Job: US Director of Real Estate & Leasing (Fashion retailer)

Company Description

Our client is a fast-growing international fashion retail group with a strong presence in the U.S. market. With around 100 stores currently operating and an additional 100 openings planned over the next five years, the company is executing an ambitious national expansion strategy. Their U.S. footprint consists mostly of stores in leading shopping malls, with select high-street locations in New York City and Chicago. Stores are typically compact, averaging 1,000 square feet, and designed to deliver an efficient, brand-forward retail experience.

Objective of the Role

The US Director of Real Estate & Leasing will be responsible for accelerating the company’s retail growth by identifying, negotiating, and securing prime mall-based retail locations across key U.S. markets. This role requires a hands-on real estate leader with deep experience in retail leasing — not brokerage or purchasing — and a proven background working directly for retail brands. The ideal candidate will be highly familiar with mall negotiations and lease execution, and able to partner directly with developers and landlords to deliver high-quality, high-traffic sites.

Ideal Profile

• A seasoned real estate leader with significant experience working in-house for a retail brand.
• Demonstrated track record of negotiating and signing retail leases, specifically in mall environments.
• Strong relationships and experience working with major mall operators (e.g., Westfield, Brookfield, Simon).
• Comfortable with both strategic planning and on-the-ground site evaluations, including fieldwork like foot traffic assessments.
• Not from a real estate brokerage or property acquisition background — this role requires direct leasing experience within a retail brand environment, not buy-side or agency experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the leasing strategy for store expansion, focusing on high-traffic mall locations across NY, NJ, FL, TX, and CA.
• Identify, evaluate, and secure new sites in alignment with brand growth targets.
• Handle end-to-end lease negotiations, including new locations, renewals, relocations, and rent negotiations.
• Build and maintain direct relationships with landlords, mall operators, developers, and legal counterparts.
• Partner with internal departments — design, construction, and sales — to ensure each opening is timely and aligned with brand standards.
• Conduct market research and location analysis, including personal site visits to assess visibility, access, and customer flow.
• Manage and mentor a small real estate team to support national growth goals.
• Stay ahead of market trends, competitor moves, and commercial real estate shifts relevant to the retail landscape.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in retail leasing from the brand side — not brokerage or acquisition.
• Deep understanding of mall lease structures and landlord expectations.
• Direct experience negotiating lease terms and signing contracts on behalf of a retail brand.
• Strong knowledge of the U.S. mall ecosystem, especially across key markets.
• Highly organized, field-oriented, and willing to travel frequently (up to 50%) for site selection and landlord meetings.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; knowledge of lease tracking and project management tools is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business, or a related field preferred; MBA a plus.