Leasing Manager - Retail Growth & Market Development

Citizens Financial Group • Johnston, RI

13d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Leasing Manager will help expand and optimize Citizens’ retail real estate portfolio, which spans more than 1,000 locations across 15 states and Washington, D.C. The role leads market analysis, site selection, lease negotiations, and cross-functional collaboration from initial market strategy through handoff for construction and opening. It supports new branch openings, relocations, and network optimization, with work influencing market expansion, customer accessibility, and long-term business growth. The position serves as the primary real estate partner for assigned markets and requires approximately 25% travel to visit markets, evaluate sites, and build relationships with local partners.

The role is based in the Westwood, Massachusetts, or Johnston, Rhode Island, office. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with four days in the office and one remote day per week. The salary range is $116,000 to $146,000 per year, plus an opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus. Actual pay depends on factors including budget, work location, and relevant skills and experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience supporting multi-site retail growth, market expansion, or commercial real estate initiatives.
• Strong understanding of trade area analysis, site selection criteria, occupancy costs, and key retail performance drivers.
• Ability to use data to influence decisions across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Proven success managing multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong financial and analytical skills, including the ability to evaluate opportunities and business cases.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building capabilities.
• Advanced proficiency with Excel and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with real estate technology platforms such as Lucernex, Accruent, iOffice, or similar tools.
• Master’s degree.
• Corporate real estate designation such as MCR or QPCR.
• Experience supporting growth in retail, restaurant, hospitality, convenience, or service-based brands, including store development, real estate and market planning, site selection, leasing and negotiations, retail expansion strategy, new store opening programs, franchise development, or market optimization and portfolio management.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate new market opportunities using trade area analysis, demographic research, competitive intelligence, and consumer insights.
• Lead site selection for new branch openings, relocations, and network optimization initiatives.
• Partner with brokers, architects, and consultants to perform due diligence and assess location viability.
• Develop and present business cases that explain financial impacts, strategic benefits, and market opportunities.
• Negotiate lease terms and business points with legal, brokerage, and real estate partners.
• Collaborate with design, construction, operations, and business stakeholders to transition projects from site acquisition through execution.
• Serve as the primary real estate partner for assigned markets, providing ongoing updates and strategic recommendations.
• Travel approximately 25% to visit markets, evaluate sites, and develop relationships with local partners.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement benefits.
• Maternity and paternity leave.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Education reimbursement.
• Wellness programs.
• Paid time off policy that exceeds mandatory paid sick or paid time-away policies in every local and state jurisdiction in the United States.
• Opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager