadership on anchor tenant negotiations and approvals.
  • Deliver monthly executive reporting on project status, financial performance, and key milestones across all assigned development projects.
  • Participate in special projects or other duties as requested by senior leadership.

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Business, Finance, Urban Planning, Architecture, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in real estate development, redevelopment, or construction management, with demonstrated experience managing projects from concept through delivery.
  • Strong working knowledge of retail real estate disciplines, including leasing, construction, design, operations, financial analysis, and project budget management.
  • Proven ability to manage complexity and competing priorities across large, concurrent development projects.
  • Experience working with governmental entities on entitlements, zoning, permits, and approval
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to executive and senior leadership audiences.

Preferred Qualifications
  • MBA or Master's degree.
  • Supervisory or team leadership experience, including managing direct reports and directing cross-functional project teams.

Compensation
Salary type: Exempt
Pay Frequency: Bi-weekly
Annual Base Salary Range: $125,000 - $170,000
Annual Bonus: 25%
Benefit Information
  • Competitive compensation
  • Medical, Dental and Vision beginning day 1
  • 401(k) Company matching
  • 401(k) Vests on Day 1
  • Career development programs
  • Charitable donation matching
  • Generous paid time off (i.e., vacation, personal holidays, paid sick time)
  • Paid Volunteer Hours
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Family planning assistance including IVF, surrogacy, and adoption options
  • Wellness and mental health resources
  • Pet insurance offering
  • Childcare Assistance
  • Commuter benefits
  • A culture on our values of Act with Integrity, Build Mutual Trust, Take Initiative and Win Together.

We are proud to create a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are grateful for your interest in this position, however, only candidates selected for pre-screening will be contacted.
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