Explore a strategic career at the intersection of data, geography, and business growth with Senior Location Planner jobs. This senior-level profession is pivotal for retail, hospitality, banking, and any consumer-facing business with a physical footprint. Senior Location Planners are the analytical masterminds behind network strategy, determining where a company should open new sites, optimize existing ones, or potentially close underperforming locations to maximize market penetration and profitability. In this role, professionals typically lead the strategic thinking for a company's entire portfolio of physical locations. They synthesize complex datasets to model future performance and provide actionable insights that shape long-term corporate strategy. A core responsibility involves conducting sophisticated trade area analyses, evaluating demographic and psychographic profiles, assessing competitor landscapes, and forecasting sales potential for proposed new sites. For existing locations, they analyze performance drivers, identify cannibalization risks, and recommend strategies for network optimization. Their work directly informs high-stakes investment decisions, making their forecasts and presentations critical to senior leadership and property teams. The toolkit of a Senior Location Planner is heavily reliant on advanced technology. Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) like ESRI's ArcGIS is fundamental for spatial analysis and mapping. They commonly use data manipulation platforms such as Alteryx, statistical software, and cloud databases to manage and analyze large datasets, including customer transaction data, mobile location data, and market intelligence. Mastery of data visualization and presentation tools is essential to translate complex findings into clear, compelling narratives for stakeholders. Typical requirements for these senior roles extend beyond technical prowess. Candidates generally need several years of proven experience in an analytical, commercial planning, or real estate analytics role. A degree in geography, economics, statistics, business, or a related field is common. The role demands exceptional commercial acumen—the ability to see the story behind the data and understand its business implications. Strong influencing and communication skills are non-negotiable, as is the ability to manage multiple projects, mentor junior analysts, and collaborate across functions like property, finance, and operations. For those who thrive on using data to answer the crucial question of "where," Senior Location Planner jobs offer a unique and impactful career path at the heart of business strategy.
